Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Fast
- Mood
- Humorous, Witty, Absurdist, Playful
- Read it if
- You enjoy clever, laugh-out-loud humor and want to see classic fairy tales turned completely on their head.
- Skip it if
- You prefer traditional, earnest retellings of fairy tales or dislike meta-narratives and absurdism.
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Stinky Cheese Man
The story opens with a giant creating a Stinky Cheese Man, who immediately runs off, similar to the Gingerbread Man. He meets a cow, a pig, and a village of people, all of whom chase him because of his strong smell. The Stinky Cheese Man repeatedly teases his pursuers with, 'Run, run, as fast as you can! You can't catch me, I'm the Stinky Cheese Man!' He eventually reaches a river where a fox offers to carry him across. The fox, unable to stand the smell, lets him go. The Stinky Cheese Man's end is unclear; the narrator suggests he might have dissolved or simply disappeared into the air.
Little Red Running Shorts
Little Red Running Shorts walks to her sick grandmother's house with a basket of food. She meets the Big Bad Wolf, who simply tells her he will eat her, instead of tricking her. Little Red, being very fast, outruns the wolf to her grandmother's house. She warns her grandmother, and they make a plan. When the wolf arrives, Little Red and her grandmother trick him into falling into a pot of boiling water. He escapes, scalded and defeated. The story changes the traditional tale by giving Red more power and a modern, athletic personality.
The Princess and the Bowling Ball
A prince searches for a real princess to marry. Many princesses come, but none seem right. Following an old custom, the queen places a pea under mattresses to test their sensitivity. This story, however, has a twist: the prince, not impressed by the usual method, uses a bowling ball instead of a pea. A true princess, he believes, would be so delicate that even a bowling ball under the mattresses would keep her awake. A princess arrives, and the bowling ball test happens, leading to a funny and unexpected outcome that questions the traditional fairy tale's logic.
The Really Ugly Duckling
A mother duck's eggs hatch, and one duckling is very ugly. Its siblings and other farm animals make fun of it. The ugly duckling leaves home, looking for a place to belong. It meets different animals, but none accept it. Finally, it finds a group of other equally ugly birds. Instead of turning into a beautiful swan, the ugly duckling discovers it is simply a 'really ugly duckling' and finds acceptance among its own kind, embracing its unique look. This tale offers a funny and self-accepting version of the classic story.
Cinderumpelstiltskin
Cinderumpelstiltskin is a servant girl treated badly by her wicked stepsisters and stepmother. She wants to go to the ball, and a fairy godmother appears, granting her wish with magic. However, instead of a simple time limit, Cinderumpelstiltskin meets a small creature (Rumpelstiltskin) who offers to help with chores and attend the ball, but demands her firstborn child in return. Cinderumpelstiltskin must deal with the ball, the prince, and the creature's deal, combining two classic fairytales into a chaotic and humorous new story.
The Other Frog Prince
A princess loses her golden ball in a well. A frog offers to get it in exchange for her friendship, sharing her meals, and sleeping in her bed. The princess reluctantly agrees, but after getting her ball back, she tries to go back on her promise. The frog insists. Instead of a kiss turning him into a prince, the disgusted princess throws the frog against the wall. To her surprise, he changes, but not into a prince; he becomes something else and just as unappealing, changing the romantic expectations of the original story with dark humor.
Jack's Bean Problem
Jack trades his cow for magic beans, which his mother angrily throws out the window. A giant beanstalk grows overnight. Jack climbs it, expecting the usual adventure with a giant and gold. However, the beanstalk in this version is unstable and breaks easily. Jack repeatedly falls, gets tangled, and faces various slapstick problems during his climb. The story focuses on the physical comedy and the pointlessness of his attempts, humorously frustrating the traditional story of Jack's successful climb and heroic deeds, suggesting some adventures are not meant to happen.
The Little Red Hen
The Little Red Hen finds a grain of wheat and asks her friends—the Dog, the Cat, and the Mouse—for help in planting it, harvesting it, taking it to the mill, and baking the bread. Each time, her friends say, 'Not I!' The Little Red Hen, annoyed, does all the work herself. When the bread is baked, her friends are eager to help. However, the Little Red Hen, instead of sharing, eats the entire loaf herself, teaching her lazy friends a harsh, funny lesson about responsibility and consequences, made stronger by the narrator's comments.
The Ugly Duckling (Reprise)
This short part comes after 'The Really Ugly Duckling.' It features the narrator and a character (often a chicken or a duck) talking about the previous story. The character points out that the Ugly Duckling did not turn into a beautiful swan, questioning the traditional ending. The narrator defends the 'really ugly' outcome, saying that not every story needs a conventional happy or transformative ending. This section comments on the book's revised approach, showing its deliberate change of fairy tale ideas and encouraging a different view of beauty and acceptance.
The Tortoise and the Hair
The Tortoise and the Hair (a clump of hair, not a rabbit) decide to race. The Hair is very fast but easily distracted and vain. The Tortoise, slow and steady, starts the race. The Hair, confident, stops to admire itself and get styled. Meanwhile, the Tortoise moves along. The story plays on the pun of 'hair' versus 'hare,' leading to a literal interpretation where a piece of hair is the competitor. The Tortoise, through persistence, wins the race, while the Hair is still busy with its looks, showing the moral in a silly, literal way.
Chicken Licken
Chicken Licken is hit on the head by an acorn and immediately thinks the sky is falling. He sets out to tell the King, gathering foolish animals along the way: Henny Penny, Cocky Locky, Ducky Lucky, Goosey Loosey, Turkey Lurkey, and Foxy Loxy. Foxy Loxy, the only clever one, leads them all into his den, presumably to eat them. The story has chaotic energy, frequent interruptions, and a sense of coming trouble that is both funny and a dark twist on the traditional ending, with the narrator often commenting on the absurdity.
The Stinky Cheese Man (Ending)
The book returns to the Stinky Cheese Man, giving a final, clear (and unpleasant) end to his tale. After escaping the fox, the Stinky Cheese Man continues to run, but his smell becomes so strong that he simply falls apart, dissolving into a puddle of foul-smelling cheese. This ending shows the book's disrespectful tone, denying the character a conventional escape or change. Instead, it leans into the literal meaning of his name. The narrator, often speaking directly to the reader, confirms the unpleasant end, providing a final, funny anti-climax.
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales Characters
The Narrator
Meta-storyteller
The voice guiding and constantly interrupting the tales.
The Narrator is less a character and more a meta-presence, constantly breaking the fourth wall, interrupting stories, commenting on the book's structure, and engaging in arguments with other characters (like the Little Old Man). They are irreverent, impatient, and often sarcastic, delighting in subverting expectations and pointing out the ridiculousness of traditional fairy tales. Their voice is central to the book's humor and deconstructionist approach.
Relationships: The Little Old Man (antagonistic, argumentative); Chicken Little (frustrated by his presence)
The Little Old Man
Minor antagonist/annoyance
A recurring character who constantly asks for his story, 'The Little Old Man Who Lived in a Shoe'.
The Little Old Man is a persistent, somewhat whiny character who keeps popping up throughout the book, demanding that the Narrator tell his story, 'The Little Old Man Who Lived in a Shoe'. He serves as a running gag and a foil to the Narrator's attempts to tell other tales. His repeated interruptions and pleas highlight the book's playful disruption of narrative conventions, as his story is never fully told in the expected way.
Relationships: The Narrator (persistent annoyance to the Narrator)
The Stinky Cheese Man
Protagonist of his own tale
A pungent, anthropomorphic cheese character who runs from everyone.
The Stinky Cheese Man is a direct parody of the Gingerbread Man, but with a crucial, odoriferous twist. He is created by a giant and immediately flees, taunting his pursuers with his catchphrase. His defining characteristic is his overwhelming stench, which ultimately proves to be his undoing. He is driven by a simple instinct to run and escape, embodying the absurdity of a character defined by a single, unpleasant trait.
Relationships: The Giant (creator); The Fox (brief, ill-fated helper)
Little Red Running Shorts
Protagonist
An athletic, quick-thinking version of Little Red Riding Hood.
Little Red Running Shorts is a modern, active, and savvy take on the classic Little Red Riding Hood. She is characterized by her speed and intelligence, able to outrun the Big Bad Wolf and, with her grandmother, outsmart him. She is not a helpless victim but an empowered young girl who takes charge of her own safety. Her resourcefulness and physical prowess are central to her character.
Relationships: Big Bad Wolf (antagonistic); Grandmother (collaborative in defense)
The Big Bad Wolf
Antagonist
A less cunning, more direct version of the classic villain.
The Big Bad Wolf in this collection is still a villain, but often less effective and more bumbling than his traditional counterpart. In 'Little Red Running Shorts', he's outsmarted and outrun. In 'Chicken Licken', he's a cunning predator, but the story's overall absurdity diminishes his menace. He often serves as a punchline or a predictable obstacle that is easily overcome, rather than a truly terrifying force.
Relationships: Little Red Running Shorts (antagonistic); Chicken Licken (predator to the flock)
Cinderumpelstiltskin
Protagonist
A Cinderella figure entangled with Rumpelstiltskin's bargain.
Cinderumpelstiltskin is a fusion of two classic fairytale heroines, embodying the mistreated servant girl who longs for a better life. Her defining trait is her predicament: not only does she face the usual challenges of a Cinderella, but she also makes a perilous bargain with Rumpelstiltskin. She is a character caught between different fairytale tropes, showcasing the humor that arises from their collision.
Relationships: Rumpelstiltskin (bargaining partner); Prince (romantic interest)
Rumpelstiltskin
Antagonist/Magical Helper
The impish figure who demands a high price for his help.
Rumpelstiltskin appears in 'Cinderumpelstiltskin', bringing his signature sinister bargain to the Cinderella narrative. He is a magical, demanding, and self-serving imp whose presence twists the traditional fairytale. He is driven by his desire for a firstborn child, making him a formidable and unsettling figure despite the book's comedic tone. His character highlights the darker, more transactional side of magic in fairytales.
Relationships: Cinderumpelstiltskin (bargaining partner)
The Little Red Hen
Protagonist
A diligent, no-nonsense hen who teaches her friends a lesson.
The Little Red Hen is a hardworking and independent character, tired of her lazy friends. She embodies the virtue of self-reliance and the frustration of dealing with freeloaders. Her defining moment comes when she decides to keep the fruits of her labor entirely to herself, providing a stark and humorous lesson in consequences. She is pragmatic and decisive, subverting the expectation of communal sharing.
Relationships: Dog, Cat, Mouse (lazy, unhelpful friends)
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales Themes
Subversion of Fairytale Tropes
The main theme is the playful breaking down of classic fairytale stories. Scieszka and Smith take familiar tales and change their plots, characters, and morals in unexpected, often absurd ways. For example, the Ugly Duckling stays ugly but finds acceptance, and the Frog Prince does not turn into a prince but something unappealing. This makes readers question their ideas of how fairytales 'should' end, showing the artificiality of storytelling itself, as seen in the narrator's constant interruptions.
“And they all lived happily ever after. Yeah, right.”
Meta-commentary on Storytelling
The book constantly highlights that it is a story. The narrator often talks directly to the reader, argues with characters, and comments on the book's structure and layout. This meta-narrative explores the storytelling process, questioning rules, character reasons, and audience expectations. The Little Old Man's repeated demand for his story, which is never fully told, is a good example, as is the narrator's direct address to the reader about the 'stupid' tales.
“And here's another story that doesn't really belong.”
Identity and Acceptance
While often funny, the book touches on identity and acceptance, especially in 'The Really Ugly Duckling'. Instead of changing into a beautiful swan, the duckling finds a place among other 'really ugly' birds, accepting its unique appearance rather than fitting into standard beauty ideas. This offers a message about self-acceptance and finding one's own kind, regardless of what society expects, though it uses humor. The Stinky Cheese Man, too, is defined entirely by his unique (and unpleasant) identity.
“He was just a really ugly duckling. And he lived happily ever after.”
Consequences and Responsibility
Several tales show the theme of consequences, often with a funny or dark twist. The Little Red Hen's friends, who refuse to help, face the consequence of not getting any bread. Little Red Running Shorts and her grandmother make sure the Big Bad Wolf faces the consequences of his actions. Even the Stinky Cheese Man's strong smell leads to his messy end. This theme shows that actions have results, often in ways that defy traditional fairytale justice or kindness.
“And the Little Red Hen ate up the bread all by herself.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Fourth Wall Break
Characters and narrator directly address the reader or comment on the book itself.
This is a pervasive device, with the Narrator constantly interjecting, commenting on the page layout, the book's title, and the stories themselves. Characters like the Little Old Man also break the fourth wall by demanding their story be told. This device creates a highly self-aware and interactive reading experience, drawing attention to the artificiality of the narrative and engaging the reader in the book's meta-humor.
Parody and Satire
Humorous imitation and exaggeration of classic fairytales.
The entire collection functions as a parody and satire of traditional fairytales. Each story takes a well-known narrative ('Little Red Riding Hood', 'The Princess and the Pea', 'The Gingerbread Man') and exaggerates or twists its elements for comedic effect. This device relies on the reader's prior knowledge of these tales, making the subversions all the more effective and humorous. The Stinky Cheese Man's fate and the Princess and the Bowling Ball are prime examples.
Running Gags
Repeated jokes or elements that recur throughout the book.
Several running gags contribute to the book's comedic rhythm. The most prominent is the Little Old Man's repeated appearances, demanding his story 'The Little Old Man Who Lived in a Shoe', which is never fully told. Other gags include the Narrator's constant interruptions and the repeated use of certain phrases or visual motifs. These gags build familiarity and anticipation, reinforcing the book's playful and chaotic tone.
Anachronism
Elements out of their proper historical or chronological order.
The book often features anachronisms that add to its modern, irreverent feel. Little Red Running Shorts wears 'running shorts' and is athletic, a distinctly modern concept for a classic fairytale character. The prince uses a 'bowling ball' instead of a pea. These anachronisms playfully clash with the traditional fairytale settings, highlighting the blend of old and new that defines the book's unique style.
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales Quotes
“Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away... wait a minute, that's a different story.”
“The Stinky Cheese Man woke up with a bad feeling. He smelled like... well, you know.”
“And the moral of the story is: Never trust a talking frog. Unless he gives you money.”
“Little Red Running Shorts was taking a shortcut through the woods when she saw a wolf wearing a designer suit.”
“The Ugly Duckling was not just ugly. He was ugly and had bad breath. And he couldn't sing.”
“The Princess and the Pea? Forget the pea. She slept on a stack of encyclopedias and still couldn't feel it.”
“Goldilocks tried the first bowl of porridge. 'Too hot!' she cried. She tried the second bowl. 'Too cold!' she shivered. She tried the third bowl. 'Just right!' she said. Then she ate all three bowls and felt sick.”
“The Gingerbread Man ran as fast as he could. 'Run, run, as fast as you can! You can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!' he yelled. Then he tripped.”
“The Giant was so big, he had to take two steps just to get out of bed.”
“The Little Old Woman who lived in a shoe had so many children, she didn't know what to do. So she bought a bigger shoe.”
“The Tortoise and the Hare had a race. The Hare got tired and took a nap. The Tortoise won. The End. (Unless you count the rematch, which the Hare won easily.)”
“This book is not for you. Go read something else. Like a phone book.”
“And they all lived happily ever after. Except for the wolf, who got a stomachache.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
Which traditional fairy tale character is conspicuously absent from the beginning of 'The Stinky Cheese Man' story, despite being the titular character?
- Little Red Hen
- The Gingerbread Man
- Jack
- The Ugly Duckling
Show answer
B. The Gingerbread Man The Stinky Cheese Man story begins with the Old Woman baking, but the Gingerbread Man, who is usually baked in the original story, is mentioned as 'not in this story' by the narrator.
Question 2
In 'The Princess and the Bowling Ball', what does the Prince use to test if the Princess is 'truly royal' instead of a pea?
- A tiny pebble
- A bowling ball
- A golf ball
- A stack of pancakes
Show answer
B. A bowling ball True to the title, the Prince places a bowling ball under the Princess's stack of mattresses, which she obviously feels.
Question 3
What happens to the Big Bad Wolf at the end of 'Little Red Running Shorts'?
- He eats Grandma and Little Red Running Shorts.
- He gets eaten by the Stinky Cheese Man.
- He gets flattened by a giant anvil.
- He is eaten by the Woodsman, who mistakes him for a bear.
Show answer
D. He is eaten by the Woodsman, who mistakes him for a bear. The Woodsman, who is 'a little near-sighted', mistakes the Big Bad Wolf for a bear and cooks him into a stew.
Question 4
Who is the narrator of the stories, constantly interjecting and commenting on the tales and the book itself?
- Jack (from Jack and the Beanstalk)
- The Ugly Duckling
- The Stinky Cheese Man
- Little Red Running Shorts
Show answer
A. Jack (from Jack and the Beanstalk) Jack, often confused and frustrated, serves as the primary narrator and commentator throughout the book, frequently interrupting to explain or complain.
Question 5
In 'The Really Ugly Duckling', what is the duckling's true identity at the end of the story?
- A beautiful swan
- A chicken
- An ugly duckling
- A goose
Show answer
C. An ugly duckling Unlike the traditional tale, this duckling remains 'really ugly' and realizes that's just who he is, embracing his true, ugly self.
Question 6
What is the primary thematic device used by Jon Scieszka in this collection of stories?
- Strict adherence to traditional fairy tale structures.
- Moralizing and teaching clear lessons.
- Subversion and parody of classic fairy tales.
- Focus on realistic human experiences.
Show answer
C. Subversion and parody of classic fairy tales. The book is famous for its revisionist approach, taking well-known fairy tales and twisting their plots, characters, and morals for comedic effect.
Question 7
In 'The Stinky Cheese Man', how does the Stinky Cheese Man eventually meet his end?
- He is eaten by a fox.
- He runs into a wall and crumbles.
- He is eaten by a hungry cow.
- He is eaten by a giant, hungry, smelly old woman.
Show answer
D. He is eaten by a giant, hungry, smelly old woman. The story ends with the Stinky Cheese Man running into the mouth of a giant, hungry, smelly old woman, who then eats him.
Question 8
Which character is often depicted falling or in peril due to the book's unconventional page layouts and narrative interruptions?
- The Little Old Man
- The Giant
- Cinderella
- The Frog Prince
Show answer
B. The Giant The Giant (from Jack and the Beanstalk) is repeatedly shown falling through the book's pages, often due to Jack's narratorial interference or the book's own structural chaos.
Question 9
In 'Cinderumpelstilskin', what is the magical creature's name that helps Cinderella, and what does he demand in return?
- Rumpelstiltskin; her firstborn child.
- Rumplestiltskin; her name.
- Cinderellastiltskin; her glass slipper.
- Fairy Godmother; her gratitude.
Show answer
B. Rumplestiltskin; her name. The character is named Rumpelstiltskin, who helps Cinderumpelstilskin but demands her name in return, which she eventually gives him because she can't remember her own name.
Question 10
What is the overarching meta-narrative theme regarding the nature of storytelling itself in 'The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales'?
- That stories should always follow their traditional forms and morals.
- That stories can be endlessly reinterpreted, broken, and played with.
- That only serious and dramatic stories are worth telling.
- That every story must have a happy ending.
Show answer
B. That stories can be endlessly reinterpreted, broken, and played with. The book constantly breaks the fourth wall, disrupts narratives, and plays with reader expectations, emphasizing that storytelling is a fluid, creative, and often chaotic process.
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales FAQ
What is the overarching premise of 'The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales'?
The book is a collection of fractured fairy tales, where familiar stories are retold with absurd, anachronistic, and often self-aware twists. It deconstructs traditional narrative structures, frequently breaking the fourth wall and playing with reader expectations.
How does the Stinky Cheese Man's story differ from the traditional Gingerbread Man?
The Stinky Cheese Man is chased not because he's delicious, but because his overwhelming odor makes everyone want to avoid him. He runs from the old man, old woman, and various animals until he's finally eaten by the Fox, who then deeply regrets his decision due to the smell.
What happens in 'Little Red Running Shorts'?
Little Red Running Shorts is a speed demon who races through the woods to her Grandma's house. She arrives so quickly that the Wolf doesn't have time to set up his disguise, leading to a very confused and anticlimactic encounter.
Who is Cinderumpelstilskin and what is her dilemma?
Cinderumpelstilskin is a mashup of Cinderella and Rumpelstiltskin. She is forced to spin straw into gold by her stepsisters, but the mysterious Rumpelstiltskin helps her in exchange for her firstborn, leading to the classic name-guessing game at the end.
What role does the 'Chicken Licken' story play throughout the book?
Chicken Licken's story serves as a running gag and a meta-narrative element, constantly interrupted or restarting without ever reaching its conclusion. It highlights the book's playful disruption of traditional storytelling and its embrace of chaos.
Are there any recurring characters or narrators that tie the tales together?
While there isn't a single unifying narrator, the Jack character from 'Jack's Bean Problem' and 'The Princess and the Bowling Ball' appears multiple times, often in a state of confusion or minor distress. The Big Bad Wolf also makes several appearances, usually failing spectacularly.
How does the book's unconventional page numbering contribute to its themes?
The erratic and often nonsensical page numbering, along with the shifting table of contents and endpapers, deliberately disorients the reader and reinforces the book's theme of narrative subversion. It's a visual representation of the 'fairly stupid' nature of the tales themselves.
What is the significance of the illustrations by Lane Smith in conveying the book's humor?
Lane Smith's distinctive, often distorted and darkly humorous illustrations are integral to the book's comedic effect. They visually exaggerate the absurdities of the text, from the grotesque Stinky Cheese Man to the perpetually confused characters, enhancing the overall satirical tone.
How does the book challenge children's traditional understanding of heroes and villains?
The book consistently subverts typical hero/villain archetypes. The Big Bad Wolf is often depicted as incompetent or a victim of circumstance, while 'heroes' like Jack are frequently self-centered or bewildered, forcing children to question established moral roles.
What psychological impact might the constant narrative disruptions have on a young reader?
The frequent disruptions and meta-commentary can foster a more critical and analytical approach to storytelling in young readers. It encourages them to think beyond linear narratives and to appreciate humor in unexpected places, potentially developing a higher tolerance for ambiguity.
In what ways does the book encourage creative thinking and breaking away from conventions?
By demonstrating how familiar stories can be radically reimagined, the book implicitly encourages children to experiment with their own narratives and not feel constrained by traditional structures. It shows that rules can be bent and broken for creative effect.
How does the humor in 'The Stinky Cheese Man' appeal to both children and adults?
The humor operates on multiple levels: slapstick and silly situations appeal to children, while the meta-commentary, literary deconstruction, and satirical takes on classic tropes provide intellectual amusement for adults. This layering makes it a book enjoyable for co-readers.
Is the book primarily a parody, or does it offer deeper commentary on storytelling itself?
While undoubtedly a parody, it transcends mere mockery by offering profound commentary on the nature of storytelling. It exposes the arbitrary conventions of fairy tales and celebrates the freedom of narrative invention, questioning why stories 'have' to be told in a certain way.
What is the book's message about perfection and imperfection in narratives?
The book champions imperfection and chaos, suggesting that stories don't need to be tidy, logical, or even complete to be engaging and meaningful. It embraces the 'fairly stupid' as a valid and often more entertaining alternative to the perfectly crafted tale.
How does the book prepare young readers for more complex literary concepts like postmodernism?
By introducing elements like unreliable narration, meta-fiction, intertextuality, and the breaking of the fourth wall in an accessible, humorous way, 'The Stinky Cheese Man' subtly lays groundwork for understanding postmodern literary techniques, making future encounters less daunting.
About the author
Jon Scieszka is an American author known for his contributions to children's literature. He is the creator of popular works such as "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs," "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales," and "Math Curse," which blend humor and creativity to engage young readers. His storytelling often incorporates playful twists on traditional narratives.
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