Grumpy Monkey Mom for a Day

by Suzanne Lang, Max Lang (illustrator)

The New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey series returns with a celebration of relationships between mothers and their children. Grumpy Monkey offers to babysit the little animals in the jungle but when things go haywire, help comes from an unexpected source.

When Jim Panzee offers to step in as a temporary mom, he thinks, It will be fun. How hard can it be? But when he’s immediately bombarded with a chorus of needs such as “Carry me, mommy,” and “I’m hungry.” Grumpy Monkey doesn’t know what to do first.

He tries his best but when the baby animals start falling out of a tree, Jim is completely overwhelmed. That’s when his mom swings down, picks him up, calms the baby animals, and makes everything right. Jim understands and appreciates the power of parenting and the unconditional love his mom has for him.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Family, Storytime, Humor

Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

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

Reviews

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Panzee is back in his ninth Grumpy Monkey book. This time he advocates for a special day to honor moms. He decides to give some of the moms in the jungle alittle relief by watching their youngsters. He soon learns how hard it is to babysit the kids and meet all their needs. He finally gets some good advice from his own mom to rescue the day. The book ends with two pages of related stickers that the reader can use.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone who thinks being a mother [or father, for that matter] is easy needs to read this book and follow in Jim Panzee's footsteps and try on that role for a little while. After hearing Crocodile longing for a nap, Jim offers to babysit. All goes well until several other animal mothers drop off their youngsters too. At first, things are okay; the babies play with Jim and take a nap. But they start acting up when he tries to tell them a story. They whine, try to climb trees, and beg for attention. Jim quickly realizes that he's not up to dealing with all this for long. Fortunately for Jim, someone comes to his rescue just in the nick of time. Fans of these Grumpy Monkey books will find this just as delightful as the others--with brightly colored illustrations, large font sizes to indicate Jim's burgeoning emotions, and his expressive face. Who wouldn't need a break after all that stress and feeling torn in so many different directions? This picture book might be a good choice for a Mother's Day read aloud.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

When crocodile vents to Jim and Norman about needing a nap, Jim decides to be a mom for a day citing it as easy. When other animals hear the news they too drop their little ones off with Jim. What starts out as fun and exciting quickly becomes exhausting and draining. A story that highlights how hard it is to be a mom and why moms should be appreciated, Grumpy Monkey Mom for a Day is a well crafted and illustrated book. It also included two full page sticker sheets with all of the animals.

Thank you Random House Kids for the gifted copy.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a mom is easy right? It’s all fun and games. Jim finds out the hard way that isn’t true. Being a mom is difficult and comes with unexpected challenges. Lang writes this book with humor that will tickle both old and young readers. For younger readers it shows the difficulties of being an adult that a young child might not understand, providing a wonderful lesson on empathy and conversation starters. This book is a great read aloud for mothers day.


Recommended for ages 3 - 8 years old by the SEPA Book Reviewers.

[Sarah Alamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're so proud of you for reading "Grumpy Monkey Mom for a Day!" You learned something really special - that being a mom or dad is hard work, and they do so much because they love you. Now you understand why we sometimes get tired! You can help us by being patient and saying "thank you" more. Maybe you can even help with small things around the house. You're becoming such a thoughtful, kind girl. We love watching you grow and learn from your books. Great job, sweetheart!

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim notices his friend, the crocodile, is extremely tired and offers to play mom to her offspring. Other animals show up and want to leave their babies in his care. Little does he know what is involved in taking care of so many young animals! Kids will laugh out loud. The illustrations are outstanding and engaging. Highly recommended for Grades 1-3.

[Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grumpy monkey offers to help with all the animal babies but then gets overwhelmed! His mom saves the day. This book shows how overstimulating motherhood can be and how hard it is and we just need a nap!

[Brittany DeMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet read for Mother’s Day or anytime. Jim said, “Being a mom can be fun, but it is not easy.” There are so many relatable and laughable parts for moms as they are reading this. As Norman says, “Every day is a great day to celebrate your mom.”

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a nice read. I love how Jim’s mom had his back in the end.

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure my kids entirely got it - but it was cute.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our hero is overwhelmed when he volunteers to babysit all of the jungle youngsters. This one has the energy of a classic Disney cartoon short, and it's a lot of fun.

[Theodore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and pretty funny book about mothers!

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

When all the animals leave their young with him, Jim Panzee thinks being a mom is easy until their demands make him feel overwhelmed

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read aloud for young children!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very true...being a mom can be tough and fun all at the same time!

[Y.Poston]

a very fun appreciation of mothers

[Michelle Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim finds out what it takes to be a mom, and how thankful he is for his own. ❤

[Samantha Wittkamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like this is wayyy more for the moms than the kids

[TheRetiredSchoolLibrarian |Mrs. Ferraris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Jim Panzee volunteers to take care of jungle babies so their mothers can rests. He learns that being a mom is not as easy as it looks.

Comments: A fun and whimsical book to read aloud.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

[Karl H · Rating 5 out of 5]

To my mom. This book made me realize. How special Mom is. Thank you for being my mom. My mom passed away this year.

[Jame_EReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

👧🏻👦🏻reviewed: this is funny and I wonder if my mom felt the same way when we were smaller. This book has cute and colorful illustrations and the added bonus is that it came with stickers at the back of the book. Love it!