I Don'T Like Cheese

I Don'T Like Cheese

Mike the mouse isn't like other mice. He just won't eat cheese. Fortunately, Ashley, the little human girl who lives in the house, feeds him lots of tasty treats: like pizza and tacos. But, hold on, don't those have cheese in them? This delightful picture book explores how even the fussiest eaters can be tempted to try new flavors. And, if you're anything like Mike, you might find you develop quite a taste for international cuisine along the way! Written by Hannah Chandler when she was just 11 years old, I Don't Like Cheese is hopefully the first of several adventures featuring Mike; now 12, Hannah is already planning the sequel. From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 2-Little mouse Mike refuses all cheese offered by Mama Mouse but will eat anything offered by his human friend Ashley including sushi, pizza, tacos, and croissants. When Ashley goes on vacation and Mike is forced by his growling tummy to try cheese, he is surprised to realize that he LOVES it. He decides to always sample what his mother offers him but still indulge in the occasional treat from Ashley. The text has some obvious Briticisms and unfolds in a predictable manner. There are no surprises here, and the ending is heavy-handed and preachy. The illustrations are basic watercolors that support the text. VERDICT A suitable addition. For picky eaters, stick with Mitchell Sharmat's Gregory the Terrible Eater (Four Winds, 1984), Dr. Seuss's Green Eggs and Ham (Random, 1988), or even Russell Hoban's Bread and Jam for Frances (HarperCollins, 2008).-Melisa Bailey, Harford County Library System, MD Review "I Don't Like Cheese is a good book for kids that don't like trying new foods. The simple watercolor illustrations are fun to look at and fit well with the writing. I read this book to my kids several times and they really liked talking about the different foods that Mike eats. It was also fun for them to learn which countries the foods they love come from. On a side note, the author was eleven years old when she wrote this! How amazing is that?" - BatchofBooks.com About the Author Hannah Chandler used to dictate tales to her mum Renee to write down when she was just three. Her love of words and stories continued until, challenged by her principal to write a book, at the age of 11 she wrote I Don't Like Cheese! Now still only 12 and not yet in high school, she's planning the sequel. Lauren Merrick has always had a love of illustration. Growing up, most of her time was spent drawing and painting. This has continued into her adult life and she now works full-time as an illustrator. Lauren has completed a Design Certificate IV and an Advanced Diploma of Design and Illustration. She has developed her own whimsical illustration style, involving watercolour and paper-cut mediums. And for the record, she loves cheese!