Instead of chocolate, I’m nibbling a piece of cheese for Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday. But it’s not my cheese because “RAT LAW says that if you’re a rat, cheese belongs to you.”
Unless—
Rat cannot believe his luck!
“a BIG rat wants it. Then cheese belongs to him.
Unless a BIGGER rate wants it. Then cheese belongs to her.”
And so the story goes, adding “quicker rat,” “stronger rat,” followed by “scary rat,” “hairy rat,” and “dirty rat,” then “dirty, hairy rat” and “dirty, hairy, scary rat…”
You get the point. The biggest, baddest rat and then mob of rats get the cheese. (Oh, Mike [HeyLookAWriterFellow], how can you adore these winner-take-all creatures? Well, I suppose Lucy was a special case.)
The illustrations in red and black pencil serve as a hilarious backdrop for a luscious wedge of golden cheese, the spoils of rat war.
How does rat war end? Let’s just say there’s a bit of sharing involved, if rat knows what’s good for him.
This playful reminder about sharing is bound to be popular with the preschool and young elementary school set.
I even love the end papers, white polka dots on yellow background.
Title: Cheese Belongs to You!
Author: Alexis Deacon
Illustrator: Viviane Schwarz
Publisher: Candlewick
Pub date: 2013
Jilanne Hoffmann 
I guess I am a rat, or at least French, because even when dieting goat cheese is on my list!
Better protect that cheese when other rats come calling!
What a great way for young kids to learn adjectives. And apparently rat hierarchy, too!
Yes, the adjectives just keep getting bigger and tougher and rougher. They also learn about mob action (as it applies to rats and other uncivilized creatures like small children) and how a little bit of sharing can defuse the situation. 😀
My little grandboy, r, would love this!
oh, yes! Even at age 11, my son thinks this is a hoot. He really loves the illustrations.
I think it’s really rude to call people… er… I mean rats, dirty and hairy just because they’re partial to a bit of cheese! And as for sharing – HANDS OFF!!
Wait! I thought you were only possessive about your chocolate! Or was it chocolate cheesecake?
Mmmm…I’d reply but it’s rude to speak with your mouth full…
The drawings of the rats are so cute (for rats…) and original!
Yes, you could almost call them loveable. Almost. I agree. This book is clever and original.
This is such a fun book! Great pick!
Thanks for stopping by, Julie! It is quite a fun read aloud.
This sounds like a very clever and humorous book. Great review.
It is, Patricia! It’s one of those that holds up reading after reading, especially when you can find new things to look at each time in the illustrations.
Sharing is for suckers, hippie!
From out of the woodwork, comes Lucyrat! You wouldn’t happen to know a French rat named Remy, would you? He loves cheese, too. Bet you’d share with him if he promised to make you a nice cheese soufflé!
Oh, I do apologize for Lucy. She knows she’s not allowed on my computer.
Looks like I gotta change my passwords. Again.
I think Lucy needs to do a bit of time in time out, but she’ll probably be paying you off with some sort of goody from the 7-11.
I’m afraid not. All of her profits are sent to an offshore account.
Let me guess. Both of your names are on the account. Does Ellen know about this?
I hope the author got a big far grant from the Cheese Marketing Council (if the organisation doesn’t exist, someone should invent it). Not to mention that he should be in line for a lot of gRATitude from Rattus rattus.
I think I’ll go now…PS CATS rather like cheese, as well as liking RATS. For pretty well the same sort of reasons as I like chocolate (and cheese) Though rarely together.
Oh, couldn’t you see a group of cats sitting around a campfire making feline s’mores? Two strips of bacon on the outside, cheese melted on the inside with a nicely toasted rat in between. All of the cats of the world are drooling, just thinking about this right now.
Makes me wish I had a little one at home to read to, Jilanne. This sounds delightful! xoxoM
Oh, it is! The next time you’re at the library, take a peek. It will charm your inner child. 😀
This tale sounds hilarious! And all these comments are a great add on!!! Thanks for sharing it all!! Will be looking for this one!
Please pay no attention to Lucy, the rat. She’s very opinionated. 😀
You say “opinionated” like it’s a bad thing.
Well, I don’t have time to stand around and jaw. I gotta date with a 7-11 storeroom. Would you be interested in some black market cigarettes?
No, but if you can score me a box of Mounds bars, all is forgiven.
I’ve added it to my library holds list. This looks like a great book to teach without preaching. 🙂 Thank you for the recommendation!
Oh, it is fun. Enjoy it!