The Grumpalump

by Sarah Hayes

Even listeners too young to know the difference between a gnu and a yak will love the sounds of this cumulative tale, as a parade of animals confronts the mysterious grumpalump, which just lies there--a big multicolored pile of stuff--resisting the animals' attempts to get it to do something but grump. Large print and lots of defining white space make this a terrific just-one-more for storytime.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite books as a little girl :)

[Maggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read and shared many, many times with my children and my speech therapy students! Love it!

[Staciel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such fun reading all of our family favorite picture books again!

This one came to us via our favorite little indie bookstore (seriously-- what would I do without them?!), and was read many times

Lots of fun- how many books feature a yak and a gnu?

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was the grumpalump an actual creature? Was it a hot air balloon gone awry? Who knows? Who cares?! It was adorable and I just want more. Sidenote - watching it in a YouTube readalong vlog with a British narrator is the icing on the cake.

[Kay Lea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short story. Slight rhyme. Not much of a story to it but children may like it.

[Tatia Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite kids books ever! Read this constantly for my kids.

[Valerie Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humorous and delightful characters and language.

[zunggg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chipper little list of comical rhymes, an extra half-star for the inclusion of a gnu.

[Ruth D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infant

[Abbey Pignatari · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5 (physical book)

This book was cute, but it didn't feel like there was much of a purpose for the storyline. It's probably a personal preference, but I like children's books to have a purpose or moral to teach.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read during pre-k class visits on 11/14/12: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

Read during pre-k class visit on 11/15/12: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

Read at Moms Club Story Time on 11/9/14: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

Read at preschool story time on 3/8/17: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

Read at a flying-themed family story time at my house on 8/2/19: https://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com...

[Shahina Khan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young listeners will be able to identify the difference between a gnu and a yak and they will love the weird sounds in the tale, as a variety of animals approach the mysterious grumpalump, which just lies lazily....All it does is grump and grump. Large print and lots of colour make it an engaging and enjoyable book to read.

[Mandy Setterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A children's book, fondly remembered from 15 years ago when my children were pre-schoolers. I bought a second hand copy on line and it's the best £2 I've spent this year! The rhyme and the crescendo give a really exciting feel to the story. Wonderful!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book that Caleb memorized about a year ago. We call a certain climbing wall at a local park the "Grumpalump". It certainly made an impression.

[Artemis Eclectica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb illustrations. Whilst adhering to anatomical accuracy Barbara Firth has still maintained delightfully comic expressions and characterisations. An absolute pleasure to read.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely: rhythm, rhyme, humour and a surprise ending, all focussed on the grumbling grumpalump. One to read out loud again and again.

[Laken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best preschool storytime book I have ever read. The rhyming text is hilarious and the illustrations are spectacular.