Kit Kat Camp: The Grumpy Neighbor

by Kathy Dixon Dye

In Kit Kat The Grumpy Neighbor, young readers will discover the power of looking beyond first impressions. When the boys lose their ball over the grumpy neighbor’s fence, they’re not exactly eager to interact with him… again. But what starts as an accidental encounter turns into something unexpected—an opportunity to truly get to know him.

The boys at Kit Kat Camp realize that everyone has a story, and sometimes, what seems like grumpiness is simply a story waiting to be heard.

With a heartfelt message that resonates with both children and adults, this touching tale by Kathy Dye encourages young minds to replace judgment with curiosity and compassion. If prejudice can be learned, so can love and understanding!

Perfect for families, educators, and anyone who believes in the power of a kind heart.

In Kit Kat The Grumpy Neighbor, young readers will discover the power of looking beyond first impressions. When the boys lose their ball over the grumpy neighbor’s fence, they’re not exactly eager to interact with him… again. But what starts as an accidental encounter turns into something unexpected—an opportunity to truly get to know him.

The boys at Kit Kat Camp realize that everyone has a story, and sometimes, what seems like grumpiness is simply a story waiting to be heard.

With a heartfelt message that resonates with both children and adults, this touching tale by Kathy Dye encourages young minds to replace judgment with curiosity and compassion. If prejudice can be learned, so can love and understanding!

Perfect for families, educators, and anyone who believes in the power of a kind heart.

32 pages, Paperback

Published November 7, 2025

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engaging story that teaches children that everyone has a story behind their actions, even grumpy people. It's a good lesson wrapped in a fun package.

[Marlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important message for kids

This was my first Kit Kat Camp book. I enjoyed the message that everyone has a story that affects their behaviour and how they act. The characters also model praying for their enemies and for guidance to show more compassion for their neighbour. I was not a big fan of the illustrations, but many kids can relate to the feeling of having a "grumpy" neighbour. This book can be helpful in generating discussions with kids about treating others with respect and compassion.

[Alexis Faere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! Kathy Dye has done it again! What a beautiful story about the importance of stories in our lives. I adored Mason: Such a relatable character with relatable tendencies and important, practical growth. This delicious story is great for children and adults alike. I can't wait for the the next Kit Kat Kamp book! (If you are looking for gifts for your children/grandchildren, or just want to share an impactful story with a random young person, grab this story and share it!)

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathy Dye knows how to bring great children’s books to life while teaching valuable lessons at the same time. While the grandchildren have one too many experiences with a grumpy neighbor Kit Kat steps in. Kit Kat asks important questions that make the children realize there may be more the grumpy neighbor than they realize. It’s an important lesson in how to treat others and in realizing everyone has a story.

[Sherry Vycital · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her gentle way, Kit Kat teaches her grandchildren and their friends to look with kindness beyond the grumpiness of their neighbor. As they discover his story, and help put a smile on his face again, they find their neighbor to be an awesome friend. Part of a series, this nicely illustrated Kit Kat Camp book (plus Kit Kat Camp: No Electronics) will delight your 4-9 year olds.

[Janet Ashmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Grumpy Neighbor" is a heartfelt children's picture book, describing a grumpy neighbor who yelled at the children playing basketball near his yard. However, the children soon discovered that "everyone has a story," and as a result, they were able to foster a better relationship with the neighbor. This book is a must-have for children learning to resolve conflicts!

[Lolisa Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story for Kathy Dye!

Kit Kat always knows what to say and get little ones thinking about their how their actions affect others.
The Grumpy Neighbor is a mystery to the boys until more than a ball goes missing in his backyard!

Thank you Kathy for teaching another valuable lesson to children everywhere. The newest book to our bookshelves!

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet story

This sweet story reminds kids everyone has a story, and those back stories often affect how we react to situations. I love how the children learn and grow within this story as they develop kindness and understanding.

[Becca Yager · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughters have already asked me to read this book several times. I got tears in my eyes when I was reading it. It's a super cute book about how everyone has a story. Kathy Dixon Dye did a great job with this book!

[Pat Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The message, “Everyone has a story,” sings through this tale of four youngsters grappling with a grumpy neighbor. The boys can’t understand why Mr. Jones won’t return their basketball. Eventually he tells his story and the boys begin to grasp the meaning of Kit Kat’s message. In just a few words, Kathy Dye also shares a message we all should heed.

[MaryJo Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent book is a great lesson for all children. Never judge, not even a grumpy older adult.
Getting to know neighbors is essential to a peaceful neighborhood.

[Jan Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book --- perfect for your children or grandchildren for Christmas!