Grumpy Monkey
By Suzanne Lang
Illustrated by Max Lang
This was an impulse purchase during the 2019 holiday season haul and I was glad I brought it home to my pre-schooler. This book was stacked on the Barnes and Noble display table as a bestseller, for good reason.
Jim, the Chimpanzee, wakes up in a bad mood for no apparent reason. His friend, Norman, suggests that he might be grumpy. Jim is not happy with this assessment and tries to put on a happy face. On a walk through the jungle, everyone he meets offers advice to cheer him up: โYou should sing with us!โ, โYou should lie in the grass!โ and โYou should take a bath!โ.
When heโs had his fill of unsolicited recommendations, he has a meltdown and storms off. He then runs in to his friend, Norman who is now grumpy due to a play injury. It makes Jim realize that his emotional hurt is no less real and will heal with time.
This book teaches kids(and adults) to not plaster on a smile during tough times. It teaches them to validate their blues and to not just brush them under the carpet. The illustrations are vivid and reflective of the feelings Jim is processing.
Book Broad 