Cheese Belongs To You!
on Goodreads (439)
What’s inside...
Rat law is simple: if you take a piece of cheese, it belongs to you. So if a bigger rat takes it, then the cheese belongs to them, unless a quicker rat swipes it. Every rat knows the rat law, whether they are big, quick, strong, scary, hairy, or dirty. But who ultimately gets to eat the cheese? This hilarious and innovative storytelling from the creative duo behind A Place to Call Home will have readers speeding through the pages and eager for more.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main message of 'Cheese Belongs to You!' is?
How would you feel if you were Rat and found the cheese?
What do you think about the rules in the book? Are they fair?
How did the other rats react to the cheese? What would you do if you were one of them?
If you could make your own rule about the cheese, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive and varied tones when discussing the different characters and their actions, to make the conversation lively and engaging.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to understand their feelings and perspectives better.
Discuss the concept of sharing and fairness introduced in the book, relating it to everyday situations your child encounters.
Encourage your child to come up with alternative endings or rules for the story to foster creativity and reasoning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Sharing and generosity
Explanation: In 'Cheese Belongs to You!', Rat learns that although the cheese legally belongs to him, sharing it with others brings joy and community spirit.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of sharing their belongings or treats with friends and family, fostering a sense of generosity and building stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Understanding rules and fairness
Explanation: The story introduces the concept of rules when Rat finds the cheese and various characters explain who it belongs to according to their laws.
Real-World Application: This helps children comprehend why rules exist in society and encourages them to think about fairness and the reasons behind certain rules at home or in school.
Example Lesson: Conflict resolution
Explanation: Throughout the book, conflicts arise as different characters lay claim to the cheese. Rat navigates these disputes, showcasing problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these strategies in their day-to-day interactions, learning how to resolve disagreements and understand others' perspectives in a calm and effective manner.
Example Lesson: Decision making
Explanation: Rat is faced with the decision of keeping the cheese or sharing it. This highlights the process of making thoughtful choices.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the value of weighing options and considering the impact of their choices on themselves and others, aiding in the development of critical thinking.