WHO MOVED MY CHEESE? for Kids

Who Moved My Cheese, written in 2003, by the very talented author Spencer Johnson is a simple self- motivational book. This outstanding best seller has sold over 26 million copies. It entails the uncertainties that come with change and how a person can cling to their old ways rather than moving on to the next step. Sometimes a person must change with certain situations that cross their path. In life, things change and we must also change. We do this by changing our attitude and taking a different approach. Some fear the unknown. They are comfortable where they are and don’t want to change. They can’t deal with change or don’t even see it coming. This is also called being in denial. Change can happen to anyone at any given time and you must be ready to accept change and face the unknown, and push through the fear.How does the author relay these messages in this captivating book? Spencer Johnson uses four characters: two mice – Sniff and Scurry and two miniature humans- Hem and Haw. They live in a maze and look for cheese. The cheese symbolizes nourishment, happiness or what people desire to achieve. The maze stands for the place where you look for what you want, like your place of work, or in your family or in your relationship. Through this powerful parable the author illustrates their different reactions as they faced the unexpected. All is great when the cheese is plentiful, but what happens when it diminishes? Spenser Johnson states, “you must move with the cheese and enjoy it.” ( Johnson 96). But not all the characters did that. Sniff and Scurry were smart enough to move on. They accepted the change and were able to go out and find new cheese. Simple as that. But, on the other hand, Hem and Haw reacted negatively. They grew comfortable with their cheese. They earned it. No one was taking it away. They spent endless days asking “why” and “how can this happen to us,” instead of moving on and finding new cheese. Blaming others for their bad situation, doesn’t work. Take responsibility; accept the change and move on to the next chapter in your life is the moral of this parable. If you don’t, you will be stuck in past and never achieve your goals or truly be happy.As I read the short story, I felt a personal connection with Scurry-one of the little mice. I had to take action and change with a certain situation involving a job. I had to make a quick decision that would affect my future. Luckily for me, I made the right choice and pushed through my fear. As I read the story I analyzed my own life. The cheese for me right now is my career and my maze is the steps that I am taking to fulfill my cheese, which would be schooling.I give this best seller “Who Moved My Cheese” a five star rating. A must read for all ages- young and old. A compelling, yet simple and easy to read book that could change your life forever. The hidden messages will last a lifetime. Change is necessary. Our growth and production is our choice in life. Buy a copy today, I did, and keep it in a safe place for those times of uncertainty.Thanks,Sal Bellini

Kids version of the same title... it's a great easy read book for anyone dealing with changes in their life - and who isn't? This is like the fourth copy I have purchased because I keep giving mine away. You will not be disappointed! I'm not completing the age range because it is good for everyone.

Great lessons for a young avid reader. Hoping she can apply these concepts in her life

I sent it to a friend for her son and the child loves this book. He request she read it to him every night. Great, inspirational book.

Very vibrant captivating book and story. I recommend to all to check it out. It is worth the purchase. I love it!

I am a fan of the adult version of this book, so when I saw it came out in a children's version, I had to have it. We're a military family, so change is one constant in our lives. We're about to make a move which will be the first one my 5 year old daughter is really aware of. I introduced this book to her, and even though she doesn't quite understand the real meaning of the story, I'm hoping it will be a way to remind her that change is a good thing. She'll already have the lessons tucked away in her mind, so hopefully when she's in the midst of a change, it will mean something to her. The pictures are wonderful, as is the story. My kids love it and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who is dealing with change. It's an optimistic view of whatever changes come into our lives.

I have read the original version and enjoyed it. I was glad to have read this to my child. It was insightful and fun to read.

My 5 year old son was nervous about swim lessons. I bought this for him and it made him realize he can’t learn something new if he doesn’t try. May try the adult version next! Great reminder for all of us :)