Grumpy Monkey Play All Day

by Suzanne Lang, Max Lang (illustrator)

The New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey series returns with another delightful picture book featuring a stubborn Jim Panzee who only wants to play all day and ignore everything else. Children and perents alicke will relate to this silly book about procrastination.One fine morning, Jim Panzee wakes up and decides that all he's going to do is play all day. Whether it's tidying his branch, finding bananas for lunch, or even taking a bathroom break, Jim wiggles out of it. For him nothing is more important than having fun. Like so many kids, Jim is great at avoiding his responsibilities.Instead, Jim Panzee spends time swinging with the monkeys, singing with the birds, and rolling around with the zebras. When his friends return home, Jim finds new animal friends so he can keep on playing. But by the end of the day, when Jim is dirty, itchy, and hungry, his best pal Norman patiently tells him “Too much of anything can be, well, too much.”In a world where most kids would love to spend all their time playing, Jim Panzee finds out what happens when that’s all you do.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Humor, Storytime, Plays, Emotion

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Rodrigo Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the realm of contemporary children’s literature, few titles manage to encapsulate the complexities of emotional resilience and social dynamics with the finesse exhibited in "Grumpy Monkey: Play All Day." This delightful sequel to the original "Grumpy Monkey" narrative, crafted by the adept duo of Suzanne Lang and Max Lang, explores the multifaceted interplay between play, mood, and friendship, all while inviting young readers into an exquisitely illustrated jungle setting that serves as both a backdrop and a character in its own right.

At its core, the narrative centers around Jim Panzee, a character whose initial disposition embodies the essence of the ‘grumpy’ archetype, yet transcends this label through a journey of self-discovery and emotional evolution. The plot intricately weaves Jim’s ambivalence towards the exuberance of play—an activity often romanticized as a universal source of joy—into a broader discourse about individual emotional states and the societal expectations that often accompany them. The text subtly critiques the prevailing notion that happiness is an obligation, rather than a state to be navigated at one’s own pace.

The narrative architecture is meticulously constructed, with each page turning not merely as a function of storytelling but as a strategic move in the broader game of understanding interpersonal relationships. The author deftly employs dialogue that oscillates between whimsical and profound, allowing readers to grapple with complex themes of peer pressure, emotional honesty, and the importance of authentic expression. This duality creates a rich tapestry that invites young audiences to engage in critical thinking, encouraging them to ponder the nuances of their own emotional landscapes.

Max Lang’s illustrations serve as a critical vehicle for the story, augmenting the text with a visual lexicon that is as playful as it is poignant. The vibrant colors and dynamic compositions are not mere embellishments; they are integral to the reader’s experience, providing a sensory exploration that complements Jim’s emotional journey. Each character is imbued with a distinct personality that resonates with the reader, reinforcing the themes of friendship and acceptance. The portrayal of the jungle itself, filled with lively creatures, acts as a metaphorical playground—an arena where the tension between joy and grumpiness plays out.

Furthermore, the book’s structure is emblematic of a careful balancing act between narrative drive and thematic depth. The episodic nature of Jim’s interactions with various jungle friends serves to underscore the fluctuating dynamics of emotional well-being. Each encounter reveals not just the external pressures Jim faces but also the internal conflicts that define his character. The nuanced portrayal of Jim’s reluctance to embrace play offers a reflection on the often-overlooked reality that not every child (or indeed, adult) is predisposed to unfettered joy.

As the narrative progresses, the overarching message emerges: that it is entirely permissible to experience a spectrum of emotions, and that play, while a joyous activity, does not need to be pursued with unyielding enthusiasm. This revelation is particularly resonant in a contemporary context where the emphasis on perpetual positivity can sometimes overshadow the validity of grumpiness as a legitimate emotional state.

In conclusion, "Grumpy Monkey: Play All Day" is an exemplary work that extends beyond mere entertainment; it serves as a reflective mirror for both children and adults alike, prompting discussions about emotional authenticity, the pressures of societal norms, and the importance of embracing one's feelings—grumpy or otherwise. Lang and Lang have crafted a narrative that, while ostensibly simple, operates on multiple levels, ensuring its place in the pantheon of meaningful children’s literature. This book is not just a story about a monkey; it is a profound exploration of the human condition in all its glorious complexity, making it an essential addition to any child’s library.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨listen, I read this before giving it to a little kid for Christmas so this counts towards my goal, idc

✨but it was such a fun read! would buy this book and probs the whole series of books for any young kid

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my new favorite Grumpy Monkey! Love the truth behind it: too much of a good thing rarely is good & doing non-fun things isn’t fun but definitely rewarding 😊💖

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy monkey learns that while it may not be -fun-, cleaning and taking care of yourself and your space is important.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite part of these books is the monkey's name: Jim Panzee.

That's GOLD!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect for youngsters (and their parents) who have learned about how to self-regulate while also being amused, this picture book slyly focuses on the perils of procrastination. Most of us have experienced this at one time or the other, often choosing to engage in activities that are far more pleasurable than picking up after ourselves or washing dishes. That's the case for Jim Panzee, who decides one day that he isn't doing any cleaning, not even brushing his teeth. And while he has a blast doing so, eventually the other animals either quit playing or have other things that they'd rather do. Jim's so busy playing that he doesn't even stop to eat or to pee. As usual, his friend Norman says it best when he reminds Jim that it's possible to have too much of a good thing. The plot doesn't end with Jim being thrilled to do his work or regard it as fun. But he does feel a sense of accomplishment afterward, a message that will resonate with many readers, unless they are procrastinating reading this book and never see its contents. The artwork is just as child friendly as the relatable text, filled with expressive faces and jungle scenes and plentiful whites. Readers who have enjoyed the How Do Dinosaurs... series by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague are the perfect audience for this one.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Panzee doesn't want to do any chores like tidy his branch, brush his teeth or pick fleas out of his fur; he just wants to play. So he does; he swings with the monkeys, hops with bullfrog and rolled with zebras. Eventually the other animals needed to do their own chores. Jim continued to play. But then he got itchy because he hadn't picked fleas off himself, his tummy rumbled because he hadn't gathered food and all of a sudden he really needed to pee. He continues to play until he just can't because he isn't enjoying himself anymore. He finally decides to do his chores. They aren't fun but he he feels so much better afterwards.

A great one for explaining why we all have to do chores.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy Monkey is back in his eighth book. This time Jim Panzee decides to play all day and ignore his chores and personal habits. The reader watches as Jim has fun with the other animals in the jungle but when they decide to take care of their personal needs, Jim turns his attention to finding more animals to have fun with. By the end of the day, what he has overlooked to play all day comes back to haunt him. He decides reluctantly to attend to those needs and discovers that some balance might be a better way to operate.

[ARG · Rating 5 out of 5]

In life there are things you don't want to do...ok maybe things you really don't want to do. But they are things you have to do. They are the basic human "chores" we all have to do. Sure you could avoid them momentarily, like playing all day. However, sooner or later we all have to do them. We have to do them because we need to them, not because you really want to. There not the most fun, but once you do the "chores" you don't want to do, you'll realize that you feel much better because you did them. arg 4/21/25

[Lynda Pollock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to teach kids the importance of balance between having fun and looking after oneself. Great illustrations to go along with the story. The only reason I gave it a four stars instead of five…I felt that it needs a last page with one big illustration.

[GS Dachslove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monkey doesn't want to do the boring tasks that we all need to do to stay healthy. So he just plays all day...and ends up unhappy.

A good lesson in doing the "chores" so you can feel good...even if they aren't necessarily fun.

Too long for story time...maybe good for elementary read aloud

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really liked it)

This might be my favorite grumpy monkey book. It's all about balance and how you even need a break from the fun things every once in a while. Jim ends up doing all the none fun things and the reader gets to see the value in the "boring" things that have to get done.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy Monkey continues to be reliably funny and smart about a common childhood desire.

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the illustrations! And the message of having a balance of the fun stuff and the boring but necessary daily chores. The body language, emotions, and morals are quite relatable.

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book as it showed that even having only "fun" becomes problematic

[Jaimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that playing has consequences and Jim's friends all play, but still get stuff done. Grumpy monkey is a classic in the making and I will happily read them again and again!

[asanelder · Rating 3 out of 5]

画风可以，感觉教育方式不够有说服力

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book about how taking care of yourself is "boring" but makes life better and easier

[Phillip Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5: Jim learns an important lesson about chores and play.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

All play and no work makes Jim Panzee a hungry mess!

[Theodore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and creative book about having to do chores!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cute, and educational in a fun way.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Panzee decides to ignore his daily chores and play all day. He soon discovers that too much of a good thing isn't always the best thing.

[Madison Mckinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book out of a series is funny!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim learns that wonderful as it is to play all day, it is more enjoyable once you do your chores and tidy your tree limb.

Once again great art, charmingly relatable story, and Jim is amusing as always.

[Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was my kids first time reading one of the books from the Grumpy Monkey series. They liked it and I liked the lesson behind it!