Story: The Big Cheese

This video is a read-aloud session of 'The Big Cheese' by Jory John and Pete Oswald, featuring a character named Cheese who is proud of his reputation and success. The story explores themes of self-confidence and the importance of trying new things, as Cheese meets Wedge, a character who challenges his perspective.

Hi! Don't be sad. Hmm? Let's read! Wow! Read for fun. Hi! Welcome back to Read for Fun. Today's Read Aloud is "The Big Cheese" by Jory John and Pete Oswald. They call me Cheese. The Big Cheese. Oh, say it with me, please. The Big Cheese. Ta-da! You better believe it. That's right, folks. I'm the biggest, cheesiest piece of cheddar around. I'm really something to behold. Take a good look at me. Are you seeing what I'm seeing? Hmm? Have you ever observed a more impressive cheese in your life? It's not just my stature, either. It's my presence, my vibe, the energy I emanate, the excitement I exude. It's the way I fill a room, or a theater, or a stadium. Wherever I go, I cause a fuss, heads turn, jaws drop, gasps are audible. That's why they call me Cheese. Oh, say it with me, please. The Big Cheese. Ta-da! You better believe it. How did I get such a good, or should I say, gouda reputation? Well, I wasn't always a big shot. I grew up on a crowded platter in a tiny kitchen. I was an unremarkable little curd. We lived quiet lives of pasteurization. But I wasn't happy with the status quo. Oh, no. I wanted to make a big ol' name for myself. So I resolved to become a Big Cheese. I wanted the praise, the cheers, the spotlight, the attention, the ovations, the celebrations. I set to work, and before long, I was on the fast track to success. I dressed to impress. I shredded the competition. I stole every show. And then, I'd brag nonstop to anybody who'd listen. "Hey, did you see me score that goal while I was literally yawning?" What was the secret to my success? Well, I stuck to the things I was good at. That way, I couldn't possibly fail. Did it get a little boring never trying anything new? I suppose. But it didn't matter as long as everyone agreed that I was... Oh, say it with me, please. The Big Cheese. Ta-da! But then, one fateful day, I met Wedge. He was new in town, and he seemed to be my exact opposite in every way. He was quiet. I was loud. He was shy. I was bold. While I dominated conversations, he kept to himself. I didn't pay him much attention at first, because why should I? I was too preoccupied with being the center of my universe. But then, without warning, everything changed. Here's what happened. Every summer, our tiny village staged an all-day cheese kathlon. Guess who had first place trophies from the last six years? Hmm? Oh, say it with me, please. The Big Cheese. Ta-da!