Review Detail

“The Big Cheese,” written by Jory John and Pete Oswald, is a cute story with plenty of cheesy puns. The wheel of cheddar likes being “the big cheese,” as he’s good at everything and loves the adoration and praise that goes along with it. It isn’t until Wedge goes against him in the Cheese-Cathlon that he begins to get worried about his standing in the community. He wants to continue to be the best, but when things don’t go his way, he’s left to wonder what comes next. Is he going to continue to try to be the best at all costs, no matter who or what he has to leave in his dust, or is he going to realize the power that losing can have, in that it can be a giant release, allowing him to explore more of who he is and what he stands for in life?

“The Big Cheese” discovers much about himself in this adorably illustrated tale of exploration, identity, and character growth. One’s relationship with others is important, but not necessarily as important as the relationship one has with himself. Finding a way to shape one’s own identity in an effort to become better, stronger, and kinder is a vital part of learning more about oneself.