Grumpy Bird

Somebody definitely woke up on the wrong side of the nest. In Jeremy Tankard’s Grumpy Bird, our main character gets up one morning in the grumpiest of moods. Bird refuses to engage in any of his bird-like routines: eating, playing, and even flying! Bird decides to walk off his bad mood. Along the way he meets Sheep, Rabbit, Raccoon, Beaver, and Fox, who, adorably oblivious to Bird’s “fowl” mood, join him on his walk. Eventually their solemn march turns into a silly game that makes Bird forget all about his grumpy state.

The vibrant illustrations in this picture book contribute greatly to the humour of the text. They demand more than a quick glance, as the unique style of ink and digital media combine to create a 3-D setting, ideal for the country landscape. Tankard creates amusing facial expressions for each character: the sheep with wide eyes, the rabbit with big teeth, the beaver with jazz hands – every animal has its own distinct persona in this amusing tale.

Grumpy Bird has elements to be appreciated by young and old. The timeless lesson of letting your friends support you when you’re low is endearingly portrayed in this wonderful picture book. Tankard teaches us that acting silly (or watching others do so) is an excellent cure for the grumpies, every time!

Bird wakes up feeling too grumpy to eat, play or even fly. Sheep, Rabbit, Raccoon, Beaver and Fox offer to keep him company on his walk. Before Bird knows it, a little exercise and company help him shake his bad mood. Originally published as a picture book in 2007 by Scholastic Press (Best Books for Kids & Teens 2008).

Bird wakes up feeling too grumpy to eat, play or even fly. Before he knows it, companionship and a bit of exercise help him shake his bad mood. This tale features bold ink and digital media artwork.