Grumpy Monkey Freshly Squeezed
#1 of 2 in Grumpy Monkey (Graphic Novels) Series
What’s inside...
This early graphic novel chapter book based on the #1 New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey is perfect for children who are fans of the original picture books and are ready for a longer storyline. The book features hilarious dialogue, multiple panels per page, and follows Jim Panzee on his weekly Wednesday walk. Jim cherishes the silence of his walks but this time, his friend Norman joins him and soon, every animal in the jungle follows. Overwhelmed, Jim and his friends embark on a quest to find another stress orange to help him cope. This warm and funny chapter book graphic novel addresses how to handle life's ups and downs.
Discussion points
How do you think Jim Panzee felt when everything seemed to go wrong? Can you describe a time you felt similar?
What are some ways Jim could cheer himself up? How do you cheer yourself up when you're feeling grumpy?
Why do you think it's important for Jim to tell his friends how he's feeling?
How did Jim’s friends help him feel better? What can we do to help our friends when they're feeling grumpy?
Can you think of a different ending to the story? How would you change it to make Jim feel happy sooner?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone and volume when reading to mirror Jim's emotions, making it easier for your child to understand and connect with his feelings.
Pause for thoughts: After reading a page where Jim feels particularly grumpy, pause and ask your child to reflect on what Jim might be going through, or how they would feel in that situation.
Relate to personal experiences: Encourage your child to share personal experiences when they felt like Jim. Discuss what actions helped them overcome their grumpy mood.
Role-play scenarios: Create fun role-playing games where you and your child act out different scenarios from the book, focusing on expressing and managing emotions.
Draw the emotions: Have your child draw what they think Jim’s grumpy face looked like and discuss what different facial expressions can tell us about how someone is feeling.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing emotions
Explanation: In 'Grumpy Monkey Freshly Squeezed,' Jim Panzee grapples with his confusing feelings as the day progresses. His journey helps teach children that it's okay to feel and express various emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify and articulate their feelings, understanding it's okay to express themselves when they feel happy, sad, or even grumpy.
Example Lesson: Empathy and friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jim's friends try to cheer him up, showcasing acts of kindness and understanding. This helps children see the importance of supporting friends through tough times.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to be supportive and empathetic towards their friends and peers, especially when they seem upset or frustrated, fostering a nurturing social environment.
Example Lesson: Handling social pressure
Explanation: Jim faces pressure to feel a certain way, reflecting situations where children feel compelled to conform to others’ expectations. The narrative encourages embracing individual feelings without succumbing to peer pressure.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that it’s okay to stand firm in their emotions and choices, even if they differ from their friends or societal expectations.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: This book paints Jim’s bad day and his journey towards recognizing and dealing with his grumpy mood, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that bad days happen to everyone, and it’s important to cope and find ways to bounce back from challenging days.
Example Lesson: Self-awareness
Explanation: Jim’s journey helps him understand his own emotions better, promoting self-awareness.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to reflect on their own feelings and behaviors, which is crucial in developing emotional intelligence and personal growth.