Grumpy Monkey The Best Present (Step into Reading, Step 2)

Lang, Suzanne; Lang, Max

ISBN 10: 0593709381 ISBN 13: 9780593709382

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers, 2026

Synopsis

A new early reader from the world of the #1 New York Times-bestselling Grumpy Monkey about saving the best for last – and what to do when someone else’s best is your worst.

It’s Jim Panzee’s birthday, and his friends are coming over. We all know what means: Presents! Jim loves presents! Marabou insists that her present is the best and Jim should “save the best for last.” So Jim opens all his other gifts: A pineapple! A papaya!! Figs!!! Bananas!!!! What could possibly be any better than pineapple, papaya, figs, and bananas? Turns out: Not Marabou’s gift. Now Jim has to figure out if he should pretend he loves the gift or tell Marabou the truth. With his friends all giving him conflicting advice, Norman from next door steps in with the best advice of all: “You have to tell the truth. Just find a nice way to say it.”

As always, bestselling creators Suzanne Lang and Max Lang deliver a hilarious and simple story with bold art and a lesson at its core.

About this title

About the Author

Suzanne Lang is the author of the New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey books as well as several other titles. When she’s not writing books, Suzanne writes for animation. When she’s not doing that, she hangs out with her very funny kids, feeds her many pets, and tries (but usually fails) to take a nap!

Max Lang has illustrated over twenty books, including all the titles in the Grumpy Monkey series. When he’s not making books, he makes films. He has co-directed several animated movies, including The Snail and the Whale, Zog, Room on the Broom, and The Gruffalo. He has received three BAFTAs, two Emmys, two Oscar nominations, and many other honors for his film work. In his spare time, he tries to make his kids laugh at dad jokes, and when he inevitably fails, he takes his dogs for a walk.

Edition details

• Publisher: Penguin Young Readers
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0593709381
• ISBN 13: 9780593709382
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 32