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 Sour Grape (by Jory John)

 

Title: The Sour Grape

Author: Jory John

Illustrator: Pete Oswald

Target Ages: 6 and up

Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Summary: The Sour Grape wasn't always sour. He used to be sweet, until a series of misunderstandings and a missed birthday party turned him into a grudge-holding, scowling grape. This story follows his journey from being a "sourpuss" to realizing that holding onto anger only ruins his own bunch.

First Lines: “I’m a sour grape.

A verrrrrry sour grape.

If you’re looking for someone sweet,

you’ve come to the wrong bunch.”

Memorable Moment: “I realized that my sourness wasn't hurting anyone but me. Life is too short to let one bad squeeze ruin the whole vine.”

Evaluation: We use the term "sour grapes" to describe someone who acts like they don't want something just because they can't have it, but Jory John pivots the meaning slightly to focus on grudges and forgiveness. The story brilliantly illustrates how a single moment of feeling "let down" can spiral into a personality trait if we aren't careful.

The Sour Grape is a character many children (and adults) will recognize. He is someone who keeps a literal "grudge list" and refuses to let things go. John uses this characterization to explore the weight of resentment. It shows the exhaustion that comes with staying angry.

The turning point occurs when the Sour Grape realizes he has made a mistake himself. This moment of self-reflection is the "sweetener" the story needs. He learns that everyone—including himself—needs a little grace sometimes. The story moves from a place of "justice" (holding others accountable) to a place of "mercy" (forgiving and moving on).

Illustrator Pete Oswald uses the color palette effectively here. The Sour Grape's purple hue feels heavy and dark when he is angry, but the brightness of the "Sweet Grapes" and the eventual shift in the narrator's expression help keep the message from feeling too heavy. The puns, as always, are "grape."

I highly recommend The Sour Grape for any social-emotional learning curriculum. It is a fantastic way to discuss how to handle disappointment and the importance of giving others a second chance.

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 Sour Grape.

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Art: The Grudge List vs. The Gratitude List. Have students draw a "sour" grape with things that make them frustrated on one side, and a "sweet" grape with things they are thankful for on the other.

• Character Education: Discussion on Forgiveness. What does it feel like in your body when you are "sour"? How does it feel when you let a grudge go?

• Comparison: Compare The Sour Grape to The Bad Seed. Both characters started out "sweet" and became "sour/bad" due to a traumatic event. How are their paths to redemption similar?

• Creative Writing: Write a letter of apology from the Sour Grape to someone on his list, or a letter from a friend explaining why they missed the party.

• Figurative Language: Explore the idiom "Sour Grapes." Research the original Aesop’s Fable (The Fox and the Grapes) and compare it to Jory John’s version.

• Food Feelings: Explore why Jory John uses food characters to explain emotions. How does this make hard feelings easier to talk about?

• Pun Hunt: Find and list grape-related puns in the story and discuss how humor helps balance a serious message.

• Social Skills: Role-play "The Mistake." Practice how to apologize when you accidentally let a friend down and how to react when a friend apologizes to you

• 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 Sour Grape.

• Writing: Have students write one short paragraph describing the Sour Grape before the party and one describing him after he learns to forgive. What changed most?

The Good Egg (Jory John)

Title:  The Good Egg

Author:  Jory John

Illustrator:  Pete Oswald

Target Ages: 4 and up

Genre: Fiction Picture Book

Summary:  The Good Egg is helpful. The Good Egg is kind. The Good Egg is responsible. The Good Egg tries to make everyone else act the right way too.  His do-good mantra is taken to an extreme which has an unwanted outcome.     

First Lines:  

“Oh, hello!

I was just rescuing this cat.

Know why?

Because I’m a good egg.

A verrrrrry good egg.”

Memorable Moment: 

“For once, I found time for me. And guess what! Little by little, the cracks in my shell started to heal.  My head no longer felt scrambled.”

Evaluation: 

A “good egg” is an archaic way of saying someone is a kind person. The term began as a contrast to the slang term “bad egg” to characterize a person who is not nice.  Author Jory John brilliantly builds on these terms to create a story about perfectionism, mental health, and letting go.  

The Good Egg is the second book in his creative and thought-provoking food series. The first is The Bad Seed, which I enjoyed so much that I purchased it. 

The Good Egg isn’t just a kind person. He has taken it to an extreme.  He has become a perfectionist, and with it, he is driven by a need to control. The text says, “I tried to take charge.  I tried to fix their bad behavior.  I tried to keep the peace.  Because I am a good egg.” His desire is noble: He wants everyone to act right and to do good.  Jory’s characterization resonates with many people.  

Little does the Good Egg realize, but the added pressure to control his surroundings is causing his shell to crack. He is literally cracking up (nice pun).  This situation is more reflective of the experiences of many older children and adults, but there are some young children who are perfectionistic and/or controlling. This story illustrates in a concrete manner where those tendencies lead.

The Good Egg leaves the chaos to take care of himself.  He walks, reads, relaxes, paints, and writes. He gets some spa time in. The text states, “Little by little, the cracks in my shell started to heal. My head no longer felt scrambled. (another good pun) I started to feel like myself again.”  The story illustrates many positive examples on how to deal with stress and mental exhaustion.  Overall, it shows the importance of making good personal choices.  

When the Good Egg returns to his home, he deals with the pressure better.  He doesn’t try to change others and control everything.  His shell heals to reflect how he has healed internally.  This story is a springboard for discussing healthy choices and boundaries.  

Illustrator Pete Oswald helps keep the serious topic lighthearted.  Whether it is the Good Egg walking an old lady piece of bacon across the road or the egg receiving a yolk IV, each watercolor illustration is a delight.  

This story will speak to people of all ages.  It may just be more meaningful for older children and adults than the target ages of a typical picture book.  I highly recommend The Good Egg.

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 Good Egg.

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Art: Download a free egg template. Students can create their own egg character.

• Character Education: Use this book as a springboard for discussion on healthy boundaries in relationships as well as on self-care.

• Comparison:  Compare how the Good Egg interacts with his fellow eggs in the beginning and at the end of the story.  Or compare The Good Egg to The Bad Seed.  How are these 2 stories similar and different?

• Creative Writing: Teach or review the plot diagram.  Then, have students pick a food item to write a story about in which they must incorporate all the parts of a story–exposition, inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. 

• Figurative Language:  Use the story to teach about puns and/or symbolism. 

• Literature: As a class or family, read the whole fruit series by Jory John and  Pete Oswald.

• Math: There are 12 eggs in a dozen. There are 12 egg characters in the story.  Learn or practice how to count by 12’s.  Do some math story problems using the term “dozen.”

• From TPT: Differentiated Book Study Companion Activities.

• 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 Good Egg.