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O Urso Resmungão
Certa manhã o Resmungão encontra o Coelhinho pendurado num ramo, a segurar uma estrela que caíra do céu. O Coelhinho está a tentar salvar todas as estrelas que encontra pelo caminha e precisa de um grande e bondoso amigo, como o Urso Resmungão para o ajudar. O Urso resmungão por seu lado não quer amigos, mas o Coelhinho é muito determinado...
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
1 person is currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Steve Smallman
932 books74 followersSteve Smallman lives in Staffordshire with his wife, two dogs and two cats. He has four children and a grandchild. Steve has been illustrating children’s books for almost 30 years and writing his own stories for slightly less. He also teaches illustration workshops in schools, including mural-painting. Steve is the author of Smelly Peter the Great Pea Eater (Winner of the Sheffield Children's Book Award 2009) and The Lamb Who Came for Dinner (Shortlisted for the Red House Children's Book Award and read by Meatloaf on CITV's Bookaboo). When he’s not working, Steve enjoys films, television, gardening and walking in the countryside.
Steve Smallman on Steve Smallman:
I started working as an illustrator when I was in my final year at Art College and now, over 28 years later I still haven't got a proper job! I've illustrated literally hundreds of books, predominantly in educational publishing. A few years ago I was main illustrator for Longman's 'Story Street' reading scheme, illustrating 79 titles and writing 5.
I've worked in children's television, specifically in character development and most notably in the 'Raggy Doll' series in the mid to late 1980's. I have also done a certain amount of licensed work, illustrating characters such as Postman Pat, Bill and Ben and Sesame Street.
I've been described as an 'Animal Artist', not I hasten to add because I'm wild and hairy but because I love to draw animals and especially like to give them human characteristics.
I've been writing children's books for about 6 years and have already had several picture books published with more in development.
I've got 4 great children and although they're all adults now, my memories of them growing up inspire and inform my writing.
Steve Smallman on Steve Smallman:
I started working as an illustrator when I was in my final year at Art College and now, over 28 years later I still haven't got a proper job! I've illustrated literally hundreds of books, predominantly in educational publishing. A few years ago I was main illustrator for Longman's 'Story Street' reading scheme, illustrating 79 titles and writing 5.
I've worked in children's television, specifically in character development and most notably in the 'Raggy Doll' series in the mid to late 1980's. I have also done a certain amount of licensed work, illustrating characters such as Postman Pat, Bill and Ben and Sesame Street.
I've been described as an 'Animal Artist', not I hasten to add because I'm wild and hairy but because I love to draw animals and especially like to give them human characteristics.
I've been writing children's books for about 6 years and have already had several picture books published with more in development.
I've got 4 great children and although they're all adults now, my memories of them growing up inspire and inform my writing.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 9, 2022
A cute book about a grumpy bear, an optimistic rabbit, and perspectives coming to meet in the middle. I was convicted by how I can sometimes be Gruff the grumpy bear as a parent, and how very often my boys, especially Joey, are optimistic bunnies finding "stars" in everything. I might need to read often.
April 7, 2018
Gruff is a cranky bear that everyone avoids. A small rabbit tries to be his friend. He gives his "fallen stars" to Gruff after he rescues him from situations.
Reader see Gruff change from grumpy to friendly with a good friend's help.
Reader see Gruff change from grumpy to friendly with a good friend's help.
July 19, 2023
Gruff was a bear whose reputation proceeded him as being a scowly, growly, grizzly grump. But Gruff didn't care as long as it kept all the other animals away. But when Gruff helps a Rabbit that was stuck in tree while chasing falling stars, Gruff's entire worldview changes.
January 20, 2019
A great bed time story. About being happy with oneself and helping others and making friends.
September 12, 2014
Since I have discovered Steve Smallman's books I have not found one that I did not love. This one will surely become a favourite of your child's as you discover Gruff and how kindness and perseverance literally changed his life.
"Gruff was a bear.
A great big bear.
A great big, scowly, grisly grump of a bear."
Now that is not the kind of guy you would want to hang around with or befriend right? The other animals of the forest stayed clear of him with his unapproachable temperament and manners. No way they want to be around him....he's big and scary.
Then one morning Gruff discovers a little rabbit hanging upside down on a tree branch. She is stranded and needs a helping hand. She has been rescuing "fallen stars" (which now seems to be her mission in life) and finds herself in a very peculiar and perhaps dangerous situation....she cannot get down from the tree by herself. She calls out to Gruff to please help since he is big and strong and can surely save her from her plight. Gruff is reluctant at a first, but finally relents and gently removes her from the branch. She is so grateful for his kindness that she gives him her coveted fallen star, which at first Gruff refuses, but finally concedes and takes it home and places it on his mantel.
The little rabbit keeps turning up in Gruff's life and giving him more gifts of rescued stars and each time they have an encounter Gruff's hard heart melts a little more and his gruffness little by little subsides. He even cleans up his bear cave which had long been neglected and he sweeps out the cobwebs and pine needles so his star trophies can have a special place on his mantle and in his heart. The two become fast friends as they play and laugh (yes laugh) and enjoy each other's company. Two unlikely creatures....bonded together by kindness and companionship. The little rabbit manages to clear the cobwebs and clutter that had been stifling Gruff's heart and by not giving up on him, showing him kindness and that he is needed and important .... makes the best fallen rescue of all...his heart. I loved the book! The illustrations are perfect. They are warm and engaging and the facial features of the animals bring them to life. Highly, highly recommended.
"Gruff was a bear.
A great big bear.
A great big, scowly, grisly grump of a bear."
Now that is not the kind of guy you would want to hang around with or befriend right? The other animals of the forest stayed clear of him with his unapproachable temperament and manners. No way they want to be around him....he's big and scary.
Then one morning Gruff discovers a little rabbit hanging upside down on a tree branch. She is stranded and needs a helping hand. She has been rescuing "fallen stars" (which now seems to be her mission in life) and finds herself in a very peculiar and perhaps dangerous situation....she cannot get down from the tree by herself. She calls out to Gruff to please help since he is big and strong and can surely save her from her plight. Gruff is reluctant at a first, but finally relents and gently removes her from the branch. She is so grateful for his kindness that she gives him her coveted fallen star, which at first Gruff refuses, but finally concedes and takes it home and places it on his mantel.
The little rabbit keeps turning up in Gruff's life and giving him more gifts of rescued stars and each time they have an encounter Gruff's hard heart melts a little more and his gruffness little by little subsides. He even cleans up his bear cave which had long been neglected and he sweeps out the cobwebs and pine needles so his star trophies can have a special place on his mantle and in his heart. The two become fast friends as they play and laugh (yes laugh) and enjoy each other's company. Two unlikely creatures....bonded together by kindness and companionship. The little rabbit manages to clear the cobwebs and clutter that had been stifling Gruff's heart and by not giving up on him, showing him kindness and that he is needed and important .... makes the best fallen rescue of all...his heart. I loved the book! The illustrations are perfect. They are warm and engaging and the facial features of the animals bring them to life. Highly, highly recommended.
March 21, 2015
I had the warm fuzzies all over after reading this book - so much so that I felt the need to actually hug it when I finished!
It's a beautiful story about unlikely friendships, but it's almost more a story about how even one "beautiful" thing can brighten up your entire life. It doesn't matter what the thing is, or even if it's really beautiful - but it can make you realize that your life could be a little more beautiful because it's there.
It's a beautiful story about unlikely friendships, but it's almost more a story about how even one "beautiful" thing can brighten up your entire life. It doesn't matter what the thing is, or even if it's really beautiful - but it can make you realize that your life could be a little more beautiful because it's there.
July 19, 2011
26 months - All of us enjoyed this one. It was the big hit from the collection of book on our last library trip. Well illustrated, good rhyme and a cute story. I would consider purchasing this one.
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April 24, 2012This is a great book on the importance of friendship and how that one friend can help someone out their grumpy ways. This is a great book to use at morning circle about community and how we help each other even when some are grumpy.
January 26, 2016
Gruff simply needs a little TLC and a smile to turn his frown around.
August 10, 2020
A wonderful story for kids. One of those you'll want to read to your child again and again.
November 22, 2023
Gruff the grump is a very unhappy and lonely bear; it is not until he meets a small rabbit that he discovers what he has been missing.
March 25, 2017
This would appeal to readers of Bonny Becker's series about Bear and Mouse. The idea is similar, and about as well executed. I particularly enjoyed the rabbit's unflappable peculiarities. Of course, that's another parallel between the Bear and Mouse stories, where Mouse is unflappable and quirky. I like the book, and I feel like it's a safe bet to say that there is an audience for this book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews