Out of the Maze By Dr Spencer Johnson, Penguin Randomhouse, $24, hardback

This is a sequel to the best-selling (28 million copies) Who Moved My Cheese, which was a tale of two little people called Hem and Haw who face sudden and alarming change when their only food, cheese, disappears. Haw adapts by setting off to find an alternative supply, but Hem is frozen into inaction and remains stuck in limbo. The booklet is basically advice on what to do when confronted by change.

Out of the Maze is about what Hem does next. Accompanied by a female he had not met before, who introduces him to fruit, the two set off together to find not just food, but Haw.

Cheese is a metaphor for whatever you want in life, and guidelines on assisting you to achieve your goals. It’s a charming story, but I have to say the massive sales surprise me somewhat. It is basically sound advice in fable form, and I’d have thought it better suited to young adults. —