About the Holiday

Is there any more universally loved dish than macaroni and cheese? This tasty combo makes a perfect meal or side dish, one beloved by generations of gourmets. In fact, Thomas Jefferson was known as a mac & cheese aficionado, even importing parmesan cheese and macaroni for his Virginia estate after eating it in Italy and France. Going back a little farther, cooks in medieval England also relied on this staple, making a familar-sounding cheese and macaroni casserole called makerouns. And the boxed dinner we love so well? That was the brainchild of James Lewis Kraft, who answered a need for a satisfying meatless dish during the Great Depression. Who knows how far back this delicious concoction goes? Perhaps the moon really is made of (macaroni and) cheese!

Thank you to Orchard Books for sending me a copy of this book for review!

Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story

Written by Michael L. Benner | Illustrated by Alison Hawkins

Even though Mac lived in Pastaland and was surrounded by noodles all the time, he couldn’t find a friend. He even twisted himself out of shape, and while this did attract more attention, it didn’t make him happy. So one day he “set sail across the Sea of Snacks” to try and meet a friend. He traveled from island to island, but none of the Snacks he encountered liked his jokes, his silly songs, or his games. He was just as sad as before. “My name should be Macalonely!” he told himself. Still, Noodles didn’t give up. So with the help of a sturdy pretzel stick, he climbed Mr. Cheddar, hoping to find a friend on the other side.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Alison Hawkins. Text copyright © 2026 by Michael L. Benner. Courtesy of Orchard Books.

“Meanwhile . . . in Quesoland, Cheese was king.” Cheese reigned over all kinds of quesos, from sweet to nutty to smelly to even cheese in a can. But among all these quesos, King Cheese had no friend. “I feel so provolonely,” he told himself. He thought that becoming softer would help, but that only led to chaos. Being mature and firm didn’t work either. Finally, the king “boxed himself up in the Royal Cottage of Cheese” and felt blue.

But one day a stranger came to Quesoland, and the townscheeses needed their king. He was whisked off to meet . . . Mac! Someone thought he was “an impasta.” Another could only exclaim, “Holy macaroni!” But Mac broke out his jokes, and the quesos laughed! They thought he was “pasta-tively hilarious!” He melted right into their community, and King Cheese, himself, showed Mac around. Mac thought Quesoland was a perfect fit for him and so did the King. In fact, they both discovered what they’d been looking for!

Michael L. Benner cuts straight to the humor in his pun-tastic story that reveals how Mac & Cheese came together to create the enduring dynamic duo, who saves mealtime every time! With plenty of jokes, witty repartee, and—did I mention puns?, Benner riffs on all varieties of food, inviting kids to find their favorites in his funny tale. Underpinning themes of friendship, perseverance, and staying true to yourself, add dashes of depth to the story for a satisfying read aloud.

Alison Hawkins’ delectable illustrations begin under the dust jacket as the front and back covers open up to create a vibrant map of Mac’s journey from Pastaland to Quesoland. Inside, Hawkins eye-catching pages will keep kids’ eyes roving from signs to landmarks to the characters, themselves, to catch all of the clever puns and jokes this book serves up. Hawkins charming flair for details makes Pastaland and Quesoland delicious destinations for all readers.

For kids who love puns, visual humor, and, of course, everyone’s favorite comfort food, Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story will be asked for again and again, making it a delicious pick for public, school, and home libraries.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1546140764

Michael L. Benner finds a story in every food pair he sees (and eats)! He loves to write humorous, punny picture books that make kids and adults laugh, and maybe groan a little, too. He lives and writes in Central Texas with his wife, son, and dog (who acts like a cat). Visit him at michaelbennerwritesbooks.com.

Alison Hawkins is an illustrator based in Durham, North Carolina. She started her career as a graphic designer, and went on to work as a product designer, illustrating for apparel, toys, and greeting cards. Some of her clients include American Greetings, Universal Standard, Target, and Discover Durham. Visit her at alisonhawkinsportfolio.com.

National Mac & Cheese Day Activity