I Don't Like Cheese
by Lizi Jackson
a children's book about learning to love the things that make us different
I wrote "I Don't Like Cheese" for my amazing son Jacob when he was little. He's autistic and I wanted him to know that the things that make him different are the best things about him.
I didn't know then that his sister Layla is also autistic... or that I am too!
Now, over ten years after writing "I Don't Like Cheese", I still believe our strength comes from not only accepting our differences but from owning them and celebrating them however we can - and from helping other people to feel fantastic about what makes them different too.
Matty the Mouse has been keeping a sad secret...he is different from the rest of his family. No matter how hard he tries to be the same as his Mum and Dad he just doesn't seem to fit in.
Will Matty realise that being different is what makes him special?
I Don't Like Cheese is a rhyming story about accepting differences in both ourselves and others, and discovering the happiness that comes from enjoying our differences rather than being ashamed of them.
Meet some of Matty's fans!
When you order "I Don't Like Cheese" I'll sign your copy so your child knows their book has come direct from the author! You can also choose for me to add a personalised message
The book is perfect for 4-8 year olds, but I have many parents of younger and older children telling me they loved it too. Read what parents are saying about "I Don't Like Cheese":
I absolutely LOVE the book! Most of all I love the Food for Thought questions at the end. Inspired, engaging and authentic - they lift the book from just a clever story to having a clear and important purpose. Hope that this is the first of a series that looks at these types of issues in a childlike but not patronising way.
Maz
We read it and he didn't breathe a word. He was enthralled, completely silent, and interested throughout. Now he's "reading" it back to me, talking excitedly about Matty the Mouse, and whispering "I don't like cheese"! It's a bloody winner!
Rebecca
My girls loved listening to me read this book tonight. It's a great book and I highly recommend it. It teaches children that it's OK to be different.
Donna
Great characters, lovely use of rhyme and repetition, a good length to keep a little one's attention, really expressive illustrations too. I particularly liked the Food for Thought questions at the end, and was delighted that my 6 year old daughter enjoyed thinking about them. I'd definitely recommend this book - it's a great starting point for discussions about what makes us different!
Jennifer
This has become required bedtime reading for my son. I love the fact that it focuses on how everyone is different and that's OK. Matty the Mouse struggles at first with being different, and I would imagine a lot of children - especially those with special needs - will relate to this. More than just your normal children's book.
Lilli
It is absolutely fabulous - a rich, imaginative story and wonderful illustrations. You have only to look inside the first few pages and the book comes to life. A great buy and highly recommended.
Jon
My daughter can't get enough of this book! Every evening when I read "I Don't Like Cheese" to her, she shouts: "Again, again!" It's very well written and has a very important message for children.
Georgia
My little Mia (aged 4) loved her bedtime story "I Don’t Like Cheese" tonight! We read through the questions afterwards and had a lovely chat about how it’s okay to like different things to our family and friends. She said her favourite part was the ending as it made her laugh!
Samantha