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Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story
The Bad Seed meets The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors in a pasta-tively hilarious story about the most enduring friendship of all Mac & Cheese!Mac was a friendly Noodle and rubbed elbows with everyone. But he didn't have the one thing he wanted A friend.Meanwhile, not too far away in Quesoland, Cheese was king. And while he could be a real crowd-pleaser, he didn't have the one thing he wanted a friend.Join Mac and Cheese in their search for true friendship, told through Michael Benner's hilarious, heartwarming text, and Alison Hawkins' endearing, delightful visuals! Perfect for the youngest readers, this funny and sweet read-aloud will ensure a goud-a time!
- GenresPicture BooksHumor
Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2026
About the author
Michael L. Benner
1 book5 followersMichael Benner is a children’s book author and dad living in Central Texas. He loves writing silly stories with tons of jokes, wordplay, and puns. He also loves writing Halloween stories and often combines his loves and writes a silly, humorous Halloween story.
His debut picture book, MAC & CHEESE: THE ORIGIN STORY is scheduled for release in July 2026.
Michael is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and winner of the 2025 Austin SCBWI Cynthia Leitich Smith Writing Mentor Award. Michael is also a member of the Writer’s League of Texas and multi-year participant in Julie Hedlund’s 12x12 Picture Book Challenge.
Michael is represented by Stacey Glick of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret.
His debut picture book, MAC & CHEESE: THE ORIGIN STORY is scheduled for release in July 2026.
Michael is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and winner of the 2025 Austin SCBWI Cynthia Leitich Smith Writing Mentor Award. Michael is also a member of the Writer’s League of Texas and multi-year participant in Julie Hedlund’s 12x12 Picture Book Challenge.
Michael is represented by Stacey Glick of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 18, 2026
What a delightful story! The world of Mac and Cheese is full of clever jokes and puns that imagine the beginnings of a delicious friendship. This book is entertaining for kids and adults alike!
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February 26, 2026Mac and cheese is one of kids' all time favorites and, no doubt, this laugh out loud story about them will become a fave as well. The author clearly had a giggling good time writing it, gifting the reader with clever puns and jokes that keep on giving. Every re-read will give you and your little one lots to explore — and, as a bonus, you might even discover a few new pastas and cheeses along the way!
July 17, 2026
The cheesy puns and the noodles of cuteness is too much. Super cute story about being yourself and finding your place :] 5☆
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ARC provided by the publisher
Mac feels lonely in Pasta land and fails to connect with anyone, even though he tries to fit in. Eventually, he sets sail to try to find friends, but runs into a number of candies and deserts who don't welcome him. Eventually he ends up in Quesoland, where the king, Cheese is also friendless. No one in the kingdom appreciates him, so he stays at home, knitting. When he hears a noise outside the Cottage of Cheese, he ventures out and meets Mac. Mac is telling many of his jokes, which makes Cheese laugh. The jokes endear him to the residents of Quesoland, but especially to Cheese. The two have much in common and are soon fast friends.
The draw here are the horrible jokes and puns, which will make kids giggle. The pictures are cute, with lots of funny touches, like Mac using a pretzel rod as a walking stick. More origin stories of food duos are in the works, with Milk and Cookies up next. I would definitely purchase this for a middle school library, and I can see it being popular with readers who are strong enough to make it through I Can Read books but aren't quite ready for longer chapter books. There's a fair amount of text; this would be a longer (but not impossible) read aloud.
I had a lot of questions. Why doesn't Mac fit into Pastaland? Not all pasta is twisty. It didn't make any sense for Cheese to be ignored by his people either. That's just my middle grade mind overthinking things; Kavafy's poem THE CITY came to mind as Mac set sail. I also had trouble with Queso sitting in a fondue pot of cheese like it was a jacuzzi. Wouldn't he melt?
Mac feels lonely in Pasta land and fails to connect with anyone, even though he tries to fit in. Eventually, he sets sail to try to find friends, but runs into a number of candies and deserts who don't welcome him. Eventually he ends up in Quesoland, where the king, Cheese is also friendless. No one in the kingdom appreciates him, so he stays at home, knitting. When he hears a noise outside the Cottage of Cheese, he ventures out and meets Mac. Mac is telling many of his jokes, which makes Cheese laugh. The jokes endear him to the residents of Quesoland, but especially to Cheese. The two have much in common and are soon fast friends.
The draw here are the horrible jokes and puns, which will make kids giggle. The pictures are cute, with lots of funny touches, like Mac using a pretzel rod as a walking stick. More origin stories of food duos are in the works, with Milk and Cookies up next. I would definitely purchase this for a middle school library, and I can see it being popular with readers who are strong enough to make it through I Can Read books but aren't quite ready for longer chapter books. There's a fair amount of text; this would be a longer (but not impossible) read aloud.
I had a lot of questions. Why doesn't Mac fit into Pastaland? Not all pasta is twisty. It didn't make any sense for Cheese to be ignored by his people either. That's just my middle grade mind overthinking things; Kavafy's poem THE CITY came to mind as Mac set sail. I also had trouble with Queso sitting in a fondue pot of cheese like it was a jacuzzi. Wouldn't he melt?
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I saw this ARC at work earlier and neeeeded it. Here's "Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story." It is the first novel in the Delicious Duos story. It was written by Michael Benner and illustrated by Alison Hawkins.
["Mac was a friendly Noodle and rubbed elbows with everyone. But he didn't have the one thing he wanted a friend.
Meanwhile, not too far away in Quesoland, Cheese was king. And while he could be a real crowd-pleaser, he didn't have the one thing he wanted a friend.
Join Mac and Cheese in their search for true friendship, told through Michael Benner's hilarious, heartwarming text, and Alison Hawkins' endearing, delightful visuals! Perfect for the youngest readers, this funny and sweet read-aloud will ensure a goud-a time!"]
This book was FABULOUS! It was fun and colorful and bright. Not to mention all of the puns and play on words and the jokes! I can't. I kept giggling the entire time I read it.
Not to mention it was a story about friendship and finding the right friend for you, finding a place you can call yours.
You NEED to read this book!
#macandcheesetheoriginstory #macandcheese #theoriginstory #thedeliciousduos #thedeliciousduosseries #michaelbenner #alisonhawkins #books #childrensbooks #childrenspicturebooks #picturebooks #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Mac was a friendly Noodle and rubbed elbows with everyone. But he didn't have the one thing he wanted a friend.
Meanwhile, not too far away in Quesoland, Cheese was king. And while he could be a real crowd-pleaser, he didn't have the one thing he wanted a friend.
Join Mac and Cheese in their search for true friendship, told through Michael Benner's hilarious, heartwarming text, and Alison Hawkins' endearing, delightful visuals! Perfect for the youngest readers, this funny and sweet read-aloud will ensure a goud-a time!"]
This book was FABULOUS! It was fun and colorful and bright. Not to mention all of the puns and play on words and the jokes! I can't. I kept giggling the entire time I read it.
Not to mention it was a story about friendship and finding the right friend for you, finding a place you can call yours.
You NEED to read this book!
#macandcheesetheoriginstory #macandcheese #theoriginstory #thedeliciousduos #thedeliciousduosseries #michaelbenner #alisonhawkins #books #childrensbooks #childrenspicturebooks #picturebooks #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story is a hilarious picture book by Michael Benner that tells the tale of how mac and cheese became an iconic pairing. Mac is a piece of pasta who loves being social and meeting new noodles, but despite his best efforts, he still feels all alone. Driven to find his missing half, he ventures to Quesoland, where he meets King Cheese. The two quickly bond over their shared feelings of loneliness, ultimately discovering true friendship together.
What I liked: The illustrations are fantastic! They are bright, colorful, and perfectly complement the story's high energy. While it is a genuinely funny book, it also has a surprising amount of heart. Young readers will easily empathize with Mac and Cheese's feelings of isolation, making their journey to find connection both relatable and incredibly sweet. The text is packed with clever food puns that adults will easily chuckle at, even if some of the wordplay goes over the heads of younger readers.
I highly recommend this book to young readers who love a good laugh, a heartwarming friendship story, and a side of mac & cheese.
This review first appeared on YA Books Central and can be found here: https://yabookscentral.com/mac-and-ch...
What I liked: The illustrations are fantastic! They are bright, colorful, and perfectly complement the story's high energy. While it is a genuinely funny book, it also has a surprising amount of heart. Young readers will easily empathize with Mac and Cheese's feelings of isolation, making their journey to find connection both relatable and incredibly sweet. The text is packed with clever food puns that adults will easily chuckle at, even if some of the wordplay goes over the heads of younger readers.
I highly recommend this book to young readers who love a good laugh, a heartwarming friendship story, and a side of mac & cheese.
This review first appeared on YA Books Central and can be found here: https://yabookscentral.com/mac-and-ch...
Review of advance copy received from Author
I recently read an advanced copy of MAC & CHEESE: THE ORIGIN STORY, and it’s a strong (and very funny) debut from Michael Benner.
Michael has a signature mix of jokes, wordplay, and well-placed puns. The humor lands on two levels: kids get the big, playful comedy, while adults catch the sly turns of phrase woven throughout. Importantly, the book never talks down to young readers. The language is lively and clever without being complicated, and the jokes feel inclusive rather than inside.
At its heart, this is a story about how two distinct characters become a duo—something Michael clearly enjoys exploring in his work. The “origin story” structure gives the book momentum, and the back-and-forth dynamic between Mac and Cheese creates plenty of comedic friction before their partnership clicks into place. The pacing works well for read-alouds, with natural beats that invite emphasis and timing.
Beneath the wordplay is a simple, satisfying message about connection and complementing one another’s strengths. A perfectly cheesy book about friendship.
Michael has a signature mix of jokes, wordplay, and well-placed puns. The humor lands on two levels: kids get the big, playful comedy, while adults catch the sly turns of phrase woven throughout. Importantly, the book never talks down to young readers. The language is lively and clever without being complicated, and the jokes feel inclusive rather than inside.
At its heart, this is a story about how two distinct characters become a duo—something Michael clearly enjoys exploring in his work. The “origin story” structure gives the book momentum, and the back-and-forth dynamic between Mac and Cheese creates plenty of comedic friction before their partnership clicks into place. The pacing works well for read-alouds, with natural beats that invite emphasis and timing.
Beneath the wordplay is a simple, satisfying message about connection and complementing one another’s strengths. A perfectly cheesy book about friendship.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A humorous picture book with messages on being yourself and friendship mixed in with a hilarious, pun-filled story about how Mac & Cheese get together!
Absolutely well worth the read with younger elementary for the fun of it and some positive messaging but extends into older grades when trying to explain the concept of a pun. Sadly, many elementary readers/listeners won’t fully understand the humor without a lot of explanation which lessens the humor. For those without extensive experience with types of cheese outside the well-known cheddar and queso, the verbal explanations will lessen the comedic effect.
This is a new series from author Michael Bonner and publisher Scholastic with the Cookies and Milk installment to follow.
Thanks for sending me a big book version for review plus stickers, activity sheets and macaroni necklace craft, Scholastic!
Absolutely well worth the read with younger elementary for the fun of it and some positive messaging but extends into older grades when trying to explain the concept of a pun. Sadly, many elementary readers/listeners won’t fully understand the humor without a lot of explanation which lessens the humor. For those without extensive experience with types of cheese outside the well-known cheddar and queso, the verbal explanations will lessen the comedic effect.
This is a new series from author Michael Bonner and publisher Scholastic with the Cookies and Milk installment to follow.
Thanks for sending me a big book version for review plus stickers, activity sheets and macaroni necklace craft, Scholastic!
July 18, 2026
There are some books that have deep and lasting appeal to both children and to the adults who read to them. This book is one of them. Author Michael Brenner has packed this story of a quest for friendship with so many jokes, puns, and sly references that each page brings more smiles. What I loved most about this book was the section on Cheese. As King of Quesoland, Cheese's search for a friend affects the way he ruled—and the way the people around him respond. In classrooms and library read-aloud sessions, I could see this leading to great discussions on how to treat others.
Who needs this book? Any kids who loves Mac & Cheese—and all the adults who read to them... Enjoy!
Who needs this book? Any kids who loves Mac & Cheese—and all the adults who read to them... Enjoy!
Review of advance copy
I LOVED Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story by Michael L. Benner. It's so unique, witty, funny and entertaining! I received an advance reader copy and enjoyed this book tremendously. Kids and adults will love the adventures of this duo. As a teacher, I cannot wait to read it to my students. It's an uplifting story of what it means to be a friend and never giving up. It's a laugh out loud read. The illustrations are a hit as well. Kids will pour over the pictures and want to hear this story again and again. I highly recommend! It's well worth it!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Mac and Cheese: the origin story by Michael Benner and Alison Hawkins. PICTURE BOOK. Orchard Books (Scholastic), JULY 2026. $20. 9781546140764
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
How did macaroni and cheese become the yummy partnership we know today?
Benner and Hawkins give us a humor filled look at a great partnership. Full of puns, which I am not sure most kids will get, but the adults who read this aloud to them will snort as they go along. It is quite a funny tale.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
How did macaroni and cheese become the yummy partnership we know today?
Benner and Hawkins give us a humor filled look at a great partnership. Full of puns, which I am not sure most kids will get, but the adults who read this aloud to them will snort as they go along. It is quite a funny tale.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
Review of advance copy received from Author
This "pun"derfully funny picture book shows two lonely characters whose unlikely friendship has so many "pasta"bilities. Kids can relate to what it's like to feel like the odd one out. I admire how Mac (the pasta character) persists on his quest to find someone to befriend.
Kids will lol at the jokes and puns that are on every page. The bright art makes the characters and their world really pop.
I look forward to other books in this new series.
Kids will lol at the jokes and puns that are on every page. The bright art makes the characters and their world really pop.
I look forward to other books in this new series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Have you ever wondered how mac and cheese got together? Well, Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story is the book for you. I had the opportunity to read the ARC. Mac & Cheese was a wonderful and fun book to read. Even as an adult, I giggled out loud with well-placed puns and little jokes. The illustrations were colorful and added depth to the storyline. What a great book on friendships. Will make for a fun read-aloud and would be the perfect addition to any home or school library.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Michael Benner's debut picture book is a delight! I got my hand on the ARC and am so glad I pre-ordered this one. The puns are genuinely hilarious and will tickle children and adults alike. The illustrations are bright, fun, and filled with witty jokes (like the "angel hair salon" - hilarious!) I can't wait to read more of the series. What a fun and well executed concept. It's sure to be a staple in my home.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A delight from start to finish! This pun-filled tale is both sweet (and savory!)—a charming story of friendship that celebrates differences in background, personality, and perspective. With clever wordplay that adults and young readers alike will enjoy, the book delivers a heartwarming message about connection and belonging without ever feeling heavy-handed. A deliciously fun read for all ages!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story "A rich, comforting, and indulgent classic."
Great work by Michael Benner and Alison Hawkins, a great duo themselves.
Thank you, for the Advanced Reader Copy!
This adventure is FUN from cover to cover. Great illustrations, jokes, and story.
Can't wait for my personal copy and to see what ya'll cook up next.
Great work by Michael Benner and Alison Hawkins, a great duo themselves.
Thank you, for the Advanced Reader Copy!
This adventure is FUN from cover to cover. Great illustrations, jokes, and story.
Can't wait for my personal copy and to see what ya'll cook up next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
MAC & CHEESE is a fun story of friendship as both mac and cheese struggle to fit in – until they find each other! The text is filled with delightful puns and jokes that will have kids laughing. The bright, comical illustrations add so much humor, too. This is a book kids will want to read again and again!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The was such a fun read. I think adults and children alike will enjoy reading. So many funny puns and jokes. So creative.
Also, I'll be purchasing a copy for my daughter - who is 36! She and her best friend have mac & cheese tattoos - one has mac, other has cheese. How could I not get this for her, right?
Also, I'll be purchasing a copy for my daughter - who is 36! She and her best friend have mac & cheese tattoos - one has mac, other has cheese. How could I not get this for her, right?
Review of advance copy received from Author
After seeing the title and cover of this story, I immediately had to read MAC & CHEESE: The Origin Story. It features Mac, a friendly Noodle that never quite fit in his community & Cheese, King of Quesoland. With loads of hilarious puns, a whole heaping of heart, paired perfectly with amazing illustrations, this book delivers in every way possible. I have no doubt that kids will LOVE!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is one of those really well-layered books that will appeal to kids and their adults. It's got so many fun cheese and pasta references and and puns. There's even a few pages on candy that children will love! At its heart, the story is about staying true to who you are and finding the people you click with, what a great SEL lesson!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hilarious! This is a book meant to be read many times over. Punchlines zing on every page. In queso they want to share some laughs, adults and young readers will memorize punny jokes throughout this cleverly written, brightly illustrated book of fun. And watch out once they’re on a roll!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Michael Brenner and Alison Hawkins have created a hilarious picture book about a delicious duo, Mac & Cheese. Filled with vibrant art and punny jokes, kids and adults will laugh their way through this fun story. Layered with a heartwarming theme of finding a true friend, this book is a must have.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A must purchase picturebook! Mac & Cheese is heartwarming, funny, and positively delicious! Kids and grownups will love the illustrations and get a kick out of Mac's journey to friendship, cheering for the ending. All in all, Mac & Cheese is a fantastic picturebook!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you love a book full of puns, this is the one for you! Plus, who doesn’t love mac & cheese? This picture book is full of cheerful illustrations, wordplay, and themes of friendship, perseverance, and belonging. All around good fun!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advance copy received from Author.
This book is filled with hilarious puns. The young readers will be asking to read it again and again and pouring over the illustrations. A delightful story that might lead to a dinner of mac and cheese!
This book is filled with hilarious puns. The young readers will be asking to read it again and again and pouring over the illustrations. A delightful story that might lead to a dinner of mac and cheese!
Review of advance copy received from Author
You pasta-tively gouda read this punny, silly, delicious book. It is quite literally packed with cheesy (and noodle-y) jokes. Full of heart and friendship, lots of word play, and fantastical adventures, Mac & Cheese will be the origin story you need in your life.
From a review copy.
From a review copy.
March 20, 2026
Riotously silly with puns and jokes on every page, this book also has a heartwarming story about finding a friends whose jokes you get. A fun book for dads who tell jokes and for the kids who put up with those jokes.
April 30, 2026
Punny, funny, and a delightful story about finding your people! It is a great origin story for how macaroni and cheese got together. I loved the world-building (can I live in the Desert of Dessert?!) and all the fantastic food puns. Definitely one that will be read over and over again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ooh, I love a picture book with silly wordplay, and it's extra-gouda when it's a little bit cheesy. There are oodles of noodles (and also fun) in this one! And best of all, it's a new friendship story where Mac and Cheese meet and become friends. Kids will love it!
July 18, 2026
Laugh out loud, fun read full of “Dad jokes” and cute puns throughout. It has a cute story line as well about friendship and being true to yourself. As much for adults as kids, especially the pasta and cheese loving types! Never laughed so much with a picture book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews