Grumpy Monkey: questions to ask and activities to try
Jim is grumpy and he doesn't know why. Grumpy Monkey is a funny, honest book about bad moods, and why “cheer up” doesn't always help.
What age is it for? Grumpy Monkey is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Grumpy moods that don't have a clear reason.
Grumpy Monkey (Suzanne Lang and Max Lang)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Grumpy moods that don't have a clear reason
Read it for laughs first. Next time, notice with your child how Jim feels when everyone tells him to smile. It's as useful for grown-ups as for children.
What it helps with
- Grumpy moods with no clear reason
- Knowing that every feeling is allowed
- Why “cheer up” doesn't always work
- Letting a feeling pass in its own time
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “How could you tell Jim was grumpy?”
- “What did his friends tell him to do?”
- “Did it help? Why not?”
- “What helped Jim in the end?”
- “What makes you feel grumpy?”
- “What helps when you’re grumpy?”
5-minute activities to try together
Grumpy faces
Take turns pulling your grumpiest face in the mirror, then your calmest. Talk about what each feels like.
Mood weather
Draw today's mood as weather: sunny, cloudy or stormy. Remind each other that weather always changes.
Free printables: Grumpy Monkey worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… (Molly Bang)
- Best for
- Explosive anger, and calming down afterwards
- Age
- 3-7
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Judith Viorst and Ray Cruz)
- Best for
- A day where nothing goes right, and feeling that life is unfair
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 6 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.