Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I love the concept of this book. So, I pre-ordered it. Unfortunately, I do not believe it lives up to the item description. Specifically, the item description says, "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!)." The moral is too subtle for young people. And, the lesson that “they should be careful of hurting others in the process” is missing entirely. My synopsis of the book would be: Grumpy Monkey is grumpy. His friends notice and “should all over him,” you should do this, do that, try this. Grumpy Monkey tries the suggestions, and he looks happy, but he’s not. Grumpy Monkey blows up at his friends, yelling and beating his chest. Grumpy Monkey isolates in the jungle. One of Grumpy Monkey’s friends find him. Grumpy Monkey is still grumpy but will probably feel better soon. Monkey’s friend says, “it’s a good day to be grumpy.” That’s it. This book does not model what to do when you’re grumpy or what to do if you blow up at other people. This book would be better if Grumpy Monkey's jungle friends learned that: -It's okay to be grumpy -It's important to communicate what you need (space, a hug, acceptance etcetera) -If you do blow up, you take ownership for your behavior and apologize -If your friend communicates an emotional need, do your best to support them Background: I bought this book for a child who has a parent who is mentally ill. I believe this book—without intending to—normalizes blowing up at people and then isolating (exactly what the parent does). The parent does not apologize. The child’s feelings are never addressed. This book reinforces all of that. Obviously, I’m disappointed in this book.