Stink: Hamlet and Cheese

Stink #11

by Megan McDonald, Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)

Hie thee to Shakespeare camp with Stink to learn fake sword-fighting, spout silly curses, and prithee try to escape a kiss . . . BLUCK!

It's spring break, and Stink is faced with a difficult choice: hang out at home with his sister, Judy, or become a Shakespeare Sprite with his friend Sophie of the Elves. Hanged be! When Sophie tells Stink that there will be swordplay and cursing at Shakespeare camp, his choice is made. But wait! How now? The eager young thespian hadn't counted on Riley Rottenberger being a Sprite, too. And he positively had not counted on being the only boy! Fie upon't!

Genres: Childrens, Chapter Books, Contemporary, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Humor, Middle Grade

144 pages, Hardcover

First published March 13, 2018

About the author

"Sometimes I think I am Judy Moody," says Megan McDonald, author of the Judy Moody series, the Stink series, and THE SISTERS CLUB. "I'm certainly moody, like she is. Judy has a strong voice and always speaks up for herself. I like that."

For Megan McDonald, being able to speak up for herself wasn't always easy. She grew up as the youngest of five sisters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her father, an ironworker, was known to his coworkers as "Little Johnny the Storyteller." Every evening at dinner the McDonalds would gather to talk and tell stories, but Megan McDonald was barely able to get a word in edgewise. "I'm told I began to stutter," she says, leading her mother to give her a notebook so she could start "writing things down."


Critically acclaimed, the Judy Moody books have won numerous awards, ranging from a PUBLISHERS WEEKLY Best Book of the Year to an International Reading Association Children's Choice. "Judy has taken on a life of her own," the author notes, with nearly 3 million Judy Moody books in print. Interestingly, the feisty third-grader is highly popular with boys and girls, making for a strong base of fans who are among Megan McDonald's strongest incentives to keep writing, along with "too many ideas and a little chocolate." And now -- by popular demand -- Judy Moody's little brother, Stink, gets his chance to star in his own adventures! Beginning with STINK: THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING KID, three more stories, and his own encyclopedia, STINK-O-PEDIA, Stink's special style comes through loud and strong -- enhanced by a series of comic strips, drawn by Stink himself, which are sprinkled throughout the first book. About the need for a book all about Stink, Megan McDonald says, "Once, while I was visiting a class full of Judy Moody readers, the kids, many with spiked hair à la Judy's little brother, chanted, 'Stink! Stink! Stink! Stink! Stink!' as I entered the room. In that moment, I knew that Stink had to have a book all his own."


More recently, Megan McDonald has recalled some of her own childhood with the warmth, humor -- and squabbles -- of three spunky sisters in THE SISTERS CLUB.


Megan McDonald and her husband live in Sebastopol, California, with two dogs, two adopted horses, and fifteen wild turkeys that like to hang out on their back porch.

Reviews

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s spring break and Stink joins Sophie of the Elves at Shakespeare Camp. Webster is in Mexico for spring break and with the promise of learning swordplay and Shakespeare type insults (Maggot pie!), Stink is convinced that being a Shakespeare Sprite will be fun. Except Sophie of the Elves neglects to mention two important points about camp:
1. Stink will be the only boy at camp 😳
2. One particular girl, Riley Rottenberger, will also be there. 🤮

While Riley is sometimes a friend and sometimes an enemy, she’s certainly annoying Stink in this book as she spends most of the camp trying to smooch, follow and otherwise harass him. Usually I find Riley an amusing annoyance in Stink stories but in this one there was no amusement, only annoyance.

Call me oversensitive if you like but if this was a book aimed at teens Riley’s behaviour would be in sexual harassment territory so I’m not so sure I liked it being made a joke of in this book. I pondered this while reading and I still enjoyed the book but this behaviour didn’t sit right with me.

I hadn’t realised the impact of the interplay between the three main characters until this book where Webster is absent. While it was still entertaining I did miss the banter between Stink, Webster and Sophie of the Elves. Without Webster there to add his personality to the mix some of the charm of my favourite Stink books, like Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk and Stink and the Shark Sleepover, was missing.

I don’t know how young readers will manage with the thee, thy and thou language along with the rest of the Shakespeare-speak. It’s a good introduction to some of the themes and stories of the Bard but that language can be intimidating when you first come across it.

I would have loved to have known the contents of Riley’s letter, although to be fair I read an ARC sans illustrations and it’s possible the letter’s contents may be shown in one of the illustrations.

I was disappointed I didn’t get to see the illustrations while I was reading but based on having already read most of both the Stink and Judy Moody series I know Peter H. Reynolds will come through in this book too. His illustrations are always spot on in both series, bringing the characters and scenes to life in a humourous way. I will make a point of borrowing this book from my library once it’s released to fill in the pieces that my imagination has missed or gotten wrong.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read this book.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun installment in the Stink series. Stink attends Shakespeare camp during spring break, where he learns Shakespearean insults and prepares and performs a scene from a play. I was impressed by the way the author makes Shakespeare accessible to chapter book readers without dumbing down his work. I also like the fact that Stink is enthusiastic about studying Shakespeare on his own, without being forced by a parent. The emphasis on swordplay and verbal sparring highlights the key aspects of Shakespeare that are particularly appealing to kids, and guides them away from the popular idea they can sometimes develop that Shakespeare is difficult or irrelevant to their interests.

The fact that Stink is the only boy at the camp adds an interesting dynamic to the story that will resonate with many elementary schoolers. Stink also worries that one of the girls will try to kiss him before the end of camp, a concern which provides fodder for a few humorous moments. This is the stuff of playground interactions in the early elementary grades, and Megan McDonald has a great ear for the way kids speak to one another at this age.

Hamlet and Cheese would be a great book to share with a child who is beginning to read stories based on Shakespeare's plays (or the plays themselves) as well as any child who has an affinity for stage acting. It's also sure to please established fans of the series, who will be glad to share another adventure with Stink.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Instructions:
Take famous Shakespeare lines and random Shakespeare info
Throw collected items in a blender
Purée
Pour mixture out on a page
From provided info craft story about Stink Moody

It was cute. Interesting way to introduce Shakespeare to kids.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the last 6 years I have read 40 books with the Moody’s. From the Judy moody Series, The Stink Series, The Judy and Stink books, and most recently the Judy Moody and Friend’s series. I started reading these books before I had kids, and now read them with my three children ages 11, 10 and 7. The Moody books are family favorites and we always look forward to a new book in any of the four series, and this book was another great read! I have yet to read anything by either McDonald or Reynolds that was not a great read. And tis book, these series are great for kids to read or to read with kids. We are at the point that my oldest two can read the Stink books by themselves or to the youngest. Or like this one we can take turns reading pages and worked through the book on a rainy afternoon.

This book is a big change for Stink. He has a girl interested in him. Stink and one of his best friends Sophie are at a camp called Shakespeare Sprite during spring break. When Stink gets there the first day he is the only boy. And Riley Rottenberger has promised him that he will get a great big kiss before the end of the week at camp. For the most part camp is fun, they learn Shakespeare insults, sword play and stage fighting. By the end of the week they will each get to be in a scene and their parents and friends can come. Stink’s fear of the kiss and the shenanigans surrounding that add some fun to the story. Both his sister Judy and Sophie help his make a shield to fend off the dreaded Rottenberger. They go to a community production of the cursed play, and Stink says the ‘M’ word several times.

Reading this book raised a lot of questions about Shakespeare. It is great to get younger children interested in the story. My kids immediately made the connection to Gnomeo and Juliette. And asked if any other movies or plays were appropriate. And living not far from Stratford Ontario and one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the world helps draw their interest even more.

This book would be a fun read for young fans of drama or children who like to put on performances (my girls). My son loved the stage fighting and sword play lessons in the book. For fans of the Stink books it is a great addition to the series. The book is entertaining for children and for those of us who read to or with them.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by mcDonald and Reynolds. Including reviews of most of the books about the Moody's.

[Denise Lauron · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up because it came up on a library search for another book and it looked fun. It was a cute book, but I think that a lot of the Shakespeare references would be lost on a younger reader, and the readers who understand the references aren't the target audience here.

It was a quick read, so I don't feel like I wasted my time reading it, but it was just OK.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hamlet and Cheese sounds a lot like a Kid College course offered at our local community college over the summer where kids learn the basics of drama and put on a small play for their parents at the end. For Stink and Sophie, Shakespeare camp included making silly faces, creating Shakespearean insults, learning lines, the art of stretching, role-playing, sword-fights and my favorite, dramatic death scenes. Hamlet and Cheese provides a brief introduction to Shakespeare and the theater while incorporating plenty of humor. Who knew that the earliest Knock Knock joke might have been from Macbeth? The insults are silly and amusing with ones like "maggot pie" and "toad-spotted bum bailey." I could see children wanting to come up with their own. There are even a few lines quoted from Macbeth and Hamlet, while the lines weren't explained fully, they might still pique a child's interest. I wish my ARC had included the finished artwork by Peter Reynolds, but I'm sure it will be just as fun as his previous illustrations for the Stink series. My favorite part is when Stink and Sophie are watching an outdoor performance of Macbeth and Stink's dog Pugsy tries to get in on the act.
*Review copy received from publisher in exchange for an honest review*

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of this series since Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express. These books fly off the shelf at my library. Now I can't honestly say I've read them all, just a smattering, but have always found them to be entertaining. I received this one from Netgalley to review, and found the tale just as much fun as ever! I think it was smart of Megan McDonald throw Stink into a Shakespeare group. Too few children are encountering Shakespeare, which is a shame, and the middle English language, which I recall even us grade schoolers back in the 1960's understood. I wonder who dropped the ball?? Anyway, nice intro to the Bard! There is some issue with Riley being after Stink; she's interested in him and tries to corner him for kisses. I guess it can be seen as sexual harassment, but it seems right behavior for the age-10-12. Not to condone it, someone maybe needs to have a talk with the young lady about appropriate behavior. And this book just might kick on a discussion concerning it! So- lots of cool insight in one book! great addition to the series.

[Kayla Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about Stink Moody going to a Shakesspeare acting camp over his spring break with his best friend. Stink was the only boy at the camp and there was one friend that just wanted to kiss him all week. Due to that his sister and friend helped him make a shield that would stop her from kissing him. During the camp they did many fun activities each day, and on the last day the families came and watched the kids perform pieces of different plays written by Shakesspear, and Stink and his partner has Hamlet. This book was a decent book, because while it was a good read, you have to be able to understand Shakespear while having some background information about his different plays he wrote and the language in which he wrote the plays. This book can be used when talking about different time periods, and how during different time period people did speak differently. For example, you can read what the kids are reading with Shakespear, and mention how even though it sounds funny to us now when the plays were written that is how people spoke.

[Kelly Tarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC review*
A great addition to the Stink series! Stink spends a week at a Shakespeare day camp, learning some basics about Shakespeare and acting. He gets to try his hand at sword-play, Shakespearean insults, and acting out a short scene from Hamlet at the end of the week. I enjoyed the Shakespearean facts and famous lines sprinkled throughout the book, as well as the Shakespearean insults (the perfect amount of "naughty" and silly for the reader).
The ARC did not have any artwork in it yet, but I am sure that Peter Reynolds has created the perfect artwork to supplement and break up the text for chapter-book readers.
As a teacher, I would have appreciated a short appendix with a brief bio of Shakespeare, or info about where the lines quoted in the book came from, and perhaps an insult generator for the reader to try, or a suggestion of where to find more info on Shakespeare aimed at kids.
Overall, a winner and a great introduction to the Bard for young kids.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Candlewick Press, have now read my first “Stink” book, this time Stink: Hamlet and Cheese. Stink is going to need to stay home with older sister Judy, so enticed by swordplay and magic spells from witches, he signs up instead for Shakespeare Camp with his friend Sophie of the Elves. There are lots of fun things during these days like learning the best ways to hurl insults via Shakespeare: “Thou art more loathsome than a toad.” or “Fie on thee.” and sword-fighting with pool noodles, a beginning way to learn. Unfortunately, Stink also has to contend with Riley Rottenberger (great name) who just want to kiss him (or so he thinks). It turns out to be a fun week with some silliness and seriousness, a big surprise for Stink, too. The only thing I missed with the ARC was that Peter H. Reynolds' wonderful illustrations were not included this time. I’m sure they make the story even better.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a few Judy Moody books in my day but this is my first Stink book and I definitely enjoyed the experience. The book was funny and I loved that it actually taught a lot about Shakespeare and even contained a few lines from it. The only negative thing, though it's a big drawback due to the target age, is that it contains some Shakespearean language that kids might have a hard time understanding. It's targeted at kids starting to read chapter books so they're still learning how to read a lot of words and learning a lot of vocabulary. Most of the words I think they can get from context but it would make the book even harder for kids to read. Otherwise, I loved the book and definitely recommend the series and the main series with Stink's sister, Judy.

I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Courtney Umlauf · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a lot of things Stink's enjoying during Shakespeare camp: learning Shakespearean insults, working on his sword fighting skills, and practicing how to die a glorious death on the stage. But there's one big negative: his sometimes-friend-but-mostly-enemy, Riley Rottenberger is also at the camp, and she seems bound and determined to lay a great big smooch on Stink before the week is over. Will Stink manager to avoid "a pox of girl cooties"?

A fun way for kids to learn a little bit about Shakespeare.

Series Review | TpT Store | Pinterest

[Jaymie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shakespeare camp pieces were fun. Illustrations were not available in my review copy, but they always add a terrific layer to Stink books. But I didn’t find a “spark” in this book. It was solid, and good, but not more than that.

I didn’t enjoy the emphasis on kissing - a girl trying to kiss Stink at camp and him trying to evade her. It all worked out fine in the end, but I didn’t think it was a necessary piece for 1st - 3rd grade readers. It raised consent questions for me as he resisted her - although this could open up important dialogue for kids.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judy Moody's brother is back with his 11th adventure - and he's going to Shakespeare camp! Stink and his friend Sophie head to camp for spring break, where they'll learn to sword fight and yell silly curses, like "fat guts" and "stewed prune". The only problem? Riley Rottenberger is at Shakespeare camp, too, and she's determined to land a kiss on Stink! Stink does his best to avoid Riley while getting ready to act in the camp's production of the Scottish play... yes, the Play That Shall Not Be Named (psst... it's MacBeth). This latest story is loaded with black and white illustrations, callout boxes of Shakespeare insults and fun facts, and a good story for Stink and Judy Moody fans. For readers who want to learn a little more about Shakespeare, a copy of Where's Will? Find Shakespeare Hidden in His Plays (Kane Miller, 2016) combines Shakespeare with Where's Waldo; the Stratford Zoo graphic novel series depicts zoo animals putting on Shakespearean plays with loads of backstage hilarity.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a boy named Stink that goes to camp with his friends. He decides to go to Shakespeare camp because he didn't want to be bored during his spring break. While at camp he gets to play the part of hamlet. He also had a great time at camp doing many fun activities. I enjoyed this book because he decided to get out of his comfort zone and go to a camp which typically young students wouldn't ever do that so it just shows the importance of trying new things. This book can be used to have the students create their own version of the Shakespeare play for language arts.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stink spends his Spring break at Shakespeare Camp, along with Sophie, and Riley Rottenberger. Stink, Sophie, and Riley learn some interesting facts about Shakespeare. By the end of the week they learn methods of stage acting, and perform the last scene from MacBeth in front of an audience. Although Stink is the only boy at camp, he doesn't mind because there is swordplay, knock-knock jokes, tongue twisters and colorful cursing to keep him interested.

[Heather Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hamlet and Cheese is a really fun intro to Shakespeare for elementary school kids. Stink goes to the Shakespeare Spites camp for Spring Break along with Sophie (and Riley Rottenburger). They learn Shakespearean insults, sword fighting, and even get to perform! As long a Riley doesn't reenact Romeo and Juliet, Stink will have the best Spring Break!

[Holli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading these books to Holland and Annelise at night. They get the giggles over all of Stink's antics. I also appreciate that the writing isn't "dumbed" down to be funny or easier to read. This book explored Shakespeare and actually plenty of mature vernacular and fascinating facts!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a cute story with great lead ins to Shakespeare for kids. Daughter was fascinated with the fun facts about Shakespeare and the things he contributed to our current society. Kept saying "Mom, did you know..."

[Alexis Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from my nephew. I was not expecting much from this book, but I ended up really enjoying it. The main character, Stink, goes to Shakespeare camp. This a great book to use to teach students dialogue.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adorable book! An enjoyable read for parent and child.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kids who like Stink will have someone and something to explore more deeply when they read about this camp. Just fun!

[Stefu Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter enjoyed this one. It's our first Stink book and now I think she will want to try another one.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun way to introduce Shakespeare.

[Lauri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3rd grade humor is not my thing, but I love that I could introduce my students to Shakespeare through this book!

[Samantha Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This could be a great introduction to poetry. Kids would love reading this book!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter loves this book and the rest of the series mostly because she likes how Judy Moody has her own series but they complete each other. it really makes reading more fun!

[IUS-F19 Bryce Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s spring break and stink gets to go learn about Shakespeare ad camp.

[JEnnifer Verbanac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun series for 2nd-4th graders. There isn't the potty humor that you find in so of the other books for this age range.

[Mary Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids absolutely love the many adventures of Judy and Stink. They are cute funny stories perfect for families with girls and boys between the ages of 6-11.