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Grumpy Monkey



Last updated Monday, December 30, 2019

Author: Suzanne Lang
Date of Publication: 2018
ISBN: 0553537865
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2020

Synopsis: 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?

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Do a picture walk through the book and identify the different animals.
•  What is the difference between monkeys and chimpanzees? (Answer: Only monkeys have tails.)
•  Have you ever been grumpy before? What make you grumpy? What did you feel?

Vocabulary

•  Hunched: bend one's body into a huddled position
•  Stroll: walk in a leisurely way
•  Stormed off: leave angrily
•  Grumpy: moody, out of sorts, cross, upset

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What are some of the animals that tried to make Jim Panzee feel less grumpy? What were their suggestions for Jim to do?
•  How did Jim feel a little bit better at the end? Emphasize to the children that sometimes when people are grumpy, they just want someone to understand how they are feeling.
•  What do you do when you feel grumpy, sad, scared, happy?
•  Have them discuss when they feel different emotions and why they feel this way.
•  Emphasize that our emotions are valid and it is okay to feel those emotions.

Craft ideas:
•  Have children make their own "How I Feel Wheel" with the 5 emotions.
•  Draw pictures of various human faces with emotions.
•  Draw a picture of any of the animals mentioned in the book.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/january-2020-mysteries-new-adventures/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!