Grumpy Monkey (Hardcover)
$17.99
On Our Shelves Now
Staff Reviews
Grumpy Monkey is one of my favorite picture books about emotions, and feeling feelings that you just don’t know what to do with! We all have those days, and Monkey is having one of those days—real bad! He’s grumpy, and all his friends just want to help make him feel better, but it only makes him feel worse! Along the way, Monkey learns about his feelings, and that sometimes you have to let yourself feel exactly what you feel…and very soon, you’ll feel better again. Don’t miss the lovely companion books, Grumpy Monkey Party Time and Grumpy Monkey Up All Night!
(Picture Book) - reviewed by Isabel
— From Staff Picks by Isabel
Description
The hilarious #1 New York Times bestselling picture book about dealing with unexplained feelings...and the danger in suppressing them.
Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can't understand it--how can he be in a bad mood when it's SUCH a beautiful day? They encourage him not to hunch, to smile, and to do things that make THEM happy. But Jim can't take all the advice...and has a BIT of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?
Suzanne and Max Lang bring hilarity and levity to this very important lesson. This picture book is an excellent case study in the dangers of putting on a happy face and demonstrates to kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings (though they should be careful of hurting others in the process!).
Need more Jim Panzee in your life? Don't miss the next book, Grumpy Monkey: Party Time!
About the Author
Suzanne Lang is the author of the New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey, as well as several other titles. When Suzanne is not working on books, she writes and produces children's television.
MAX LANG is an animation director, storyboard artist, character designer, and illustrator. He codirected the adaptation of The Gruffalo, which was nominated for an Oscar and a BAFTA, as well as the adaptation of the picture book Room on the Broom, which has won numerous awards including the Cristal for Best TV Production at this year's Annecy Animation Festival.
Praise For…
"Max Lang’s bright watercolors of animals doing their thing are winning accompaniments to the narrative’s welcome message that it’s OK to be down sometimes." —School Library Journal
"Suzanne Lang's encouragement to sit with your emotions (thus allowing them to pass) is nearly Buddhist in its take, and it will be great bibliotherapy for the crabby, cranky, and cross. Oscar-nominated animator Max Lang's cartoony illustrations lighten the mood without making light of Jim's mood; Jim has comically long arms, and his facial expressions are quite funny." —Kirkus Reviews
"Crisp illustrations featuring a broad cast of animated, boldly colored animals against white backgrounds (except a bright red page when Jim really loses it) will draw readers into Jim’s situation until the reassuring outcome. Although their helpfulness is part of the problem, the animals are enthusiastic, kind-hearted souls trying to be good friends." —Booklist
"A monkey learns to ride out a wave of emotion in this reassuring picture book about feelings." —Publishers Weekly
Staff Picks
With an unforgettable lead character, an epic story line and Western details that ring true to life it rightfully will take its place next to other classics such as Lonesome Dove and True Grit. A fantastic debut from a gifted author. - Maureen
