Parents' Guide to

The Mysterious Cheese Thief: Geronimo Stilton #31

By Kate James, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Mouse-authored series engages young readers.

Book Geronimo Stilton Mystery 2007
The Mysterious Cheese Thief: Geronimo Stilton #31 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

See all
age 7+

Based on 3 parent reviews

stiltonfan1
stiltonfan1 Parent
December 19, 2013
age 9+

Good or Bad Book? (First Review)

It is a good children's book. It's exciting just like all Geronimo Stilton books. The only problem is that it's a bit violent. But it's supposed to be a fun, action-packed adventure book so it's not that bad. For me it's alright because it's not like he really got seriously injured or even worse died. So it's okay. Also, it can't be much of an adventure if there's not a FEW injuries. If the characters are just having good luck and nothing happens to them it's going to be pretty boring. There should be some excitement and mystery.

This title has:

Too much violence
Hippiechild
Hippiechild Parent of 10-year-old
November 11, 2009
age 8+

This title has:

Great role models
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Geronimo Stilton, protagonist, mouse, and author, happens to be named after the very type of cheese that's mysteriously disappearing. With the help of his nephew, sister, and cousin he tries to get to the bottom of it. Will the makers of Stilton -- who think that Geronimo stole their name -- be satisfied once he solves the case?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (8 ):

This series will get young and reluctant readers engaged with full-color illustrations and a large, appealing typeset sprinkled generously with "big" or "fun" words drawn in special ways. (The word, "embarrassing," for example, is written in huge red letters each time it's used.) Readers who are looking to expand their vocabulary will benefit from seeing the same words written out in the same way -- not that the book is too repetitive.

Other unique aspects of THE MYSTERIOUS CHEESE THIEF include highly detailed illustrations of Geronimo's workplace, The Rodent's Gazette, and a map of New Mouse City and Mouse Island itself, reminding the reader of similar detailed worlds captured in the Where's Waldo books and those by Richard Scarry.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about reading big words. How did this book help? Was it the large print, the drawings, or both? The book also contains two recipes featuring cheese that might be fun for a family to cook together.

Book Details

  • Author: Geronimo Stilton
  • Genre: Mystery
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: Scholastic Press
  • Publication date: August 1, 2007
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 7 - 10
  • Number of pages: 128
  • Last updated: July 12, 2017

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate