Unhappy Birthday, Grumpy Cat! (Grumpy Cat)

by Frank Berrios, Stephanie Laberis (Illustrator)

A birthday-themed Step 2 Step into Reading leveled reader starring the world-famous feline Grumpy Cat.

Grumpy Cat is about to have the most unhappy birthday ever--and that's just the way she likes it! The world-famous feline stars in this hilarious leveled reader, with all-new full-color illustrations. It is sure to delight boys and girls ages 4 to 6, as well as Grumpy Cat fans of all ages!

Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories, for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help. Rhyme and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Cats, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 5, 2019

About the author

I was born and raised in Spanish Harlem, Queens, and the Bronx. As a New York kid, I remember riding graffiti-covered subways and hearing hip-hop blaring from parks and passing cars on the street. I loved my city. It was always buzzing with activity and different things for kids to see and do.

But I also loved to just sit and read. It started with daily comic strips like Peanuts by Charles Schulz. Then I discovered Mad Magazine and superhero comics like Batman, Spider-Man and Black Panther. These stories dealt with heroes and villains, innocence and guilt, freedom and justice. I became interested in justice and the legal system and was encouraged to become a lawyer. I had enjoyed working with kids as a counselor at a summer day camp, so I also thought about being a teacher. But after graduating from college, I knew that being a lawyer or a teacher just wasn’t right for me.

I found a temp job at DC Comics in midtown Manhattan. I answered phones, sorted mail, and did other small jobs. It wasn’t creative work, but I met cool people and got lots of free comics. That led to a full-time job in the Editorial Department. I went from reading comic books for fun, to working with legends in the comic book industry. Before long, I moved from DC Comics to Random House Children’s Books, where I’ve worked on a wide variety of Disney and Nickelodeon books over the last twenty years.

I’ve also written several Little Golden Books, including Black Panther, The Amazing Spider-Man, Falcon, Miles Morales: Spider-Man, I Am Captain Kirk and Too Many Tribbles! as well as My Little Golden Book about Jackie Robinson, Football with Dad and Soccer with Mom.

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

7/3/2024 - It’s a cute story, but being grumpy ALL of the time isn’t something I want to teach my child. Grumpy Cat is very fortunate to have such caring friends.

[Becky B · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's Grumpy Cat's birthday and Pokey is throwing a party for her. How does Grumpy Cat celebrate?

Well, that was the most unusual birthday party picture book I've ever read. I just read a couple Bruce the grumpy bear books and I was trying to think why I love Bruce but Grumpy Cat rubbed me the wrong way in this. I think it is that though Bruce's friends are well-intentioned, bad things seem to happen to him and he's unhappy about the loud noise or the pain he is sustaining. He responds reasonably. No one would be happy in such circumstances. Grumpy Cat has no excuse. She's just a grump. It's not like her cake falls on the floor, the candles singe her whiskers, or the games result in personal injury. Nope. It's a perfect birthday party. But Grumpy Cat is a wet blanket. That just rubs me the wrong way. I'm sure Grumpy Cat fans will love this. I just wish there was a reasonable reason for her attitude. If a kid was acting this way at their party I think I'd pull them aside and have a little talk with them or put them in time out. Maybe I'm just taking it too seriously. I'm sure some readers will adore this.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't even know grumpy cat had books! Amazing what a silly meme has become. This book was cute but nothing too special. Pokey throws Grumpy Cat a birthday party and Grumpy Cat is...well... grumpy... about everything. I think kids will enjoy it but there isn't a particularly good message within the book.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grumpy cat hates attention and celebration. He hardly gets through his birthday. When you know someone like this, as I do, it is a more humorous book. I would never throw a party for my, ahem, sister, because this is exactly how she would act.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little step 2 book. Illustrations were big snd bright. ZGrumpy Cats friends gives her a birthday party but she doesn’t enjoy anything they do for her. But in her own way she liked it as any grumpy cat would.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

I understand the purpose of Grumpy Cat, but I really hated this book. Total downer. It wasn't funny...it didn't teach a moral...it didn't even teach something like Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore. It just made ME grumpy, too!!

[Clarissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute early reader. The pictures are great.

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had hoped this book would show an acceptance of moods and whatnot.
Nope.
Just a fictional character being incredibly ungrateful.
Not a message I think kids need.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Previewing birthday presents for the niece. Who doesn't love Grumpy Cat? Aside from Grumpy Cat, I mean.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Grumpy Cat

This is cute. Grumpy Cat has a birthday but does t like the party. Nothing pleases her. A fun read aloud.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love my brithday but he is the opposite
than me.😉

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read . rip grumpy cat.

[Jaime · Rating 1 out of 5]

Julianna read this book to me with just a little help from me. She gives 1 star because he was grumpy and he was happy when partyover and friends left. Julianna said he is a bad boy.

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

7/3/2024 - Funny story, but Grumpy Cat should be nicer to her friends. Read with Momma.

7/16/2024 - Read with Daddy.

[Zahra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just a fun and quick read. Rest in peace Grumpy Cat you were such a cutie.