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Grumble Boats
Emma is very grumpy. Why should she have to visit Grandma while her brother goes to a pirate party? Harumph! Fortunately, Grandma knows exactly how to send Emma's bad mood away... Grumble Boats is a gorgeous reminder of the power of nature and the special magic of grandmas to make us feel better.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published May 25, 2021
About the author
Susannah McFarlane
132 books69 followersSusannah McFarlane is a successful children’s book author who, after many years working as a publisher, now spends her time writing and creating stories that kids love to read.
She is the creator and writer of the awarding-winning EJ12 Girl Hero series, the creator and co-author of the hugely popular series for boys, Boy vs Beast, and the author of the Little Mates series of alphabet books for under fives.
Susannah, who was also the original concept creator of two of Australia’s leading tween fiction series Go Girl! and Zac Power, understands kids and loves creating stories they enjoy to read. Her understanding and belief in the need for age-appropriate but fun content for kids comes from over twenty years experience as a children’s book publisher and from having worked with some of the world’s leading brands and writers. Susannah actually counts Thomas the Tank Engine, Winnie the Pooh, Tintin, and Enid Blyton as friends, not just former colleagues!
Susannah is also the founding director of Lemonfizz Media, a boutique children’s publisher that focuses on developing a small number of publishing projects across all content platforms, and a speaker on children’s publishing for the RMIT Editing and Publishing course.
She was previously the managing director of Egmont Books UK; the vice-president of the Egmont Group; the co‐owner, managing director and publisher of Hardie Grant Egmont; a contributor to the UK trade journal Publishing News; and the Convenor of the Children’s Publishing Committee and Board Director of the Australian Publishers’ Association.
She is the creator and writer of the awarding-winning EJ12 Girl Hero series, the creator and co-author of the hugely popular series for boys, Boy vs Beast, and the author of the Little Mates series of alphabet books for under fives.
Susannah, who was also the original concept creator of two of Australia’s leading tween fiction series Go Girl! and Zac Power, understands kids and loves creating stories they enjoy to read. Her understanding and belief in the need for age-appropriate but fun content for kids comes from over twenty years experience as a children’s book publisher and from having worked with some of the world’s leading brands and writers. Susannah actually counts Thomas the Tank Engine, Winnie the Pooh, Tintin, and Enid Blyton as friends, not just former colleagues!
Susannah is also the founding director of Lemonfizz Media, a boutique children’s publisher that focuses on developing a small number of publishing projects across all content platforms, and a speaker on children’s publishing for the RMIT Editing and Publishing course.
She was previously the managing director of Egmont Books UK; the vice-president of the Egmont Group; the co‐owner, managing director and publisher of Hardie Grant Egmont; a contributor to the UK trade journal Publishing News; and the Convenor of the Children’s Publishing Committee and Board Director of the Australian Publishers’ Association.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 21, 2025
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 4 stars ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
aww this was a very cute picture book! the idea of this book is to teach children how to handle their emotions by making a grumble boat and letting it float away. the illustrations in this picture book were so beautiful and gave life to the story. and guess what, at the end of the book there are step by step instructions on how to make your very own grumble boat!
˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to NetGalley, Charlesbridge, and Susannah McFarlane for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗
aww this was a very cute picture book! the idea of this book is to teach children how to handle their emotions by making a grumble boat and letting it float away. the illustrations in this picture book were so beautiful and gave life to the story. and guess what, at the end of the book there are step by step instructions on how to make your very own grumble boat!
˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to NetGalley, Charlesbridge, and Susannah McFarlane for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗
October 16, 2024
Emma’s upset that she has to hang out at Grandma’s house instead of accompanying her big brother to a party. So Grandma goes out to the beach and shows Emma how to use a little paper boat to get rid of frustrations or anger. The good message from Susannah McFarlane and the lovely pictures by Tamsin Ainslie combine for a wonderful picture book for dealing with very big feelings in very little kids. Adults will adore this book just as much.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Charlesbridge in exchange for an honest review.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Charlesbridge in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2024
Emma’s older brother is going to a pirate party and little sister, Emma is not, so she will stay with grandmother. Emma doesn’t understand why she can’t go to the pirate party. What to do? She pouts and grumbles. Who is best to help a disappointed child, grandmother, of course. (you see I’m a gramma)
Emma's grandmother takes her granddaughter and the dog for a beach walk. Wearing her coat with the big pockets, she knows exactly how to help get rid of Emma’s grumbles. At the shore, she takes out paper and pens from those big pockets, and grandmother sits on the beach and writes. (I really don’t know how one can write with pen and paper with sand as the surface but that’s ok.) She explains she is to writing/drawing her own grumbles on the paper. Grandmother writes snd shares that she broke her favorite tea cup just that morning, so she started drawing out this grumble. Emma's grandmother says it’s good to write our grumbles down when things do not go our way. Reluctantly, Emma sits on the beach drawing out her grumble.then the magic happens when grandmother folds the paper into a boat. When both papers have been transformed into boats, grandmother and Emma join hands as they launch their boats into the sea. Both of them quietly watch their grumble boats sail further and further out into the ocean. Even though Emma remarks to grandmother that maybe she could find a new favorite teacup, grandmother doesn’t bring up the missed pirate party. Oh the wisdom of the seniors.
Creating grumble boats and setting them adrift is a therapeutic and tangible way for a child to release negative emotions. As the grumble boat drifts away so will your frustration bringing a sense of relief and closure, helping one to move forward with a more positive outlook.
This is a really good and useful book to help youngsters who experiencebdisappointments. If you aren’t near the ocean perhaps a field trip to the creek is in order.
Don’t know how to make a paper boat? Instructions are included.
Beautiful illustrations!
Emma's grandmother takes her granddaughter and the dog for a beach walk. Wearing her coat with the big pockets, she knows exactly how to help get rid of Emma’s grumbles. At the shore, she takes out paper and pens from those big pockets, and grandmother sits on the beach and writes. (I really don’t know how one can write with pen and paper with sand as the surface but that’s ok.) She explains she is to writing/drawing her own grumbles on the paper. Grandmother writes snd shares that she broke her favorite tea cup just that morning, so she started drawing out this grumble. Emma's grandmother says it’s good to write our grumbles down when things do not go our way. Reluctantly, Emma sits on the beach drawing out her grumble.then the magic happens when grandmother folds the paper into a boat. When both papers have been transformed into boats, grandmother and Emma join hands as they launch their boats into the sea. Both of them quietly watch their grumble boats sail further and further out into the ocean. Even though Emma remarks to grandmother that maybe she could find a new favorite teacup, grandmother doesn’t bring up the missed pirate party. Oh the wisdom of the seniors.
Creating grumble boats and setting them adrift is a therapeutic and tangible way for a child to release negative emotions. As the grumble boat drifts away so will your frustration bringing a sense of relief and closure, helping one to move forward with a more positive outlook.
This is a really good and useful book to help youngsters who experiencebdisappointments. If you aren’t near the ocean perhaps a field trip to the creek is in order.
Don’t know how to make a paper boat? Instructions are included.
Beautiful illustrations!
March 2, 2025
A heartwarming story of a wise grandma teaching her granddaughter to pour her big emotions onto a piece of paper big emotions. And very gently, just setting them free!
📌 Before diving in, a quick note: I received a complimentary digital review copy of this book from Charlesbridge via Netgalley. That said, my thoughts here are completely my own!
It is widely understood that finding healthy ways to release emotions—whether through words, creative expression, or symbolic actions like folding paper boats—is essential for emotional well-being for adults and children alike. For very young children, who may struggle to articulate their feelings, these simple yet meaningful outlets provide a sense of relief and teach them how to process frustrations in a healthy, constructive way. Grumble Boats demonstrates this beautifully. And I mean this sincerely, reading this made me want to teach my tinies to paper boats and sail them away. I felt drawn to the grandmother in the story - someone who doesn't patronize the little girl but is present, is available to her as she grapples with the challenges her emotions present to her. I thoroughly enjoy this book. Thank you - Charlesbridge, Netgalley, Susannah McFarlane and Tamsin Ainslie!
📌 Before diving in, a quick note: I received a complimentary digital review copy of this book from Charlesbridge via Netgalley. That said, my thoughts here are completely my own!
It is widely understood that finding healthy ways to release emotions—whether through words, creative expression, or symbolic actions like folding paper boats—is essential for emotional well-being for adults and children alike. For very young children, who may struggle to articulate their feelings, these simple yet meaningful outlets provide a sense of relief and teach them how to process frustrations in a healthy, constructive way. Grumble Boats demonstrates this beautifully. And I mean this sincerely, reading this made me want to teach my tinies to paper boats and sail them away. I felt drawn to the grandmother in the story - someone who doesn't patronize the little girl but is present, is available to her as she grapples with the challenges her emotions present to her. I thoroughly enjoy this book. Thank you - Charlesbridge, Netgalley, Susannah McFarlane and Tamsin Ainslie!
October 24, 2024
What do you do when all you want to do is grumble. You make a grumble boat and set it adrift. This fun and inventive book by Susannah McFarlane can help even the most grumpy people think positively about a situation. Her parents are taking her brother to a pirate party while Emma stays with her grandmother. Emma is not pleased. She wants to go to the party as well. Hmph! Emma's grandmother knows exactly how to help her get rid of her grumbles. The grandmother gathers some materials and they set off for the beach. Taking out paper and pens, grandmother sits on the beach and writes. Earlier that day, grandmother broke her favorite tea cup, so she started drawing out her grumble. The idea of coloring wasn't too appealing to Emma. Emma's grandmother explained that sometimes it is good to write our grumbles down when things do not go our way. It's not long before Emma sits on the beach drawing out her grumble. Emma is quite impressed when her grandmother folds the paper into a boat. When both papers have been transformed into boats, grandmother holds Emma's hand while they throw their boats into the sea. Goodbye grumbles! Both of them watch their grumble boats sail further and further out into the ocean. That's how you handle grumbles.
The act of creating grumble boats and setting them adrift is a therapeutic way to release negative emotions. It allows individuals to externalize their frustrations, giving them a tangible form so they can be acknowledged and let go. This simple yet meaningful ritual can bring a sense of relief and closure, helping people to move forward with a more positive outlook.
The act of creating grumble boats and setting them adrift is a therapeutic way to release negative emotions. It allows individuals to externalize their frustrations, giving them a tangible form so they can be acknowledged and let go. This simple yet meaningful ritual can bring a sense of relief and closure, helping people to move forward with a more positive outlook.
November 23, 2024
Posted at Oh My Books!
I'm always searching for books that my son and I can enjoy while teaching valuable life lessons. I came across Grumble Boats, an adorable story that I can’t recommend enough. It’s the perfect book to read with little ones while enjoying its sweet illustrations.
The story revolves around a young girl who feels angry because she couldn’t attend a party with her brother and had to spend a few hours with her grandmother instead. What starts as a frustrating day for the girl turns into an unforgettable moment thanks to her grandmother’s patience, understanding, and love.
The grandmother transforms her granddaughter’s anger into a game called “Grumble Boats.” This game is not only creative (and a very easy idea to try someday) but also offers a beautiful metaphor for managing emotions. It’s such a subtle yet powerful lesson on the importance of validating feelings and finding creative and healthy ways to deal with them.
I can’t forget to mention the adorable dog Bella that accompanies the story. Its presence adds an even warmer and more familiar touch to the narrative since we have a dog (our beagle Bernie). We often go to the park with him and play, although he doesn't behaves as good as Bella. My son and I absolutely loved it!
The illustrations by Tamsin Ainslie, are delightful and beautiful. Each page has a soothing and cozy feel that perfectly complements the story. The soft colors and delicate strokes make the reading experience a visual pleasure for both adults and children.
In short, Grumble Boats is a must-have in any children’s library. It’s a story that fosters family bonds, and teaches respectful emotional management. My son and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I’m sure you will too.
Don’t hesitate to give it a try!
I'm always searching for books that my son and I can enjoy while teaching valuable life lessons. I came across Grumble Boats, an adorable story that I can’t recommend enough. It’s the perfect book to read with little ones while enjoying its sweet illustrations.
The story revolves around a young girl who feels angry because she couldn’t attend a party with her brother and had to spend a few hours with her grandmother instead. What starts as a frustrating day for the girl turns into an unforgettable moment thanks to her grandmother’s patience, understanding, and love.
The grandmother transforms her granddaughter’s anger into a game called “Grumble Boats.” This game is not only creative (and a very easy idea to try someday) but also offers a beautiful metaphor for managing emotions. It’s such a subtle yet powerful lesson on the importance of validating feelings and finding creative and healthy ways to deal with them.
I can’t forget to mention the adorable dog Bella that accompanies the story. Its presence adds an even warmer and more familiar touch to the narrative since we have a dog (our beagle Bernie). We often go to the park with him and play, although he doesn't behaves as good as Bella. My son and I absolutely loved it!
The illustrations by Tamsin Ainslie, are delightful and beautiful. Each page has a soothing and cozy feel that perfectly complements the story. The soft colors and delicate strokes make the reading experience a visual pleasure for both adults and children.
In short, Grumble Boats is a must-have in any children’s library. It’s a story that fosters family bonds, and teaches respectful emotional management. My son and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I’m sure you will too.
Don’t hesitate to give it a try!
November 1, 2024
Thank you so you so much to Charlesbridge and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
Emma wants to go to the pirate party with her brother but isn’t allowed, so she has the grumbles. Grandma knows how to fix the grumbles and takes her to the beach to help cheer her up and send the grumbles away.
I absolutely loved this book, not only did Emma have grumbles but so did grandma and together they made a really adorable and fun way of getting rid of the grumbles and setting their sadness and worries far away from them.
It was so sweet and I love how gentle she was with her she never pushed her or expected anything from her, just let Emma come to terms with it all on her own and eventually she was okay again and I really adored that.
The illustrations were so sweet and beautiful to look at seeing Emma, grandma and dog Bella going through a sad moment In their lives. It was a really great read and it’s perfect for if your little ones are feeling grumpy as it is a good way of showing that a distraction can help them feel better.
Emma wants to go to the pirate party with her brother but isn’t allowed, so she has the grumbles. Grandma knows how to fix the grumbles and takes her to the beach to help cheer her up and send the grumbles away.
I absolutely loved this book, not only did Emma have grumbles but so did grandma and together they made a really adorable and fun way of getting rid of the grumbles and setting their sadness and worries far away from them.
It was so sweet and I love how gentle she was with her she never pushed her or expected anything from her, just let Emma come to terms with it all on her own and eventually she was okay again and I really adored that.
The illustrations were so sweet and beautiful to look at seeing Emma, grandma and dog Bella going through a sad moment In their lives. It was a really great read and it’s perfect for if your little ones are feeling grumpy as it is a good way of showing that a distraction can help them feel better.
November 29, 2024
My review will be live on my blog - donnasbookblog on 15 April 2025 - publication day!
I thought that this book was excellent and it is a great way to discuss what "grumbles" your child and helps to come up with a way for them to disappear and float away.
In the story the little girl, Emma, doesn't get to go to a pirate themed party with her brother, and a case of the "grumbles" sets in. Thankfully her grandma notices and they have a chat about their feelings, and grandma comes up with a plan to help Emma - they write their "grumbles" out on to a piece of paper, they then fold them in to the shape of paper boats and let them sail and float away - a great idea!
The illustrations in the book are great and they really work well with the story and help to bring it all to life. The book is well written and easy to follow and will be a great way to discuss feelings and what can be done about them - a really positive story and approach!
It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!
I thought that this book was excellent and it is a great way to discuss what "grumbles" your child and helps to come up with a way for them to disappear and float away.
In the story the little girl, Emma, doesn't get to go to a pirate themed party with her brother, and a case of the "grumbles" sets in. Thankfully her grandma notices and they have a chat about their feelings, and grandma comes up with a plan to help Emma - they write their "grumbles" out on to a piece of paper, they then fold them in to the shape of paper boats and let them sail and float away - a great idea!
The illustrations in the book are great and they really work well with the story and help to bring it all to life. The book is well written and easy to follow and will be a great way to discuss feelings and what can be done about them - a really positive story and approach!
It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!
March 28, 2022
This is a delightful book about a little girl who is cross as she cannot join her big brother at a pirate party and has to stay with grandma. Grandma is stoic under the weight of her disgruntlement and provides a number of activities to alleviate the anger and eventually finds a satisfactory solution the help the grumbles go away.
I really liked the fact that little Emma was clearly upset and angry but did not resort to a tantrum. Her feeling were evocatively portrayed in Tamsin Ainslie's soft, expressive and very endearing watercolur illustrations.
A delightful story to share with unhappy youngsters with a practical solution to try out to ;push the worries away. The book concludes with instructions on how to make a grumble boat.
A well deserved inclusion on the 2022 CBCA notable list for Early Childhood.
I really liked the fact that little Emma was clearly upset and angry but did not resort to a tantrum. Her feeling were evocatively portrayed in Tamsin Ainslie's soft, expressive and very endearing watercolur illustrations.
A delightful story to share with unhappy youngsters with a practical solution to try out to ;push the worries away. The book concludes with instructions on how to make a grumble boat.
A well deserved inclusion on the 2022 CBCA notable list for Early Childhood.
May 5, 2025
Feelings are sometimes hard for little ones to understand, especially sadness, anger and feeling left out. Emma's feelings are making her grumbly. But Emmás grandma knows just what to do to help Emma feel better. After drawing her feelings on a paper she shows her how to make it into a little paper boat. Then they put the boats into the water and say goodbye to their grumbles and their worries.
A wonderful story that shows our little ones that emotions are normal and that we can all find a way to let go of the sad emotions. Calm and beautiful illustrations capture the story. It's the perfect way to talk to little ones about their feelings both good and bad. Heart warming and lovingly written. Our family really enjoyed this book. It helped us to explain emotions that are sometimes hard to understand.
Enjoy with your littles.
A wonderful story that shows our little ones that emotions are normal and that we can all find a way to let go of the sad emotions. Calm and beautiful illustrations capture the story. It's the perfect way to talk to little ones about their feelings both good and bad. Heart warming and lovingly written. Our family really enjoyed this book. It helped us to explain emotions that are sometimes hard to understand.
Enjoy with your littles.
June 16, 2025
Thank you to the author, Charlesbridge and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My apologies for the delay in posting, I have had continuing familial health challenges to contend with in the past months.
This children's book explores how we can deal with feelings - and helping children understand that emotions are normal, and how we can cope with them. Emma learns from her grandmother that one way to let go of negative feelings is to - literally - let them go, and float away as little boats that have been consigned to carry feelings. The illustrations perfectly complemented the narrative, showing an array of emions. And I loved the inclusion of instructions for folding a 'grumble boat' at the back of the book, which was a great way to encourage children to actively engage in managing their feelings.
This children's book explores how we can deal with feelings - and helping children understand that emotions are normal, and how we can cope with them. Emma learns from her grandmother that one way to let go of negative feelings is to - literally - let them go, and float away as little boats that have been consigned to carry feelings. The illustrations perfectly complemented the narrative, showing an array of emions. And I loved the inclusion of instructions for folding a 'grumble boat' at the back of the book, which was a great way to encourage children to actively engage in managing their feelings.
January 18, 2025
Emma is very upset that her parents dropped her off at Grandma's house instead of bringing them to a pirate party with her brother. Emma is grumpy until her Grandma makes her draw her "grumbles". This book does an excellent job of accepting that children have big feelings and it's ok to have them, but it's good to get them out. Grandma turns her grumble paper into a boat and they sail them off into the water. The ending of the book shows families how to make their own paper boats which I love because it gives them an activity to do together.
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2025
We all could use GRUMBLE BOATS sometimes, don't we...
This charming picture book tells the story of a young girl and her grandmother, who helps the kid work through grumpiness, not by saying it's a bad feeling or to just be happy, but by gently showing her how she deals with her own moments of frustration: scribbling on a blank piece of paper, letting it all out, folding the paper into a boat, and setting it afloat. (Hooray for accidental rhymes.)
It's a wonderful story, beautifully illustrated. Highly recommend!
Thank you to Charlesbridge and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This charming picture book tells the story of a young girl and her grandmother, who helps the kid work through grumpiness, not by saying it's a bad feeling or to just be happy, but by gently showing her how she deals with her own moments of frustration: scribbling on a blank piece of paper, letting it all out, folding the paper into a boat, and setting it afloat. (Hooray for accidental rhymes.)
It's a wonderful story, beautifully illustrated. Highly recommend!
Thank you to Charlesbridge and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2024
Grumble Boats are such a good idea that I - at 29 - might make some myself. The cherry on top? Instructions on how to fold your own!
Big emotions are tough to navigate at any age. Such a tangible visual of letting those go is especially rare for younger kids; I'd dare to say that even toddlers could understand the big picture here.
I couldn't recommend this book more! Definitely one I'll be purchasing for my little guy's home library!
{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Susannah McFarlane and Charlesbridge for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!}
Big emotions are tough to navigate at any age. Such a tangible visual of letting those go is especially rare for younger kids; I'd dare to say that even toddlers could understand the big picture here.
I couldn't recommend this book more! Definitely one I'll be purchasing for my little guy's home library!
{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Susannah McFarlane and Charlesbridge for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!}
October 10, 2024
What a sweet book about taking your “grumbles” and letting them sail away!
Emma is feeling grumpy that she doesn’t get to go to the pirate party with her brother. Thankfully, her grandma has a plan. They write out their grumbles on paper, fold them into paper boats, and let them sail away.
This book would be a great tool to help children identify and do something about their grumpy feelings.
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for sending me a copy of this book to review.
Emma is feeling grumpy that she doesn’t get to go to the pirate party with her brother. Thankfully, her grandma has a plan. They write out their grumbles on paper, fold them into paper boats, and let them sail away.
This book would be a great tool to help children identify and do something about their grumpy feelings.
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for sending me a copy of this book to review.
October 18, 2021
Emma wants to go to the Pirate party with her brother but her mother takes her to her Grandma’s instead. And she is GRUMPY!
Evie said: Emma doesn’t want to be babysat. She’s angry and she stays angry. But Grandma knows how to fix it, and she has a coat with pockets full of ways to make it better. Grumble Boats are really clever and after we read this book we made some, which was fun.
Evie said: Emma doesn’t want to be babysat. She’s angry and she stays angry. But Grandma knows how to fix it, and she has a coat with pockets full of ways to make it better. Grumble Boats are really clever and after we read this book we made some, which was fun.
January 6, 2025
I received and ARC of this book through netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is adorable. I've been told to write my feelings about things and then destroy them. But I've never found the idea appealling. I'm no kind of artist, but I think I can draw grumbles. I live in a land locked state, and it's January so my grumbles won't be setting sail, but I still think it will work!
This book is adorable. I've been told to write my feelings about things and then destroy them. But I've never found the idea appealling. I'm no kind of artist, but I think I can draw grumbles. I live in a land locked state, and it's January so my grumbles won't be setting sail, but I still think it will work!
July 22, 2025
This book was pretty middle of the line, neutral for me. It wasn't great, wasn't bad. The illustrations were nice. There were a couple times throughout the book that I found myself a little thrown off by details. But overall this book was okay. If a child wanted to check it out I wouldn't have any objections, but I wouldn't pick it out myself again.
April 3, 2022
I love this concept (of letting your grumbles go via a boat set free) and the execution of both prose and pictures is sublime. A tender ode to grandmothers and their relationship with tiny grumpy people who are still learning to navigate their way through big feelings.
October 26, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Charlesbridge for the digital arc.
Little Emma is having a very grumpy day when she isn't allowed to attend a pirate party with her brother, and is left to spend time with Grandma. During a walk on the beach Grandma introduces Emma to the grumble boat, a drawing of your grumbles which is then folded into a paper boat, and launched into the water. Gentle pastel illustrations with instructions for folding a paper boat. Excellent for young children learning to navigate emotions.
Little Emma is having a very grumpy day when she isn't allowed to attend a pirate party with her brother, and is left to spend time with Grandma. During a walk on the beach Grandma introduces Emma to the grumble boat, a drawing of your grumbles which is then folded into a paper boat, and launched into the water. Gentle pastel illustrations with instructions for folding a paper boat. Excellent for young children learning to navigate emotions.
January 16, 2022
This book teaches children about emotions and how to regulate them.
February 18, 2023
Lovely book to get children to let go of their angry feeling. I made the grumble boats with my kids and will use this book in the classroom as a way for students to locate their grumbles.
May 24, 2025
Includes directions for folding grumble boats.
August 20, 2025
Sweet illustrations; includes directions for making a paper boat.
October 3, 2025
Too long for storytime, but the "grumble boat" origami craft at the end might be a good passive program about feelings and coping with bad moods.
March 13, 2026
Fun book! The instructions for making your own boat are a little vague and are missing a step, though.
November 1, 2024
This book is a must read for parents, while kids will find it funny - at least my daughter did.
One of the biggest challenges of parenthood is to teach your children how they can cope with their own feelings. What to do whenever they feel anxious, angry, sad or overwhelmed. This book shows a great example for how to empower them with simple tools.
One of the biggest challenges of parenthood is to teach your children how they can cope with their own feelings. What to do whenever they feel anxious, angry, sad or overwhelmed. This book shows a great example for how to empower them with simple tools.
November 19, 2024
Emma is at her grandma’s house and she is feeling crabby. Grandma to the rescue! This sweet book by prolific children’s author Susannah Mcfarlane is beautifully illustrated by Tamsin Ainslie. It provides a creative resolution to a bad mood. It won’t just work for Emma, but for grandma and anyone else who reads or listens to the book. Draw your “grumble“ on a piece of paper. Use the directions in the book to fold the paper into a boat. And then put it in a moving body of water and let it float away. Wonderful idea. The author comments that paper is readily biodegradable, so points are given for environmental awareness as well. Nice presentation, great lesson!
With thanks to NetGalley for a free advance e-copy of this book, I have written this review voluntarily. (Publication date is April 15, 2024.)
With thanks to NetGalley for a free advance e-copy of this book, I have written this review voluntarily. (Publication date is April 15, 2024.)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews