Classic Jory John, “The Big Cheese” is the newest in The Food Group series. Big Cheese is a big deal. No seriously, a BIG deal. Haven’t you heard of him? Big Cheese’s reputation precedes him: he’s the best at everything! The best speller, the best soccer player, the coolest guy in any room, and the center of every conversation. Oh yeah, and also the most humble! Until of course, Wedge Wedgeman moves to town. At first Wedge keeps to himself, but on the day of the annual Cheese-cathalon (a VERY big deal), Wedge smokes the Big Cheese in every single event in front of the whole town! After 6 years in a row of winning, the Big Cheese is shocked to his gooey center, going through every stage of grief until he realizes it felt kind of … good … to lose? To not have to live up to his own impossible standards. The weight falls off his shoulders as he comes to realize the world won’t end if he doesn’t win everything. The Big Cheese wraps up neatly as the title character befriends Wedge & has his very first conversation NOT all about him, thus leading our hero to gain humility, become a team player, and cheer on those around him. Great for ages 4-8 & a good storytime book to boot.

Reviewed by Paiten Price – Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth  ME