Grumpy Monkey The Best Present

by Suzanne Lang, Max Lang (Illustrator)

A new early reader from the world of the #1 New York Times-bestselling Grumpy Monkey about saving the best for last – and what to do when someone else’s best is your worst.

It’s Jim Panzee’s birthday, and his friends are coming over. We all know what Presents! Jim loves presents! Marabou insists that her present is the best and Jim should “save the best for last.” So Jim opens all his other A pineapple! A papaya!! Figs!!! Bananas!!!! What could possibly be any better than pineapple, papaya, figs, and bananas? Turns Not Marabou’s gift. Now Jim has to figure out if he should pretend he loves the gift or tell Marabou the truth. With his friends all giving him conflicting advice, Norman from next door steps in with the best advice of “You have to tell the truth. Just find a nice way to say it.”

As always, bestselling creators Suzanne Lang and Max Lang deliver a hilarious and simple story with bold art and a lesson at its core.

32 pages, Library Binding

Published July 14, 2026

About the author

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

Reviews

[Kate M. Colby · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Jack and I borrowed this book from the library because he is currently obsessed with the Grumpy Monkey series. He loved that it was Jim's birthday and liked seeing Jim open presents. It's not one of his favorites though because we've only read it once or twice.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just got this book from the library to read to my son. He has been enjoying this serious a lot and thankful for a series I can read to my four year old to enjoy.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! We love talking through what Jim will do with this gift problem. Did I need this message as an adult? Yes, yes I did.

[Laura Hook · Rating 4 out of 5]

The message in this story is a good one for kids