In 1835, Colonel Thomas S. Meacham wanted to give the president of the United States a present that celebrated the achievements of his upstate New York farming community. Believing that big is always better, he decided a colossal, legen-dairy gift was in order: a wheel of cheese measuring four feet in diameter, two feet thick, and weighing 1,400 pounds. Transporting the cheese to Washington D.C. was another big undertaking. It traveled by wagon and by ship, before being delivered to the White House on New Year's Day in 1836. But with a big cheese comes a big smell, and after a year the president had a stinky situation on his hands. How can he get rid of this cheesy gift? Readers of all ages will enjoy this slice of American history. Back matter includes science facts on cheese making.
Reviews
“The appealing story is both a crash course in cheese making and an entertaining historical account, with lively illustrations wonderfully conveying the action and the hilarity of the developing odor. An entertaining ode to a funny footnote in American history.” —Booklist
This narrative competently imparts the facts and relays the basics of cheesemaking. A slice of history, accurately presented.” —Kirkus
This is a fun story from history with the gross-out factor that is endlessly appealing to kids. Amusing wordplay (‘udderly’, ‘legen-dairy’, ‘cut the cheese’) makes it an entertaining read aloud. Pleasing art accurately shows the homes, transportation vehicles and people of the era. Back matter includes additional information about the event, as well as “Cheesy Facts” and selected sources. —Youth Services Book Review, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
