Grumpy Badger's Christmas

by Jane Chapman

Its almost Christmas, and Grumpy Badger is in a bad mood. The forest is a flurry of activity as everyone is putting up Christmas trees, wrapping presents and making yummy treats - don't they know they are supposed to be hibernating? Grumpy snuggles down for his "nap" but soon the merriment of Christmas comes right to his door. 3-7.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Animals, Friendship, Fantasy

Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Award winning illustrator Jane Chapman graduated from university with a First Class Honors degree in illustration. Working as both Jane Chapman and under her pseudonym Jack Tickle, she has had more than 75 titles published in more than 20 countries. Jane is perhaps best known for her illustrations in Karma Wilson's 'Bear' books, an internationally bestselling series which has garnered a string of awards including the Oppenheim Platinum Book Award for 'Bear Snores On'.

Jane's favorite thing to paint? SNOW!

Jane is married to children's author / illustrator Tim Warnes. They live in the South West of England with their 2 boys.

Reviews

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this feeling a bit grumpy myself because I’m really glad the holidays are over and I didn’t feel like being reminded of them, but this story is very cute, and perfect for a holiday curmudgeon such as myself. Everybody in the forest wants to celebrate Christmas, except for badger who only wants to hibernate, but badger keeps getting interrupted. Sweet resolution.

Great read aloud book!

The illustrations are ultra adorable! As a kid I’d have poured over them again and again for long periods of time.

I am a bit worried about what badger will use for sustenance at the end of the winter though.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is fairly predictable and not incredibly original, but it's still sweet and I was smiling at the last page. Plus, the illustrations are just so adorable!! I really think I would have loved the pictures when I was little just as much as I love them now. Definitely a great Christmas book for young animal lovers.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

All the creatures of the forest are busy preparing for Christmas - making treats, putting up the communal tree, wrapping and distributing presents - in this cute holiday story, save for Grumpy Badger, who only wants to begin his winter's hibernation in peace. "Piffle!," he declares, when wished a Merry Christmas, when asked for his ladder (for tree decorating purposes), and when offered a gift. He even refuses to help, when Mole get stuck at the top of the tree, and can't get down. Then he has a terrible nightmare about Mole falling, and, realizing his error, sets out to correct it...

Although I agree with the friend who recommended this one to me, in finding the story somewhat predictable, Grumpy Badger's Christmas was still quite a heartwarming read, particularly when taken together with Jane Chapman's adorable artwork! I love a snowy scene, and there are plenty here, as well as many cozy interior ones as well. Recommended to young readers who are feeling a little grumpy, amidst all the holiday bustle, and to fans of Jane Chapman's cute-as-a-button illustrations.

[Christina/ The Blog for Teachers, Readers, & Life! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Badger is a Scrooge! All her woodland friends want him to help get ready for Christmas, and all he wants to do is nap. Until, one of his friends desperately needs help. What will Badger do? I love the whimsical pictures.

[Denisa T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nová vánoční must read knížka ;)! Jezevci jsou prostě boží.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah seemed to enjoy seeing the woodland creatures and the Christmas festivities. Plus he tried to reach for the food stocked in Badger’s larder, miming that the jam was tasty!

[DiAnne Warfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

CADL FB Live story time, 12-16-20
Colt library story times week of Dec 9 2019.
Holt-Delhi PJ story time 12-08-2021

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering that this picture book is recommended for children aged 3-7, it makes total sense to me that the central character would be "Grumpy Badger."

You know, Goodreaders, in contrast to Happy Badger, Sleepy Badger, or Dopey Badger.

Seriously, if you're three years old, maybe you don't know from badgers but you're surely familiar with Grumpies.

I'd say the level of sophistication for this tale is perfect for preschoolers: Funny, suspenseful-ish, and filled with friendly animals. Readers of all ages can relish the adorable, kid-friendly, drawings. FIVE STARS for sure.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the forest animals are preparing for Christmas, but all Badger wants to do is hibernate. But, instead of peaceful slumber, he finds constant interruptions. A bit predictable, but a great read aloud! Ask the kids what they think is going to happen next and get them involved. The illustrations are fabulous! Definitely recommended.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the forest animals are preparing for Christmas, with the exception of Grumpy Badger. All he wants is to sleep it away. But he finds it difficult with all the interruptions of the knocks on his door. When an emergency arises, Grumpy Badger takes action, and his heroics charges his outlook on the season.

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book about a badger trying to hibernate who is continually interrupted by other woodland creatures, until he realizes it is more important to celebrate with his community than sleep.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Jane Chapman's illustrations, and this book didn't disappoint. The animals are all just adorable, even grumpy old badger. Great little Christmas book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this every Christmas to our grandkids! They love it at every age!

[_ teafunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The snacks were our favourite part.

[Francis James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wish the story is a bit longer because the illustration is amazing.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a very cute story and opens up moments to talk. Hibernation and being kind.

[Henry Kicinski-Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good children’s book. Ideal for Xmas!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mole is the absolute cutest.

[Jodi Geever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grinch turned elf story with beautiful illustrations!

[Stacia Leigh]

I felt sorry for badger!

[Анна Полегенько · Rating 5 out of 5]

Дуже мила різдвяна історія

[Dorthe Svendsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helt ok, ingen høydare.

[Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hermosas ilustraciones, pero un poco predecible aun así tiene algo de magia navideña

[Xènia López · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's short af idc I am adding to my goodreads It's adorable

[Shahrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet festive tale featuring a very cute but grumpy badger. Love the illustrations!

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Badger is not amused with all the hustle and bustle surrounding Christmas. He makes it very clear to his fellow animal friends that he just wants to be left alone and hibernate in peace...uninterrupted...everyone stay away...period. He goes into his house and slams the door shut, checks out his winter stash of food, then satisfied, settles down for his long winter's nap. But things don't go exactly as he plans. With many disruptions and annoyances he discovers that maybe his sleep may have to be postponed for this winter. He tries to ignore all the distractions at first that cause him to get grumpier and grumpier. Then an urgent request reaches him that makes him unable to settle back down and journey back into slumberland. He opens his eyes wide, jumps out of bed and runs to help a friend who is in desperate need of him. He discovers a true Christmas principle...it is getter to give than to receive. He is so happy when he is recognized as a hero. He invites all of his friends inside his home, opens wide his cupboard doors, and spreads a festive feast fit for a king for everyone to enjoy. I think he even amazes himself when he realizes how fun celebrating Christmas can be and he wants to make it a tradition for years to come.

[Teddie Trombley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a old grumpy badger who hates everything about Christmas. The badger feels that winter is supposed to be for sleeping and it is not supposed to be for celebrating holidays. All the rest of the animals keep trying to get badger to participate in celebrating for Christmas but all he wants to do is sleep. First mole goes up to badgers door right after badger yelled at them to not bother him since he will be sleeping and the mole asked him if he could barrow his ladder so he could decorate the Christmas tree but all badger did was slam the door in his face. Next squirrel came and knocked on badgers door to give him a present and all badger did was slam the door in his face and then went back to bed. Next rabbit came and knocked on badger’s door to tell him that mole was stuck at the top of the tree and they need his help to get him down but badger slammed the door and went to lie back down. While badger was lying there he started to feel bad for mole so he went to go help and then apologized for him being all grumpy and invited everyone over for a Christmas party. This book teaches children to enjoy the holidays and to not be mean and grumpy because no one will want to be friends with you and you will miss out.

[Zoltán · Rating 5 out of 5]

Két vagy három évvel ezelőtt (már nem emlékszem pontosan), csöpp kis lányom legnagyobb boldogságára a Pongrác Kiadó meglepett ezzel a csodálatos képeskönyvvel. Ezúton is köszönet nekik ezért. Rengetegszer elolvastuk már, nemcsak karácsony közeledtével, hanem év közben is.
Ami a könyvet illeti, egy rövid, bájos kis tanmesét kapunk kézhez, egy távoli Karácsonyi Ének adaptációt, melyben a zsémbes, kiállhatatlan Ebenezer Scrooge a téli álomra készülődő, s végtelenül morcos borz alakját ölti. A mesét csodálatos illusztrációk teszik teljessé, a rengeteg hangutánzó és hangfestő szavak pedig remek szórakozást nyújtanak a kicsik számára: a kislányom például legalább háromféleképpen tudja elmondani, miként lehet egy ajtót mérgesen becsukni.

[Robert Beveridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul Bright, Grumpy Badger's Christmas (Good Books, 2009)

Everyone in the woodland valley is looking forward to Christmas except grumpy badger. Which makes sense if you're an adult given that badgers hibernate during the winter. Problem is, people keep knocking on his door and disturbing his rest. He keeps getting grumpier and grumpier until he finally falls asleep and realizes that he's done something horribly wrong, after which everyone kisses and makes up. I am—to put it mildly—not a fan of Christmas, but this one does hold up to the kinds or readings and re-readings it got in December, and for the Bean's general attention level, this is a pretty long book, and he eats it up. And hey, I love badgers, and everyone loves a good party (oops, spoiler alert). *** ½

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new take on A Christmas Carol. Bright's version has a grumpy badger as the Scrooge-like character. The illustrations are beautifully done and easily recognizable by Chapman of Bear Snores On and much more. This is a great book for early elementary students.