THE BIG CHEESE PRESENTS

In John and Oswald’s latest in their food-centric series, the Big Cheese throws fabulous Christmas celebrations each year—until a household catastrophe on party day requires a friend’s help.

The Big Cheese hosts great shindigs and isn’t afraid to brag about them, from the splendid decor and scintillating party patter to the unmatched gifts and eye-popping surprises. One annual party eclipses the next…until this year. Mid-preparation, strange noises begin emanating from the Big Cheese’s washing machine, which floods the house, short-circuiting the electricity. What will become of the party now? Frantic, the protagonist calls Wedge Wedgeman, a modest, practical friend who’s happy to host instead. The gathering at Wedge’s is cozy, understated, and fun; friends converse, eating chili and sipping cocoa. A phonograph plays music, a fire crackles, and the evening ends with a group photo. Everyone leaves with a holiday card from Wedge (in contrast with the Big Cheese’s over-the-top gift bags). The Big Cheese and Wedge share a high-five, a hug, and ideas about co-hosting next year. Walking home, the Big Cheese realizes that Christmas is simply about sharing time, music, and food with friends. Naturally, though, the Big Cheese reserves rights to future extravaganzas: “Hey, it’s not like my personality changed in a day.” John captures his hero’s endearingly braggadocious voice, while Oswald delivers cheerful cartoons, comically telegraphing the Big Cheese’s gazillion emotional states.

An appealing holiday confection from a sturdy brand.