The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

Author(s): Jon Scieszka & Lane Smith

Copyright: 1992

Publisher: Viking

Scieszka, J., Smith, L., & Leach, M. (1992). The Stinky Cheese Man and other fairly stupid tales. New York, N.Y., U.S.A.: Viking.

Reading Level: 3-4

Lexile Measure: 520L

Genre: Fiction, fairy tale, myths.

Description: Imagination, amusing, cleverness, funny, creative.

Delivery Suggestion: Whole group/Read aloud.

Summary: Scieszka and Smith take classic fairy tales and twist them around to create new, unforgettable, versions. The Stinky Cheese Man deconstructs not only the tradition of the fairy tale but also the entire notion of a book. Going against the traditional ways, this book creates excitement and experiences of entertainment for readers. Jack, the narrator, pays no mind to structure, as apparent right from the start of this silly text!

Electronic Resources:

FairyTales This resource provides students with all the classic versions of the well-known fairy tales. Students can browse this website, read the tales, and become familiar with the plots of the commonly told versions.

Your Own Fairytale This resource allows students to create their own fairytales by filling in the missing pieces of the puzzle, such a ‘mad libs’. Students can get a better understanding of how fairy tales are formatted and how the events are sequenced. This website also provides them with the opportunity to become creative and have fun!

Vocabulary: Kernel, grind, dependable, sly, gagged, harvested, enchantment.

Teaching Suggestions:

-Have this text available for students to read during a free period time. It is a great way to get students who are not usually engaged in reading material to pick up a book and interact with the text, since it is viewed as a fun and humorous book.

-Use this book to supplement a fairytale, folktale, or myth unit. This book can be used as a read aloud during an initiation to such a lesson. It will grab student’s attention immediately and get them interested in learning more about classic fairytales.

-Use this book to supplement a science lesson about odors and transformation overtime. Why does cheese stink? Scientifically, is this a misconception?

Comprehension Strategies:

Before Reading: Have students read several classic traditional fairytales on their own and take notes about the characters in the tales. Have students compare the characters presented in the classic versions with the characters presented in the retelling versions. What is similar and what is different about the character traits and the situations?

During Reading: Have students engage with this text by using Readers Theatre. Students can practice their fluency skills and also interact with the different characters and narrations. This can provide students with the opportunity to relive the text several times and comprehend the story elements better.

After Reading: Have students create a venn diagram, comparing the stinky cheese versions and the classic versions. Share and display these diagrams so students can add onto their findings as well.

Writing Activity:

Instruct students to create their own fairytales. First, have students compose a fairytale that would be viewed as traditional, with the common sequencing of events, and ending. Next, have students compose a ‘twisted tale’ such as those read in The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. Encourage students to be creative and use their imaginations.