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Grumpy Cat
Once there was a cat who lived all alone.
He ate on his own. He slept on his own.
He spent every day alone. Poor Cat! The other kitties never ask him to play. He just seems so… grumpy. Then, one night, in a terrible rainstorm, everything Cat hears a plaintive “meow” and finds a drenched little kitten taking shelter between his paws. And no matter what Grumpy Cat does, shes determined to stick by him. Endearing art, expressive characters, and gentle storytelling from Britta Teckentrup ( Big Smelly Bear ) send children the comforting message that theres a special friend for everyone.
He ate on his own. He slept on his own.
He spent every day alone. Poor Cat! The other kitties never ask him to play. He just seems so… grumpy. Then, one night, in a terrible rainstorm, everything Cat hears a plaintive “meow” and finds a drenched little kitten taking shelter between his paws. And no matter what Grumpy Cat does, shes determined to stick by him. Endearing art, expressive characters, and gentle storytelling from Britta Teckentrup ( Big Smelly Bear ) send children the comforting message that theres a special friend for everyone.
26 pages, Board Book
First published January 1, 2008
7 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Britta Teckentrup
242 books239 followersBritta Teckentrup was born in Germany and moved to England in 1988. She is the author and illustrator of many books for children. She now lives in Berlin with her husband and young son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
June 11, 2019
The other cats don't ask Grumpy Cat to play because he looks grumpy. He is lonely which makes him grumpier. A vicious cycle which can be broken only by the power of cuteness!
July 28, 2008
Tyler and I spotted this in the darling Children's Section alcove at a cute bookstore we stopped at in Mill Valley today. We absolutely HAD to read it after "meeting" the Grumpy Cat on the cover--that expression is exactly how his cat, Pandy, looks at us sometimes!!! The story is cute if simple/unoriginal enough--Cat is grumpy because he is lonely; another lonely (but cute and nice) Kitty comes along to befriend him, he resists--then Kitty needs help and Cat comes through in the end and they are friends (and mostly non-grumpy) evermore. But, the pictures just made the book, for us--absolutely PERFECT! The artist obviously understands all the moods of our little purry-furry friends.
January 18, 2011
In this story shyness is mistaken for grumpiness. Cat was always by himself throughout the day. He would sit back and watch the other cats playing with each other and would always want to join in, but just did not know how. When a little kitten comes along to try and befriend cat, cat is a bit skeptical at first but eventually they become close friends and Cat is never grumpy again.
This book is good for the start of the year when students are first meeting each other. It shows that just because someone is off by themselves doesn't mean that they are grumpy and don't want to be bothered, they may just be a little shy and not know how to approach people. Students then may start playing with children they do not usually play with.
This book is good for the start of the year when students are first meeting each other. It shows that just because someone is off by themselves doesn't mean that they are grumpy and don't want to be bothered, they may just be a little shy and not know how to approach people. Students then may start playing with children they do not usually play with.
February 5, 2017
I chose this because I often feel alone & grumpy, and as if I'd be fulfilled if I had a young friend or grandchild. But a/ that's BS and b/ the interior pictures of Grumpy Cat make him look more confused or wistful than grumpy.
May 7, 2011
Couldn't resist Grumpy Cat propped up on display at the library. That face says it all.
Spoiler alert: Grumpy Cat is really just lonely. This is a pleasant story for young children. It's nice for gently teaching the idea that sometimes there are reasons for behavior that we don't know about. Giving people, and cats, the benefit of the doubt is a topic that comes up frequently in our home. Cat and Kitten are cuddled up together at the end of the story, "They had each found a friend. And Cat was never grumpy again....Well, almost never." The touch of realism in that last phrase keeps the story from becoming too "happily ever after."
Spoiler alert: Grumpy Cat is really just lonely. This is a pleasant story for young children. It's nice for gently teaching the idea that sometimes there are reasons for behavior that we don't know about. Giving people, and cats, the benefit of the doubt is a topic that comes up frequently in our home. Cat and Kitten are cuddled up together at the end of the story, "They had each found a friend. And Cat was never grumpy again....Well, almost never." The touch of realism in that last phrase keeps the story from becoming too "happily ever after."
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September 29, 2018Everyone wants companionship - even when they don't know how to find it. This cute children's book shows power of friendship for two cats (one of whom finds a way to be a little less grumpy).
January 29, 2020
A cat who learns how to be friends
December 2, 2023
A seemingly nice book about two cats, but it’s trying to be deeper than this and address the notion of loneliness.
July 13, 2023
The other Grumpy Cat!
Aww, a sweet book. He wasn't grumpy (well, maybe just a little bit... who isn't??), he was just lonely!
Aww, a sweet book. He wasn't grumpy (well, maybe just a little bit... who isn't??), he was just lonely!
October 3, 2015
2.5 Stars
Before anyone asks, this is NOT The Grumpy Cat of internet fame. If Teckentrup's Grumpy Cat were a meme he'd be more Socially Awkward Penguin than Grumpy Cat. You see, the titular Grumpy Cat is not really grumpy, he just doesn't know how to be friends with the other cats. The other cats leave him be because they think he doesn't want friends, so he sits all by himself, feeling really lonely. The fate of many a socially awkward being. But one particularly wet and miserable day, a kitten comes across Grumpy Cat and tries to befriend him (to share warmth?).
Like pretty much any other socially awkward being, Grumpy cat is all OMG, another living thing? That wants to talk to me?! *runs away* But kitten follows him. In his panic, he does everything to dissuade her, finally climbing up a tall tree. Kitten nearly falls and in that moment... Grumpy Cat realises he does like her really, saves her and they become firm friends.
I found it interesting that it was a kitten that finally befriended our socially awkward protagonist. This happens in people too, I guess because children/young animals don't have as many preconceived ideas as adults and thus more readily accept quirks. Either way, a positive ending, but a book that I would probably only recommend as a way of showing a child that it's ok to be shy (but to try not to push people away, it follows).
I wasn't at all keen on the illustrations - one, because they are just not at all appealing, and two, because the kitten, labelled as "she" is ginger. Ginger cats are almost always male and tortoiseshell almost always female. It's a genetic thing. If you want to know why:
And yes, I like books - even children's ones - to follow some basic laws of biology. Much like I like to be anatomically correct. So sue me already!
Before anyone asks, this is NOT The Grumpy Cat of internet fame. If Teckentrup's Grumpy Cat were a meme he'd be more Socially Awkward Penguin than Grumpy Cat. You see, the titular Grumpy Cat is not really grumpy, he just doesn't know how to be friends with the other cats. The other cats leave him be because they think he doesn't want friends, so he sits all by himself, feeling really lonely. The fate of many a socially awkward being. But one particularly wet and miserable day, a kitten comes across Grumpy Cat and tries to befriend him (to share warmth?).
Like pretty much any other socially awkward being, Grumpy cat is all OMG, another living thing? That wants to talk to me?! *runs away* But kitten follows him. In his panic, he does everything to dissuade her, finally climbing up a tall tree. Kitten nearly falls and in that moment... Grumpy Cat realises he does like her really, saves her and they become firm friends.
I found it interesting that it was a kitten that finally befriended our socially awkward protagonist. This happens in people too, I guess because children/young animals don't have as many preconceived ideas as adults and thus more readily accept quirks. Either way, a positive ending, but a book that I would probably only recommend as a way of showing a child that it's ok to be shy (but to try not to push people away, it follows).
I wasn't at all keen on the illustrations - one, because they are just not at all appealing, and two, because the kitten, labelled as "she" is ginger. Ginger cats are almost always male and tortoiseshell almost always female. It's a genetic thing. If you want to know why:
And yes, I like books - even children's ones - to follow some basic laws of biology. Much like I like to be anatomically correct. So sue me already!
April 24, 2011
Grumpy Cat is grumpy because he's lonely and doesn't know how to make friends. It takes the persistence of an innocent little kitten who is just as lonely to break through Grumpy Cat's hard exterior. This cute story teaches kids that, just because another kid is aloof, that doesn't mean that they don't want a friend. I like the large colorful illustrations and the simple text. This is a perfect book to use for a pre-school story time--which is just what I'm going to do next month. Recommended!
May 22, 2008
Okay, there are twelve million versions of this story, ranging from sibling discovering that little sibling is okay, down to big dogs adopting small cats.
But the joy of this is the artwork. As in Big Smelly Bear, another favorite of mine, Teckentrup's bold artwork is full of energy. Grumpy Cat's eyes are as expressive as any cat I've known, and his whole body speaks as he initially avoids the kitten, and then bows to the inevitable and makes friends.
Delightful.
But the joy of this is the artwork. As in Big Smelly Bear, another favorite of mine, Teckentrup's bold artwork is full of energy. Grumpy Cat's eyes are as expressive as any cat I've known, and his whole body speaks as he initially avoids the kitten, and then bows to the inevitable and makes friends.
Delightful.
October 28, 2014
Once there was a cat who lived all alone.
He ate on his own.
He slept on his own.
He spent every day alone.
He would sit between the
trash cans and look very,
very grumpy.
THIS CAT IS LIVING MY DREAM.
Buy this title from Powell's Books.
December 3, 2012
In a short story, important points such as friendship, giving, sharing, and belonging were presented in a beautifully illustrated story. Children (and adults) of all ages will enjoy this book. And this book is now part of my growing cat book collection.
February 25, 2011
Pretty good for 'cat' story time and would also be good for something on friends or feelings.
May 11, 2018
Een schattig board book over een knorrige kat en hoe hij uiteindelijk iemand ontmoet die niet zo makkelijk wegrent van hem en zijn knorrigheid.
Ik had laatst bij een van bibliotheken een bergje boeken van Britta Teckentrup gereserveerd. Blijkbaar heeft de bibliotheek een hele voorraad gekocht. :P Dit was dus een van de boekjes, ik had alleen verwacht dat het een gewoon prentenboek was, en niet een board book (kartonnen klein boekje). Ach, het maakt uiteindelijk niet uit want het verhaal was erg leuk om te lezen.
Vooral toen we erachter kwamen dat deze kat wel knorrig is, maar eigenlijk heel graag vrienden wilt maken met iedereen. Hij is heel erg eenzaam. Hij weet alleen niet hoe vriendschappen maken werkt. En misschien helpt het ook niet dat hij steeds zo boos kijkt (of dat ligt omdat hij knorrig is, of omdat hij het anime/manga boze ogen syndroom heeft, dat is nog maar de vraag). En tja, vriendschappen maken is ook niet makkelijk. Maar gelukkig voor hem gaat zijn dag snel veranderen.
Want wat is er tussen zijn benen gekropen? Een klein, schattig, oranje-achtig poesje! En die is blijkbaar niet bang voor Kats boze blikken. Oh nee, deze schat blijft bij Kat en probeert van alles om zijn aandacht te trekken. Ik dacht eerst dat Kat misschien boos (nog bozer) zou worden, maar toen gebeurde dat en ik zag een hele andere Kat.
Het einde was echt enorm schattig en ik ging dan ook in awwwwwwwww-mode. :P Ik ben zo blij voor Kat en Poes.
De tekenstijl is een beetje simpel, maar ik moet zeggen dat het helemaal niet erg was. Oh nee, het paste zelfs perfect bij het boek. En de katten zijn best schattig getekend.
Ik heb dus best genoten van dit leuke, lieve boek over vriendschap en eenzaamheid. Ik zou het zeker aanraden.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Ik had laatst bij een van bibliotheken een bergje boeken van Britta Teckentrup gereserveerd. Blijkbaar heeft de bibliotheek een hele voorraad gekocht. :P Dit was dus een van de boekjes, ik had alleen verwacht dat het een gewoon prentenboek was, en niet een board book (kartonnen klein boekje). Ach, het maakt uiteindelijk niet uit want het verhaal was erg leuk om te lezen.
Vooral toen we erachter kwamen dat deze kat wel knorrig is, maar eigenlijk heel graag vrienden wilt maken met iedereen. Hij is heel erg eenzaam. Hij weet alleen niet hoe vriendschappen maken werkt. En misschien helpt het ook niet dat hij steeds zo boos kijkt (of dat ligt omdat hij knorrig is, of omdat hij het anime/manga boze ogen syndroom heeft, dat is nog maar de vraag). En tja, vriendschappen maken is ook niet makkelijk. Maar gelukkig voor hem gaat zijn dag snel veranderen.
Want wat is er tussen zijn benen gekropen? Een klein, schattig, oranje-achtig poesje! En die is blijkbaar niet bang voor Kats boze blikken. Oh nee, deze schat blijft bij Kat en probeert van alles om zijn aandacht te trekken. Ik dacht eerst dat Kat misschien boos (nog bozer) zou worden, maar toen gebeurde dat en ik zag een hele andere Kat.
Het einde was echt enorm schattig en ik ging dan ook in awwwwwwwww-mode. :P Ik ben zo blij voor Kat en Poes.
De tekenstijl is een beetje simpel, maar ik moet zeggen dat het helemaal niet erg was. Oh nee, het paste zelfs perfect bij het boek. En de katten zijn best schattig getekend.
Ik heb dus best genoten van dit leuke, lieve boek over vriendschap en eenzaamheid. Ik zou het zeker aanraden.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 13, 2018
copyright:2008
number of pages:12
format:hardcover/board book
reading level:Pre-K-1
genre:baby book
lit requirement:baby book #2
summary:
Grumpy cat looks grumpy but really he was lonely. He did not know how to interact with all of the other cats. During a big rain storm a kitten hides under Grumpy cat and afterwards follow him around. He tries to get rid of kitten but kitten follows him everywhere. When kitten falls from a branch Grumpy cat is there to catch him and they stay together and Grumpy cat is not that grumpy anymore.
response:
I love this book. I love cats and this book is a cute story. I also love the story all together. I would recommend this book.
number of pages:12
format:hardcover/board book
reading level:Pre-K-1
genre:baby book
lit requirement:baby book #2
summary:
Grumpy cat looks grumpy but really he was lonely. He did not know how to interact with all of the other cats. During a big rain storm a kitten hides under Grumpy cat and afterwards follow him around. He tries to get rid of kitten but kitten follows him everywhere. When kitten falls from a branch Grumpy cat is there to catch him and they stay together and Grumpy cat is not that grumpy anymore.
response:
I love this book. I love cats and this book is a cute story. I also love the story all together. I would recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2018
Ouder, voor het eerst in het Nederlands uitgegeven boekje van Britta Teckentrup. Ook verkrijgbaar over een stinkende beer en een onhandig eendje. De knorrige kat is het leukst: een zeer onaangename, boos kijkende kat die langzaam smelt door een kitten dat aan zijn staart hangt en zijn aandacht vraagt. Ik hou ervan wanneer de hoofdrol is weggelegd voor een underdog, eh... -cat!
November 23, 2021
The use of pathetic fallacy in this book is intriguing. I also really think this would be a useful book to use in the classroom as you can explore PSHE links - ‘what does it mean to be lonely?’ & ‘how can we stop our friends and family from feeling lonely’. This book can be utilised to reflect a reality in the children’s lives in a positive way.
February 6, 2019
If Grumpy Cat were my cat, I'd call him Ove. Because this is pretty much a very short, very cute version of A Man Called Ove.
I love it.
I love it.
March 15, 2019
A great story to discuss how some people act weird or mean because they're just not sure how to fit in with others. The book itself is huge and the illustrations are bright and bold. This makes a great group read aloud for themes of friendship, fitting in, feelings, or cats.
September 11, 2019
This is not a story starring the famous Internet meme cat, but rather a simple tale of two stray cats--one old and grouchy, one a young kitten--who form an unlikely friendship.
This book instantly reminded me of this sweet true-life story: http://www.tinykittens.com/cases/mason
This book instantly reminded me of this sweet true-life story: http://www.tinykittens.com/cases/mason
January 8, 2020
An endearing story all about a cat who everyone perceives as grumpy, but really he is lonely. This would be a great story to explore the themes of loneliness, feelings, friendship and kindness with children.
March 25, 2025
Our SPED class - severe k-3 loves Grumpy Monkey. I found Grumpy Cat at the Thrift Store and loved the simple prose and clear bright illustrations.
We were able to stop and point out objects and situations in the book. We are especially working on emotions, so this book worked well.
We were able to stop and point out objects and situations in the book. We are especially working on emotions, so this book worked well.
October 20, 2025
I enjoyed the artwork in this book. it kind of reminded me of Eric Carl, only with less variegation of color. But I was disappointed because I thought this was going to be a funny story about a grumpy cat. it wasn't really.
October 15, 2016
Found this gem in the "discard" pile at the library and couldn't resist reading it on my way to the break room. Yes, it's about Grumpy Cat, but not that Grumpy Cat. You know, the one who has taken the internet Meme Scene by storm and even has her own movie.
Mainly, though, I'd been discussing just how cranky my cat, Luna, is and, with that on my mind, this title caught my eye.
Basically, we have Grumpy. Grumpy isn't so much cranky/angry as she is lonely (although she doesn't know that's why she's sad). Still... All the other cats avoid Grumpy because she's, well, Grumpy. A fact the author establishes and repeats often. It IS a kids book, so repetition is pretty typical. Anyway, one day a Kitten shows up. And that changes everything.
Actually, this one was pretty darn cute.
Mainly, though, I'd been discussing just how cranky my cat, Luna, is and, with that on my mind, this title caught my eye.
Basically, we have Grumpy. Grumpy isn't so much cranky/angry as she is lonely (although she doesn't know that's why she's sad). Still... All the other cats avoid Grumpy because she's, well, Grumpy. A fact the author establishes and repeats often. It IS a kids book, so repetition is pretty typical. Anyway, one day a Kitten shows up. And that changes everything.
Actually, this one was pretty darn cute.
June 6, 2017
Splendid book about a Tom cat who is always alone and grumpy, until a lonely kitten comes along.
September 22, 2017
I found it pretty interesting. It was a bit similar to my life xD Except without the animals, of course!
November 29, 2017
Why are there so many books about grumpy cats? Cats must just be so misunderstood!
September 17, 2018
Cute story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews