About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child is stuck in a bad mood and resists every attempt to be cheered up. Grumpy Bruce is a bear who insists he enjoys being grumpy. His well-meaning mouse friends throw him a surprise party with games and friends to make him smile, but their efforts only make him grumpier. This book hilariously validates the feeling of grumpiness, showing that sometimes a mood just needs to be felt. With its laugh-out-loud humor and endearing characters, it's perfect for ages 3 to 7. It’s an excellent tool for opening a gentle conversation about emotions and reassuring a child that it is okay to not feel happy all the time.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
N/A. The book deals with the emotion of grumpiness in a purely lighthearted and humorous way.
Ideal Reader
A 4-year-old who is feeling contrary and doesn't want to be cheered up. This book is perfect for the child who is in a funk for no discernible reason and is pushing back against parental efforts to make them feel better.
Parent Prep
No preparation is needed; this book can be read cold. The humor is direct and the message is clear. A parent might consider being ready to accept their child's answer if they ask, "Do you like being grumpy sometimes, like Bruce?" The goal is connection, not correction. The parent has just witnessed their child stomping around, sighing dramatically, or saying "no" to everything. The parent's attempts to coax a smile or suggest fun activities are being met with a wall of grumpy resistance, leading to the parent's own frustration.
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