Grumpy Monkey - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0553537865 ISBN 13: 9780553537864

Synopsis

A hilarious 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!).

About this title

Review

"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

About the Author

SUZANNE LANG produces, develops and writes children's television. Formerly with Cartoon Network, she is presently the story editor of an animated comedy series for Cake Entertainment and Copa Studios. Suzanne has a BFA in film & television from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.

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.

Edition details

• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0553537865
• ISBN 13: 9780553537864
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32