2018
WISE Score
Amazon
Jim the chimpanzee is having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day for absolutely no reason—and honestly, same.
4.8
4.8View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
Grumpy Monkey is a modern essential. It’s rare to find a book that respects a child's right to be in a bad mood without trying to 'fix' them or bribe them with a lollipop.
Jim Panzee is the relatable anti-hero every preschooler needs. The art is vibrant, the pacing is punchy, and it’s one of the few picture books that won't make you want to roll your eyes by the third read-through. It’s funny because it’s true.
Perfect for the 3-to-7 crowd. It’s the prime age for big tantrums and the 'I'm NOT mad' phase of development.
It handles the 'bad mood' trope with zero preachiness. Instead of forcing a smile or a lesson on manners, it models the idea that emotions don't always need a reason or a quick fix.
The character design for Jim Panzee is top-tier—his physical expressions of grumpiness are creative and resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt 'off'. It uses a simple jungle setting to explore complex internal weather.
It's a picture book about a monkey in a bad mood. There is zero objectionable content, no scary surprises, and no 'mean' humor that punches down.
This is a masterclass in emotional literacy for the 4-to-8 crowd. It teaches kids (and reminds parents) that it’s okay to just feel your feelings without needing to perform happiness for others.
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