I received a copy of this book to review, but I never doubted that I'd love it. The author is a Wisconsin writing talent and the illustrator is one whose work is widely recognized and admired, including by me. The topic, dear to my cheese-loving, Wisconsin-home heart, is a winner, too.
THE ABC's of WISCONSIN CHEESE, written by Susan Apps-Bodily and illustrated by Reneé Graef, is a recently released, soon-to-be classic. Anyone familiar with Graef's work will recognize her signature style, her appealing characters and scenes that feel part of our shared histories. The warmth and depth of her colors are enhanced by whimsical additions (note the wedge-toting mice on the cover.) Apps-bodily has captured the timeless appeal of an ABC approach with accessible narratives that explore both familiar and unusual information about cheeses, particularly Wisconsin Dairyland cheese!WISCONSIN HISTORICAL PRESS, 2026
The checkerboard tablecloth endpapers with insert images could make a fun search-game related to the interior illustrations, and set the stage for a comfort-food-feeling throughout. I particularly enjoy the narrative nonfiction literary approach to this topic. This is not letter-object-learn approach, but instead assumes an older emerging audience of readers, offering detailed information that entertains and engages.
The content draws on past knowledge (of farms and fairs and foods) while extending learning to dairy-state, cheese-critical vocabulary, connections, and economics. Dairy cow breeds are named and shown, history and heritage are featured, as well as inventions and the basic recipe for cheese-making. Text/illustration images interact to expand understanding, while specific destinations and events achieve showcase appearances.
It can be a struggle for any English alphabet book to achieve twenty-six topic-related words, especially those starting with X or Q. I found the writing decisions here to be artful and clever, allowing for the featured word to occur within the narrative, or to lead to the next sequences. For example:
" N is for NUMBER." Followed by O and P passages revealing the incredible amounts of milk and cheese production details that make aspects of the information jaw-dropping!
"Q is for Question." Followed by Recipe....
Throughout the pages readers will find fascinating and reader-friendly information that has a conversational tone that issues an appealing invitation to follow the reading with some tasting and traveling.
As I so often say here (standing proudly on my blog soapbox), the best picture books are for all ages, including adults. This is an example that proves my case, since it suits the youngest (who often begin solid foods with cheesy choices) and will appreciate the colorful kid-friendly illustrations while acquiring alphabet knowledge. Elementary learners of Wisconsin lore encounter a treasury of facts and fun connections. Older students might launch research projects in history, economics, or science after this is read aloud in class. And adult-planner-drivers of Wisconsin road trips will want to have this along for the ride. Don't miss out!
