Book Review Grumpy Monkey Board Book

This board book tackles the universal experience of feeling grumpy for no apparent reason, offering a gentle and humorous introduction to big emotions for toddlers. Jim the chimpanzee wakes up in a sour mood, and his jungle friends are baffled, suggesting all sorts of cheerful activities to fix him. The simple, sturdy format is ideal for small hands, making this emotional learning book a durable choice for repeated readings about feelings and moods. Suzanne Lang’s approach validates that it’s okay to feel out of sorts sometimes, a crucial lesson in early social-emotional development.

What sets this story apart is its refusal to offer a quick fix, instead allowing Jim the space to simply feel his feelings without pressure. The expressive illustrations perfectly capture the chimp’s grumpy demeanor and his friends' well-meaning confusion, providing plenty of visual humor for young children. This is an exceptional resource for parents navigating tantrums or big emotions, as it gives families a shared vocabulary to discuss bad moods. It’s a funny and deeply reassuring read that helps little ones feel understood.