A Very Cranky Book
not part of a series
on Goodreads (515)
What’s inside...
The first picture book collaboration from bestselling husband-and-wife team Tony and Angela DiTerlizzi is the charmingly irreverent tale of a very cranky book who might not be so cranky after all. Are you ready to meet the world's crankiest book? Cranky doesn't want to be read. He just wants you to leave him alone. After all, there are so many other things you can do--ride a bike, play a game, or draw a picture. There's no reason for you to be bothering him! But when other books show up for story time, will Cranky change his mind? Angela and Tony DiTerlizzi, two creative forces, have crafted a story as silly as it is clever. In the vein of Grumpy Monkey and The Day the Crayons Quit, this tale humorously explores the big emotions of one very cranky book.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the main character feel cranky?
How do the other characters in the book respond to the crankiness?
Can you think of a time when you felt cranky? What helped you feel better?
What are some ways we can help each other when we're feeling cranky?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you felt cranky and what you did to feel better. This sets a comfortable tone for your child to open up. Validate your child’s feelings and experiences as they discuss the book’s themes. Use the questions to guide the discussion but allow your child to express their thoughts freely and encourage them to ask their own questions. Follow up by brainstorming with your child on ways to handle cranky feelings, turning the discussion into a learning moment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Emotions
Explanation: The story portrays a character who is feeling cranky, showcasing different emotions as a natural part of life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify and express their own feelings, understanding that it's okay to feel cranky sometimes.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As readers see the world from the perspective of the cranky character, they learn to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy, allowing them to better connect with the emotions of peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The cranky character navigates through various scenarios, offering solutions to overcome crankiness.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically and solve problems when they encounter similar emotional challenges.
Example Lesson: Communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, the importance of communicating feelings is highlighted as a way to manage emotions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children effective communication skills, encouraging them to speak about their emotions rather than bottling them up.