Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out
#5 of 8 in Grumpy Monkey Series
What’s inside...
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - The beloved character Jim Panzee is very grumpy about Valentine's Day until his buddy Norman shows him that the holiday is for everyone. This holiday hardcover book is full of the same silly humor that characterizes all the beloved titles in the bestselling Grumpy Monkey series. Jim Panzee learns there are different types of valentines and many kinds of love, such as love for a parent or for friends, and that the holiday is not just about hearts and kisses. The book also includes two pages of full-color stickers for extra fun.
Discussion points
What do you think made the monkey feel grumpy on Valentine's Day?
How do you think receiving a Valentine’s gift made the monkey feel by the end of the story?
Why is it important to show kindness to others, even if you're feeling grumpy?
Can you think of a time when something small made you smile, just like the monkey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones while reading to emphasize the monkey's changing emotions, making the story more relatable.
Encourage your child to talk about times they have felt grumpy and what helped them feel better, connecting their experiences with the monkey’s story.
Discuss the importance of empathy by asking how they think they can help friends who are feeling grumpy or upset.
After reading, consider crafting simple Valentine’s Day cards together to experience sharing kindness, just like in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the effects of emotions
Explanation: In 'Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out', the protagonist, Jim Panzee, deals with feelings of grumpiness despite the cheerful Valentine's atmosphere. This illustration helps children recognize and name their emotions.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it is normal to feel different emotions and that they can talk about how they feel with others, thereby managing them better in social settings and personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Throughout the book, other characters try to cheer Jim up by showing kindness and understanding. This teaches children the importance of supporting friends who may be feeling down.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic towards their peers' feelings and to offer friendship and support during tough times, fostering a supportive community.
Example Lesson: Celebrating differences
Explanation: Even though Jim feels out of place in the festive setting, his friends include him and appreciate his unique self, which teaches children to embrace individual differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and celebrate the differences in each other, promoting diversity and inclusion from an early age.
Example Lesson: Effectively dealing with disappointment
Explanation: Jim Panzee shows visible disappointment about the holiday, which teaches children that it's okay to feel upset sometimes. His journey portrays healthy ways to handle such feelings.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to express disappointment appropriately and learn coping mechanisms, such as talking to someone they trust or taking time to do activities they enjoy.
Example Lesson: The joy of participation
Explanation: As the story progresses, Jim starts participating in the activities and realizes that being involved can be enjoyable, imparting the lesson that participation can lead to unexpected fun and happiness.
Real-World Application: This lesson motivates children to take part in activities, even if they initially feel reluctant, helping them to discover new interests and joy in communal events.