The Big Cheese (Jory John)

Title: Big Cheese

Author: Jory John 

Illustrator: Pete Oswald 

Target Ages: 6 and up

Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Summary: Big Cheese is used to being the best at everything in the village of Curdly. Whether it’s chess, high dives, or endurance, he always comes out on top—and he makes sure everyone knows it. But when a quiet, humble newcomer named Wedge wins the annual Cheese-Athlon, Big Cheese's world is turned upside down. This story follows his journey from being a boastful winner to discovering that the "greatest" thing you can be is someone who knows how to have fun and be a friend.

First Lines: “I’m the big cheese. I’m the biggest. I’m the cheesiest. I’m the… well, you get the idea.”

Memorable Moment: “I’d become so focused on winning that I was missing out on the joy of participating.”

Evaluation: Jory John masterfully tackles the topic of competitive ego in a way that is both hilarious and deeply relatable for students. The story highlights a protagonist whose entire identity is wrapped up in his "presence," "vibe," and the "energy" he emanates. This provides a perfect entry point for discussing self-worth and how it is often mistakenly tied to external achievements.

The character of Wedge is a brilliant addition, serving as a perfect literary foil to Big Cheese. While Big Cheese is loud, bold, and dominates every conversation, Wedge is quiet, shy, and keeps to himself. The author uses this stark contrast to emphasize Big Cheese’s imbalance; Wedge’s calm humility acts as a mirror that reflects Big Cheese’s exhausting need for constant validation. The turning point is "absolutely baffling" to Big Cheese, not just because he loses, but because he sees that Wedge doesn't need the spotlight to be "great."

Pete Oswald’s illustrations capture this dynamic perfectly, showing Big Cheese’s "disconcerting" journey through every emotion from "ARRGH!" to "WAHHH!" until he is finally exhausted. The shift from being a "sharp" competitor to a "mild" friend is a lesson in sportsmanship that every classroom needs.

Now, Prove It! — Theme with Evidence

Students analyze key ideas, gather supporting quotes, and use structured sentence starters to explain how the evidence proves a theme. This resource helps readers practice moving from what happens in the story to what it means. Get your copy of Now, Prove It: Big Cheese.

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Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Creative Writing: Wedge’s Perspective. Since the book is narrated by Big Cheese, have students write a "lost chapter" from Wedge's point of view. How did he feel during the race? What did he think of Big Cheese’s loud personality?

• Figurative Language: Identify and discuss the puns and other figurative language in the story.  

• History & Culture: The Origins of "The Big Cheese." Have students research the origin of the idiom "The Big Cheese" (it is often attributed to the Urdu word chiz, meaning "a thing"). Use this book to discuss other idioms.

• Literary Devices: The Power of the Foil. Discuss the definition of a "foil" (a character who contrasts with another character to highlight particular qualities). Have students create a T-chart comparing Big Cheese's traits (Loud, Bold, Boastful) to Wedge's traits (Quiet, Shy, Humble) to see how the contrast makes Big Cheese's imbalance more obvious.

• Physical Education: The Curdly Cheese-Athlon. Organize a "Cheese-Athlon" with non-traditional cheesy events. Focus the scoring on "Sportsmanship Points" rather than just who finished first to reinforce the book's theme.

• Science Connection: The Science of Cheese. Move outside the "Food Group" themes by exploring how cheese is actually made. Discuss the differences between "sharp" and "mild" cheeses and how the author uses these culinary terms to describe the characters' personalities.

• Social-Emotional Learning: Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset. Big Cheese starts with a fixed mindset where his worth is tied only to winning. Discuss how his shift to enjoying the "joy of participating" represents a growth mindset. How does his attitude toward Wedge change once he stops seeing him only as a rival?

• Symbolism: This book is ideal to use when teaching symbolism for all ages.  Grab my Teaching Symbolism with Picture Book Activity.

• Theme: Teach theme with this picture book: The Big Cheese.

The Humble Pie (Jory John)

Title: The Humble Pie

Author: Jory John 

Illustrator: Pete Oswald 

Target Ages: 6 and up

Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Summary: Humble Pie is the ultimate people-pleaser. He never brags, never gloats, and gladly lifts others up so they can shine—especially his outgoing best friend, Jake. But when his refusal to take credit or speak up leads to a mountain of work and a massive amount of stress, Humble Pie reaches his breaking point. This story follows his journey from being a "doormat" to discovering that you can be modest while still having the courage to stand up for yourself.

First Lines: “I’m a humble pie. A very humble pie. I don’t brag. I won’t gloat. I never take credit.”

Memorable Moment: “I didn’t exactly love the idea of confronting my best friend, but it had to be done. And for once, I wasn’t going to sugarcoat it.”

Evaluation: While many children's books focus on the importance of being humble, Jory John takes a sophisticated look at the "dark side" of extreme modesty. The story explores the delicate boundary between being a kind friend and losing one's own voice. It addresses a specific type of social-emotional struggle: the "people-pleaser" who becomes overwhelmed because they are afraid to say "no" or "that was my idea."

The character of Jake serves as a perfect foil. He isn't a "villain," but his natural confidence and tendency to take the spotlight create a vacuum that Humble Pie's silence fills. This dynamic brilliantly illustrates how even good friendships can become unbalanced if one person stops advocating for themselves.

John uses this workload to show that "too much humility" isn't just a personality trait—it's a recipe for burnout. The resolution is satisfying because Humble Pie doesn't change who he is; he simply adds a layer of "icing" to his character in the form of healthy boundaries.

Pete Oswald’s illustrations capture the shift in the narrator’s "crust" beautifully. The visual contrast between Humble Pie’s shrinking posture and Jake’s "room-lighting" energy helps young readers identify the power imbalance before the narrator even speaks it. The puns remain a highlight, keeping the tone light even as the book tackles the heavy topic of mental and emotional load.

I highly recommend The Humble Pie for any classroom focusing on self-advocacy and boundaries. It is a must-have for teaching students that their hard work deserves to be seen and that speaking up for yourself is a form of kindness, too.

Now, Prove It! — Theme with Evidence 

Students analyze key ideas, gather supporting quotes, and use structured sentence starters to explain how the evidence proves a theme. This resource helps readers practice moving from what happens in the story to what it means. Get your copy of Now, Prove It: The Humble Pie.

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Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Character Education: The "Doormat" vs. The "Pillar." Discuss the difference between being helpful (lifting others up) and being a "doormat" (letting others walk over you). What are the signs that you might be doing too much for others and not enough for yourself?
• Comparison: The Big Cheese vs. The Humble Pie. These two books are perfect opposites. One character has too much ego, while the other has too little. How do both characters eventually find a "middle ground"?
• Creative Writing: The Balanced Recipe. Have students write a "recipe" for a healthy personality. How many cups of humility do you need? How many tablespoons of "Speaking Up" or "Confidence"?
• Figurative Language: This book is a goldmine for baking-related idioms and puns. Explore phrases like "sugarcoating it," "icing on the cake," "piece of cake," and "half-baked idea." Have students draw the literal meaning vs. the figurative meaning.
• Role-Play: "The Tough Conversation." Humble Pie mentions that he "didn't love the idea of confronting his best friend." Have students practice role-playing a "tough conversation" where they ask for help or take credit for their work in a way that is firm but kind.
• Social Skills:  Discuss what it looks like to "share the spotlight." How can we be like the reformed Jake and make sure we are giving our friends credit for their contributions?
• Symbolism: This book is ideal to use when teaching symbolism for all ages.  Grab my Teaching Symbolism with Picture Book Activity.
• Theme: Teach theme with this picture book: The Humble Pie.
• Writing: Have students write a short paragraph describing a day in the life of Humble Pie one month after the story ends. How does he handle his chores and his friendship with Jake now that he has found his voice?

The Couch Potato (by Jory John)

Title: The Couch Potato 

Author: Jory John 

Illustrator: Pete Oswald Target Ages: 4 and up 

Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Summary: The Couch Potato has everything he needs within arm’s reach. With a myriad of screens, gadgets, and snacks, he never has to leave his seat. However, when a sudden power outage forces him outside, he discovers that life is much more vibrant when you aren't plugged in.

First Lines: “I am a potato. Not a fingerling potato. Not a Russet potato. Not a Yukon Gold potato. I am a couch potato.”

Memorable Moment: “I noticed the stillness. I noticed the birds. I noticed the clouds. I even noticed... myself.”

Evaluation: We often use the term “couch potato” to describe someone who is lazy or sedentary. In this brilliantly relatable story, Jory John takes this literal root vegetable and uses him to explore our modern obsession with technology, the loss of connection to nature, and the importance of balance.

The Couch Potato is a standout addition to the "Food Group" series. Much like The Bad Seed and The Good Egg, John takes a common idiom and gives it a soul. Initially, the Couch Potato is the king of comfort. He has a wall of screens and "plugs for my plugs." His life is defined by ease and entertainment, but he is completely disconnected from the world beyond his living room.

Little does the Couch Potato realize, but his "perfect" setup is actually limiting his growth. It takes a literal blackout to force him out of his comfort zone. When the power goes out and his screens go dark, he is forced to step outside. This transition is something many of us—children and adults alike—can relate to. We often don't realize how much the digital world consumes us until we are forced to put the devices down.

Once outside, the Couch Potato’s perspective shifts. He doesn't just see the world; he experiences it. He breathes the fresh air, notices the colors of the sunset, and plays in the grass. The text highlights this internal change: “I felt... relaxed. I felt... happy. I felt... like a new potato.” The story provides a concrete and humorous example of how unplugging can lead to a more "well-rounded" life.

When the power eventually comes back on, the Couch Potato doesn't go back to his old ways. He finds a middle ground. He still enjoys his shows, but he also makes time for his friends and the great outdoors. This story is a perfect springboard for discussing balance, the benefits of nature, and mindful living.

Illustrator Pete Oswald once again works magic with his watercolor style. From the glow of the television screens to the lush greens of the park, the art perfectly mirrors the Potato's emotional journey from high-tech isolation to natural connection.

This story is incredibly timely. While it’s marketed as a picture book, its message about the "digital trap" is something that will resonate deeply with older students and parents. I highly recommend The Couch Potato.

Now, Prove It! — Theme with Evidence
Students analyze key ideas, gather supporting quotes, and use structured sentence starters to explain how the evidence proves a theme. This resource helps readers practice moving from what happens in the story to what it means.  Get your copy of Now, Prove It: The Couch Potato.

Other Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Art: Use a potato shape template and have students draw their "Best Self" potato—what do they look like when they are outside and active?
• Character Education: Discuss the concept of "Balance." Have students create a daily schedule that balances screen time with "green time" (outdoor time).
• Comparison: Compare the Couch Potato’s living room at the beginning of the book to the park scene in the middle. How do the colors and the character’s expressions change?
• Creative Writing: Teach the plot diagram using this story. Then, have students choose a common idiom (like "Tough Cookie" or "Cool as a Cucumber") and write a story where the character learns a lesson.
• Science: Use the book to launch a lesson on what plants (and people!) need to grow—specifically sunlight and fresh air.
• Symbolism:  This book is ideal to use when teaching symbolism for all ages.  Grab my Teaching Symbolism with Picture Book Activity.
• Technology Audit: Have students track their screen time for one evening and then brainstorm five things they could do instead that don't require a plug.
• Theme:  Teach theme with this picture book: The Couch Potato.

Percy Jackson's Greek Gods (Rick Riordan)

Title:  Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods

Author:  Rick Riordan

Illustrator:  John Rocco

Target Ages:  10 and up

Genre:  Mythological Collection

Publisher Summary:

“A publisher in New York asked me to write down what I know about the Greek gods, and I was like, Can we do this anonymously? Because I don't need the Olympians mad at me again. But if it helps you to know your Greek gods, and survive an encounter with them if they ever show up in your face, then I guess writing all this down will be my good deed for the week.

So begins Percy Jackson's Greek Gods, in which the son of Poseidon adds his own magic--and sarcastic asides--to the classics. He explains how the world was created, then gives readers his personal take on a who's who of ancients, from Apollo to Zeus. Percy does not hold back. ‘If you like horror shows, blood baths, lying, stealing, backstabbing, and cannibalism, then read on, because it definitely was a Golden Age for all that.’”

First Lines:

“I hope I’m getting extra credit for this. 

A publisher in New York asked me to write down what I know about the Greek gods, and I was like, ‘Can we do this anonymously? Because I don’t need the Olympians mad at me again.’

But if it helps you to know your Greek gods, and survive an encounter with them if they ever show up in your face, then I guess writing all this down will be my good deed for the week.”

Evaluation:

I listened to this book with my teen son. The narrator, Jesse Berstein, does a fantastic job with tone and voice. He embodies the character of Percy Jackson perfectly, but also changes his voice to distinguish the other characters. If you can get the audio recording, I highly recommend it.

The point of view is an interesting mix of literary elements.  Percy Jackson is a fictional character from the modern era that has encountered each of the gods in his own life.  While the focus of the storytelling is on ancient world myths, he makes remarks from his personal experience as well. 

Another element related to point of view is how the author has crafted through his storyteller frequent juxtapositions of the ancient and modern world.  As he lists or describes a situation using ancient concepts, he often shifts to connect them to the modern world.  For instance, after Persephone goes missing, they brainstorm ways to help find her like “offering a reward, putting [her] face on milk cartons, and stapling missing posters around town” (81). This technique brings out the character of Percy Jackson, both as a modern protagonist as well as a humorous personality.  Also, it is a way to make the ancient world stories more concrete and relevant for 21st century readers.  Educators and parents can use the contrasts as a springboard to evaluate the specific juxtapositions or to teach the general concept of juxtaposition.

The story telling is highly engaging. It is broken down into chapters on different gods and goddesses. Then, there are several narratives related to each one within the chapter. Many stories will be familiar to young readers, but there are some nice gems that will be new to most.  The stories are ideal for building knowledge of mythology and ancient Greek culture.

Many figurative elements are used. Irony is plentiful—especially verbal.  There are puns, like “Poseidon gets salty.”  Idioms are used, such as “out of his league” and “broke the ice.”  There are similes, metaphors, hyperbole, and understatement examples sprinkled in. 

My only concern is age-appropriateness. There are frequent references to adultery, murder, and, even, rape. As we know, those were activities often attributed to the Greek gods. The behaviors are not glorified though. Nothing is described graphically. Adults will know what is happening, but younger children will not likely grasp the significance. For those with younger readers, you may want to review the book in advance to make sure you are comfortable with the material.

Overall, Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods is a thrilling book to read or to listen to. My son and I enjoyed it so much that we are now listening to Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes.

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Religion: Discuss how the students'/family's ideas about god and the supernatural compare with those of the Greeks.  You may want to ask questions like:  How would you describe the motives and actions of the gods?  How are they similar to humans?  How are they similar to supernatural beings?  Why do you think the Greeks chose to see their gods as more human than god-like?  
• Mythology:  Pick 2 or more myths to compare and to contrast.  What do these myths say about the Greeks' views on life? Their fears? Their values? Their views on human nature?
•  Characterization & Irony:  Discuss ironies in characterization.  For instance, Aphrodite is the goddess of love, but she is known for being hateful and causing strife while Ares is the god of war, but he is depicted as being wimpy.  Why do you think the Greeks chose to paint their god in such contrasting lights?
• Figurative Language: Discuss examples of similes, metaphors, juxtaposition, irony, and so forth.
• Voice:  How does the author develop and illustrate the "voice" of Percy Jackson as well as the other characters?  (See some of the notes in the evaluation to get a discussion started.)

Historical Connections:

Ancient Greece
Trojan War

Poem-Mobiles: Crazy Car Poems (J. Patrick Lewis and Douglas Florian)

Title:  Poem-Mobiles:  Crazy Car Poems

Author: J. Patrick Lewis and Douglas Florian

Illustrator: Jeremy Holmes

Target Ages: 3 and up

Genre: Poetry

Sample Poems:

“Hot Dog Car”

My hot dog car is lots of fun

And comes with relish on a bun.

It runs on tons of sauerkraut

Or mustard when you’ve just run out.

Enjoy its fine and fragrant smell.

Its color has no parallel.

My hot dog car—

You just can’t beat it.

And when you’re done

You simply eat it.

“Rubber-Band Car”

Bouncing, bounding down the road

Like a leaping, beeping toad.

Made from giant rubber bands

(Very pliant in your hands).

It jumps over traffic jams,

And obstructions gently rams.

It can float just like a barge,

Takes three spots in a garage.

Needs no shocks and needs no springs.

And to fly it, just add wings.

Outperforms all other cars—

One bounced all the way to Mars.

Amazon Summary:

The U.S. Children's Poet Laureate and an award-winning children's poet join their prolific forces in this picture book of poems about cars. But they're not just any cars: there's the "Sloppy-Floppy-Nonstop-Jalopy" ("So unique there is no copy"); the Bathtub Limosine ("With hot water heating / And porcelain seating"); and the "High Heel Car." Each of the thirteen quirky, inventive poems will speak directly to the imaginations of children, as will Holmes's high-concept, detail-filled illustrations. 

Evaluation:

Poem-Mobiles: Crazy Car Poems is a fantastic collection of poems.  Children will journey under the sea (“Fish Car” and “Eel-ectric Car”) to the land before time (“Jurassic Park(ing)” and The “Dragonwagon”) to the future (“Supersonic Ionic Car” and “23^rd Century Motors”) and to nature (“Caterpillar Cab”). Many foods are also imagined into vehicles like the “Egg Car” and the “Banana Split Car.” The poems use lots of rhyme, alliteration, and puns. The authors creatively play with language. For instance, in “High-Heel Car,” the driver “wins every footrace” and “honks her shoehorn.”  In “Grass Taxi,” the owners must “mow the glass” and “check underneath [the] lawn.” The poems are quirky and entertaining.

The illustrations are intricate and amazing. Holmes takes the imaginative vision of the poets to new artistic levels. Not only are the cars otherworldly, his settings are too. In “23^rd-Century Motors,” he imagines a world that is part outer space and part agrarian. A rocket is next to farmhouse.  A cow pulls a station wagon trailer. The people are wearing space helmets while the animals are not. He adds humor.  For example, the Egg Car is at a filling station getting gas from a ketchup bottle. The mechanic asks the driver what he hit (the eggs are broken). The response, “a fork in the road.”  Each 2-page spread has so much to see and to talk about. 

Poem-Mobiles: Crazy Car Poems is one of my favorite children’s collections because it is out of this world with imagination and wonder. 

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Art: Write one of the poems on the board or copy on a piece of blank paper.  Allow the children to draw their own version of the “car.”  Compare pictures with others' drawing and the book.  Discuss similarities and differences.
• Building: Collect several household items and build a creative car. 
• Writing: Pick an item (something in nature, the world, a food).  Write a poem about a car as that item. Activity can be done as a whole group, small groups, or independently.
• Journaling: After reading one or more poems, have the children journal a response.
• Sound Devices: Point out and discuss the various sound devices and how they make the poem more vivid.

For more great poetic posts, visit The Opposite of Indifference for the full Poetry Friday round up.