Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Chalk & Cheese
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 6
Simon and Schuster, 2008 ISBN: 978-1416913788
Cheese is a mouse who lives in England. He has a very dear dog friend called Chalk who lives in New York City. The two animals write to each other a great deal, and then Chalk invites his little friend to come and visit, so that he can see for himself how big the Empire State Building is.
Being an English country mouse Cheese is rather overwhelmed by many of the things he sees. Luckily Chalk is a patient and understanding friend who allays Cheese's fears and who explains what things are. Cheese does not always react the way Chalk expects, which can be a little frustrating for the dog at times. But, though they aren't always on the same page, the two animals are still the best of friends.
Children will have a great time sharing the adventures of these two very unlikely friends who somehow manage to get along – most of the time – despite their differences. They will see that friendship itself transcends any differences that might exist between two souls who are fond of one another.
With its comic book style art and its thoroughly likeable characters, this is a picture book that children will come back to again and again.
