The Quarreling Book: A Heartwarming Story for Kids (Ages 4-8) About How a Dog Reverses Anger with Happiness

by Charlotte Zolotow, Arnold Lobel (Illustrator)

‘Gruffness and anger is passed along from person to person until a little dog starts a chain of happiness that reverses the trend. [A] pleasant picture book [that touches on] emotional maturity.’ —ALA Children’s Services Division.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Family

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

Charlotte Zolotow was a distinguished American writer, editor, and publisher who made a lasting mark on children's literature. Over her career, she authored around 70 picture book texts and edited works by prominent writers including Paul Zindel, Robert Lipsyte, and Francesca Lia Block. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, she studied writing at the University of Wisconsin Madison and later joined Harper & Bros in New York, where she worked her way up from secretary to publisher. Her own books were published by over 20 houses, and she became known for her poetic and emotionally insightful texts. Zolotow’s most celebrated works include When the Wind Stops, William’s Doll, and River Winding. Her story "Enemies" was featured in The Big Book for Peace alongside other notable authors. She lived for many years in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Her legacy endures not only through her own writing but also through the Charlotte Zolotow Award, established in 1998 to honor outstanding picture book texts. Her contributions helped shape modern children's literature with sensitivity, elegance, and enduring relevance.

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

One person starts having a bad day and starts a chain reaction of bad moods. One person apologizes and there is a chain reaction of cheerfulness. It wasn't wasn't interesting enough to support the preachiness of the story.
Themes -- apologizing, being nice to people

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much...so much better than Alexander and Terrible, Horrible No Good Day, because although the people choose at first to be mean and pass it along, in the end, they choose to be kind and THE DAY IMPROVES! They aren't stuck with a bad day!

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shows how one grumpy action spreads through many people, and how one kind action can do the same. A great book to read on a rainy day!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacob read to us..krb 8/1/16

[Blair Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Quarreling book is a simple little story that packs a powerful message for children and adults. The story begins with a gray rainy day and Mr. James, because of his gray mood, forgetting to kiss Mrs. James goodbye. This sets off a chain reaction that spreads the gray mood and quarreling to the other family members and friends. There seems to be no way to stop it until a surprising character turns it all around by meeting unkindness with playful cheerfulness.

The scenario in this story is familiar to all of us. People hurt, or at least sting, others because they are too absorbed in their own moods, or hurts, to think of the harm they do. It is especially powerful to see how the gray mood and quarreling infects an entire family within hours! Mr. Lobel’s (1981 Caldecott Medalist) pencil drawings match the simplicity of the story and perfectly convey the “gray morning” mood and soured dispositions. In just a few pages, this little book offers an important lesson about family life and meeting the challenges to the hallmarks of unity and unselfish love that are at its foundation.

I have read this book so many times, at the request of my children, that we are now on our second copy. It has made us laugh at ourselves and brought the sun out in our hearts. I recommend this little treasure be a part of every home library!

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s great to discover some of your favorites knew each other or even worked together. For example, here Charlotte Zolotow and Arnold Lobel. The story shows the domino effect each person’s behavior can have on others, whether for good or ill. Alternatively, it shows why we need more dogs. Or why we should think like dogs. Or be unrealistically optimistic—like dogs. Mmm. Dogs.

[Natalie]

I liked this book a lot because it shows why other people might get mad, and it doesn't necessarily make it your fault. It also shows how to apologize, how to help yourself feel better, and others, too.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone should read this... especially in today's climate. It's easy to feel out of sorts and take it out on someone else. The important thing is to apologize and let them know you didn't mean it. You never know, they may be able to turn their day around too.

[Cana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when one person starts the day off grumpy and passes it on? Great lesson for kids.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

sometimes our bad moods set off others. Sometimes our good modds help others.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to show kids how our own behavior can impact others. My middle school students thought it was hilarious that the grumpy chain all began because of a missed kiss.

[Nevaeh James]

This book is about a little boy who gets into an argument with his parents. I would use this to teach my students social skills. We could discuss how to handle our emotions, understanding others' emotions, and how to resolve conflict.

[Derrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Junior Bodden]

The quarrelling is about a boy getting into an argument with his parents. I would use this in the classroom by teaching social skills, and how to handle our emotional.

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

WD in WI; read with June