Do I need to read the other Stink books first?

Not at all. While there are recurring characters like his sister Judy, each book stands alone. You can jump into the Shakespeare camp drama without any prior homework.

Is the Shakespeare stuff actually accurate?

In a 'kid-friendly' way, yes. It introduces real terms and the general theatrical atmosphere, but it’s more about the experience of being in a play than a deep dive into iambic pentameter.

Is there any 'romance' to worry about with the kiss plotline?

It’s strictly in the 'ew, cooties' zone. The humor comes from Stink’s desperate attempts to avoid the stage kiss, which is a classic trope for this age group.

What is the actual reading level?

It’s generally cited at a 2nd to 3rd-grade reading level (Lexile around 500-600L). The vocabulary is accessible but includes enough 'stretch' words to keep it interesting.

Stink: Hamlet and Cheese – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Stink: Hamlet and Cheese

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2021

90%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Stink takes on the Bard at drama camp, discovering that Shakespearean insults are way more fun than real ones.

Stink: Hamlet and Cheese

book

2021

90%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

Stink takes on the Bard at drama camp, discovering that Shakespearean insults are way more fun than real ones.

4.8

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4.8

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Where to Read

Amazon

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Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

If you want a book that makes 'high culture' feel like a playground, this is it. Stink: Hamlet and Cheese is a smart, funny addition to the series that manages to teach a little bit of literary history while focusing on the universal dread of having to kiss someone on stage.

It’s a safe, high-quality pick for early elementary kids, especially those who might find traditional 'classics' intimidating. It’s not just a book about Shakespeare; it’s a book about finding your confidence when you’re the odd one out.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 6-9 age bracket. It’s a great bridge for kids moving out of early readers into more substantial chapter books, especially if they already like the Judy Moody universe.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The Stink series consistently models age-appropriate social navigation. Here, it’s about trying something new (theater camp), managing sibling dynamics with Judy, and dealing with being the only boy in a group without making it a huge, gender-coded ordeal.

Imaginative

The focus on a 'Shakespeare Sprite' camp naturally encourages roleplay, creative language (silly curses), and performance. It makes the world of acting feel accessible and fun rather than stuffy.

Safe

It's a Stink book. The stakes are low, the humor is gentle, and the 'danger' is limited to foam swordplay and the looming threat of a stage kiss.

Enriching

It’s a fantastic, low-pressure introduction to William Shakespeare. Using 'silly curses' and swordplay is a brilliant way to build background knowledge and vocabulary for kids who aren't ready for the actual plays yet.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Intro to the Bard without the homework vibes. It uses the fun parts of theater—swords and insults—to hook kids into classic literature.
Sibling dynamics that feel real. Stink and Judy Moody have a classic brother-sister relationship that is relatable but never crosses into being mean-spirited.
Early chapter book win. The pacing is fast, the font is readable, and the illustrations help keep reluctant readers engaged.
Normalizes theater for boys. Stink navigating being the only boy at camp is handled with humor and makes the performing arts feel like a valid space for everyone.

⚠

What to Watch For

Expect the usual Judy Moody sibling bickering. If your kid is sensitive to sibling conflict, there's a little bit of the standard 'big sister' teasing here.
The 'Shakespearean curses' are silly and harmless (think 'Thou art a boil!'), but if you're in a strict 'no-insult' household, be prepared for some creative name-calling.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Stink was so worried about being the only boy at the Shakespeare camp?"
"If you had to pick a Shakespearean insult for a grumpy character, what would it be?"
"Would you rather do the sword-fighting part of a play or have to memorize a long speech?"
"How does Judy usually treat Stink when he's trying something new?"

Deep Dive

The 'Stink' Formula Still Works

Megan McDonald has a gift for writing younger brothers who aren't just annoying sidekicks. In Hamlet and Cheese, Stink is the protagonist dealing with a very specific kind of social anxiety: being the only boy in a theater program. For parents of boys who might be hesitant about the arts, this is a great 'stealth' endorsement of drama and performance.

Why Shakespeare for Second Graders?

Most kids don't encounter the Bard until middle or high school, where the language can feel like a brick wall. By introducing the vibe of Shakespeare—the drama, the costumes, and the specific cadence of the insults—this book builds a 'language comprehension' strand that will actually help them later. It’s literacy practice disguised as a story about a kid who really doesn't want Riley Rottenberger to be his stage-mate.

Reading Level and Engagement

Like the rest of the series, the book uses Peter H. Reynolds' illustrations to break up the text. This is crucial for kids who are still building their decoding stamina. If your kid is a fan of Dog Man but you want to nudge them toward something more narrative-driven, Stink is a perfect intermediate step. It’s funny enough to keep them turning pages but structured enough to feel like a 'real' novel.

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