Book Review of The River of Cheese
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The Children’s Book Review
The River of Cheese
Written by Amanda Jane Lowles
Illustrated by Mario Coelho
Ages 4+ | 42 Pages
Publisher: Nightingale Books (2023) | ISBN-13: 9781838759742
What to Expect: Animals, problem-solving, and competition.
The River of Cheese by Amanda Jane Lowles is a delightful and engaging story that will elicit giggles of delight from readers of all ages. This fun and funny story is reminiscent of classics like Dr. Seuss and Tom and Jerry in its light-hearted humor and use of language—the gentler rhythms of Julia Donaldson’s books come to mind, too.
One day, a cat decided to chase a mouse. The cat chased the mouse all through the town, past butchers and pigs, nice old ladies, frogs, weddings, and funerals—but the mouse was just too fast. Then the cat hatched a cunning plan: build a huge trap and bait it with an enormous mountain of cheese! Unfortunately, the cat doesn’t take into account the weather, and when the cheese melts and forms an all-engrossing, sticky river of cheese, the cat and the whole town are in trouble. Who can save the day? The mouse and his friends, of course!
Lowles’ use of rhyme is spot on as she tells the story of the persistent cat and clever mouse. The whimsical tale is made all the more fun with the vibrant illustrations of Mario Coelho. Quirky, cartoon-like ink-and-paint illustrations are bursting with hilarious detail, while the rhyming text keeps up the fast pace of the chase—words and art combine to bring the story to life in a lively and colorful way.
Not only is this fun for kids to look at, but it also provides an excellent opportunity to engage with young readers on various literacy concepts. Lowles’ use of repetition and sound elements helps readers develop their reading and language skills and makes for a lively read-aloud session, perfect for repeat reading. The wacky cast of secondary characters celebrates the diversity that makes up the tapestry of everyday life—from butchers and bakers to bankers and jockeys. The story’s encouraging messaging of creative problem-solving makes it a go-to choice for anyone searching for a wholesome, family-friendly read that will leave a lasting impact.
The River of Cheese is a joyful and charming book that would be an exceptional addition to any child’s personal library.
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About the Author
Amanda Jane Lowles is originally from Ossett, West Yorkshire, England. She has a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics ( Education ) and has worked as an English teacher and translator for almost 30 years. Her main writing interests include children’s fiction, children’s rhyming fiction, and English for speakers of other languages. Amanda is a keen royalist, avid knitter, and loves anything from Yorkshire! She lives in southern Italy with her husband and two sons.
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