The ABCs of Wisconsin Cheese

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Written by Susan Apps-Bodilly
Illustrated by Renée Graef

An entertaining A-to-Z journey through the delicious world of Wisconsin cheese—fun for kids and anybody who’s ever enjoyed a squeaky curd!

32 pages, 8 x 10, color illustrations throughout
Hardcover: $18.95 | ISBN: 978-1-9766-0087-6
Ebook: $12.99 | ISBN: 978-1-9766-0088-3
Publication Date: 8/18/2026

Reading Level: Ages 5–9

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Front cover of The ABCs of Wisconsin Cheese

Description

Explore the wonderful world of cheese and the stories and makers behind the food that has made Wisconsin famous―one letter at a time! From family-owned dairy farms to award-winning cheese varieties produced across the state, this charming picture book introduces children to the state’s cheese-making traditions in a fun and accessible way.

Written by retired elementary and middle school teacher Susan Apps-Bodilly and beautifully illustrated by Renée Graef, an award-winning artist best known for her work on American Girl books and the My First Little House series, this book pairs playful, engaging artwork with an alphabet of cheese-related facts that educate and entertain. Learn how cheese is made, why curds squeak, and what makes Wisconsin cheeses so special.

Designed for readers ages 5–9 (grades K–3), The ABCs of Wisconsin Cheese is a perfect blend of education and entertainment that will delight children, families, and anyone curious about the state’s cheese-making heritage. The book is a tasty celebration of a beloved food tradition and the Dairy State’s most famous product—cheese!

Author Bio

Susan Apps-Bodilly

Susan Apps-Bodilly is a retired elementary and middle-school educator. She is the author of One Room Schools and Seeds in Soil and coauthor with Jerry Apps of Timber!, Old Farm Country Cookbook, and Old Farm Country Christmas, all published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin.

Illustrator Bio

Renée Graef

Renée Graef is an award-winning illustrator of more than 80 books for children, including the Kirsten series in the American Girl collection and many of the My First Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Renée is also the illustrator of the Wisconsin Historical Society Press books Sport: Ship Dog of the Great Lakes and Death’s Door: True Tales of Tragedy, Mystery, and Bravery from the Great Lakes' Most Dangerous Waters. She lives in Mineral Point, Wisconsin.