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Grumpy Owl
Grumpy Owl wakes up on the wrong side of the bed and, just when he thinks things can't get worse, he discovers his animal friends are making all the wrong sounds! Brown Bear says "Woof!", Tan Toad says "Gobble!", and Red Rooster says "Moo!" Grumpy Owl cannot believe his ears and frantically tries to correct his friends without much success! Come along on this silly adventure as Grumpy Owl learns a valuable lesson about treating others with kindness whether they "Woof, oink, gobble! Moo, quack or squeak!"
27 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2019
77 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 7, 2019
Grumpy Owl is a lovely children's book to add to your shelves.
This book centers around a grumpy owl who is having a very terrible day (burnt toast, bumped head and so on). As he goes about his day, he finds many animals not using the correct sounds to match their species.
I quite liked the art style of bright cartoon figures. The art itself was very boxy, but it still made for a delightful and eye pleasing story.
My positives:
1. Bears don't say wolf and Grumpy Owl became instantly relatable when he told that bear off. That was how I felt when I read the sentence, so go Grumpy owl! You're clearly an adult.
2. The educational bit about being nice to people no matter who they are or what they say is lovely. It's not a theme I see often in children's books so I'm delighted to see it featured here!
My negatives:
1. Good day was said A LOT. It became super repetitive and almost boring. I get that it rhymes with say, but it felt forced.
2. The book just ends and doesn't show the response to Grumpy Owl's apology. I would have loved to see his friends forgiving him or showing that there is some positive ending to this theme.
Overall, this is a fun book. It will have you giggling along with your children. It has a sweet message and it's a really quick read.
Three out of five stars.
I found this book on Bookbub.
This book centers around a grumpy owl who is having a very terrible day (burnt toast, bumped head and so on). As he goes about his day, he finds many animals not using the correct sounds to match their species.
I quite liked the art style of bright cartoon figures. The art itself was very boxy, but it still made for a delightful and eye pleasing story.
My positives:
1. Bears don't say wolf and Grumpy Owl became instantly relatable when he told that bear off. That was how I felt when I read the sentence, so go Grumpy owl! You're clearly an adult.
2. The educational bit about being nice to people no matter who they are or what they say is lovely. It's not a theme I see often in children's books so I'm delighted to see it featured here!
My negatives:
1. Good day was said A LOT. It became super repetitive and almost boring. I get that it rhymes with say, but it felt forced.
2. The book just ends and doesn't show the response to Grumpy Owl's apology. I would have loved to see his friends forgiving him or showing that there is some positive ending to this theme.
Overall, this is a fun book. It will have you giggling along with your children. It has a sweet message and it's a really quick read.
Three out of five stars.
I found this book on Bookbub.
November 7, 2019
Grumpy Owl is a lovely children's book to add to your shelves.
This book centers around a grumpy owl who is having a very terrible day (burnt toast, bumped head and so on). As he goes about his day, he finds many animals not using the correct sounds to match their species.
I quite liked the art style of bright cartoon figures. The art itself was very boxy, but it still made for a delightful and eye pleasing story.
My positives:
1. Bears don't say wolf and Grumpy Owl became instantly relatable when he told that bear off. That was how I felt when I read the sentence, so go Grumpy owl! You're clearly an adult.
2. The educational bit about being nice to people no matter who they are or what they say is lovely. It's not a theme I see often in children's books so I'm delighted to see it featured here!
My negatives:
1. Good day was said A LOT. It became super repetitive and almost boring. I get that it rhymes with say, but it felt forced.
2. The book just ends and doesn't show the response to Grumpy Owl's apology. I would have loved to see his friends forgiving him or showing that there is some positive ending to this theme.
Overall, this is a fun book. It will have you giggling along with your children. It has a sweet message and it's a really quick read.
Three out of five stars.
I found this book on Bookbub.
This book centers around a grumpy owl who is having a very terrible day (burnt toast, bumped head and so on). As he goes about his day, he finds many animals not using the correct sounds to match their species.
I quite liked the art style of bright cartoon figures. The art itself was very boxy, but it still made for a delightful and eye pleasing story.
My positives:
1. Bears don't say wolf and Grumpy Owl became instantly relatable when he told that bear off. That was how I felt when I read the sentence, so go Grumpy owl! You're clearly an adult.
2. The educational bit about being nice to people no matter who they are or what they say is lovely. It's not a theme I see often in children's books so I'm delighted to see it featured here!
My negatives:
1. Good day was said A LOT. It became super repetitive and almost boring. I get that it rhymes with say, but it felt forced.
2. The book just ends and doesn't show the response to Grumpy Owl's apology. I would have loved to see his friends forgiving him or showing that there is some positive ending to this theme.
Overall, this is a fun book. It will have you giggling along with your children. It has a sweet message and it's a really quick read.
Three out of five stars.
I found this book on Bookbub.
November 6, 2019
Somewhat clunky writing, kids didn't like the illustrations
Kids! The bar is high with them. It's tough, I think, when you can get Caldecott-winning picture books from the library; kids aren't going to settle for drawings that look like stills from a generic PBS cartoon.
The color scheme was vibrant but not particularly balanced, which made some of the scenes veer into garishness. The fact that it was digital illustration didn't help: there was no texture to soften the pieces.
Beyond that, the color scheme in the owl's face didn't allow for a clear enough contrast to readily read his facial expression. It wasn't unreadable if you sat with it for a second, but if a kid's first reaction to the third page of a book called "Grumpy Owl" is, "he doesn't look that grumpy," then you've got a problem with how you're rendering the face.
More frustrating to me, though, was the composition: often the protagonist is looking over his shoulder to chastise the other animals, but they don't seem to be able to hear him. They are never depicted reacting to him at all. So the ending, where he writes apology letters, seemed strange, because it didn't seem like he actually hurt any of the other animals' feelings in the first place; rather, he just talked behind their backs...to himself.
Also, the owl has a kid? That seemed to come out of the blue.
Finally, the writing was okay. It wasn't super compelling; I'd much rather read Dr. Seuss or 'Chika Chika Boom Boom' to kids if I have to read a rhyming book. Whereas this book, all of the rhymes were predictable, and some lines seemed to be clunky or tacked on just for the rhyme's sake.
That said, the writing wasn't bad. I think the manuscript might have had some potential in the hands of a better illustrator. The fact that the Owl kept interjecting with a single word, like "False," was funny, and the repeated phrase, "Alright? Good day?" was clever. More of the owl's curmudgeonly personality is shown in that single phrase than in a bookful of pictures of him.
Kids! The bar is high with them. It's tough, I think, when you can get Caldecott-winning picture books from the library; kids aren't going to settle for drawings that look like stills from a generic PBS cartoon.
The color scheme was vibrant but not particularly balanced, which made some of the scenes veer into garishness. The fact that it was digital illustration didn't help: there was no texture to soften the pieces.
Beyond that, the color scheme in the owl's face didn't allow for a clear enough contrast to readily read his facial expression. It wasn't unreadable if you sat with it for a second, but if a kid's first reaction to the third page of a book called "Grumpy Owl" is, "he doesn't look that grumpy," then you've got a problem with how you're rendering the face.
More frustrating to me, though, was the composition: often the protagonist is looking over his shoulder to chastise the other animals, but they don't seem to be able to hear him. They are never depicted reacting to him at all. So the ending, where he writes apology letters, seemed strange, because it didn't seem like he actually hurt any of the other animals' feelings in the first place; rather, he just talked behind their backs...to himself.
Also, the owl has a kid? That seemed to come out of the blue.
Finally, the writing was okay. It wasn't super compelling; I'd much rather read Dr. Seuss or 'Chika Chika Boom Boom' to kids if I have to read a rhyming book. Whereas this book, all of the rhymes were predictable, and some lines seemed to be clunky or tacked on just for the rhyme's sake.
That said, the writing wasn't bad. I think the manuscript might have had some potential in the hands of a better illustrator. The fact that the Owl kept interjecting with a single word, like "False," was funny, and the repeated phrase, "Alright? Good day?" was clever. More of the owl's curmudgeonly personality is shown in that single phrase than in a bookful of pictures of him.
October 13, 2019
Great read
Daughter loved it
Great read
Will probably read again
Awesome read she says
Super read she says
Perfect read she states!
Daughter loved it
Great read
Will probably read again
Awesome read she says
Super read she says
Perfect read she states!
November 6, 2019
Owl woke up feeling grumpy and took his mood out on everyone he met all day. He corrected their language and tried to make them behave how he wanted rather than see they were interacting with friends. He learned a valuable lesson from Little Owl when he got home and realized what he had done. Love that Esau shows Owl writing apology notes and owning his mood and mistakes.
Cute illustrations draw the reader in.
Cute illustrations draw the reader in.
June 4, 2019
Good read
Great bed time or story time story for small children or special needs kids. They enjoyed the onomatopoeia and the colorful illustration.
Great bed time or story time story for small children or special needs kids. They enjoyed the onomatopoeia and the colorful illustration.
July 12, 2019
Great story,
definitely a favorite of my 3 yr old and 8 yr old likes to read along. Fun for the family.
definitely a favorite of my 3 yr old and 8 yr old likes to read along. Fun for the family.
November 18, 2019
Grumpy Owl was not having a good day. Nothing was going his way.
On his way to work Grumpy Owl heard Brown Bear say woof, Tan Toad say gobble, & Red Rooster say moo.
What was wrong here?
He encounters Teal Turtle, Silver Sheep Blue Bird, Tan Toad, White Whale, Brown Toad, Peach Parrot, Mint Mule, Pink Pony, & Black Bat.
What did Little Owl say to Grumpy Owl when he got home?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great hand drawn colored pictures, & proper font & writing style. A very well written children’s educational animal adventure story book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s animal educational adventure movie, an animated cartoon, a classroom PP presentation, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author (s); Mew Kids; BookBub; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
On his way to work Grumpy Owl heard Brown Bear say woof, Tan Toad say gobble, & Red Rooster say moo.
What was wrong here?
He encounters Teal Turtle, Silver Sheep Blue Bird, Tan Toad, White Whale, Brown Toad, Peach Parrot, Mint Mule, Pink Pony, & Black Bat.
What did Little Owl say to Grumpy Owl when he got home?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great hand drawn colored pictures, & proper font & writing style. A very well written children’s educational animal adventure story book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s animal educational adventure movie, an animated cartoon, a classroom PP presentation, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author (s); Mew Kids; BookBub; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
November 14, 2019
Poor Grumpy Owl has gotten up on the wrong side of the bed. Just one of those days when everything goes wrong. As he walks to work, Grumpy meets several different animals. He is dismayed to find that each of the animals is speaking the wrong kind of sound. Grumpy Owl promptly corrects each mistake.
At the end of the day, Little Owl greets his father at home. He rebukes his dad for not being kind and polite to his friends. Grumpy realizes his error in taking out his troubles on his friends. How will he remedy his mistake?
The rhymes in this picture book don’t always work even though they convey the message. Some of the illustrations appear to be off in their proportions and perspective. I would recommend the book as a bedtime story for preschoolers and young children who enjoy animal stories.
At the end of the day, Little Owl greets his father at home. He rebukes his dad for not being kind and polite to his friends. Grumpy realizes his error in taking out his troubles on his friends. How will he remedy his mistake?
The rhymes in this picture book don’t always work even though they convey the message. Some of the illustrations appear to be off in their proportions and perspective. I would recommend the book as a bedtime story for preschoolers and young children who enjoy animal stories.
December 23, 2019
I thought this was a really cute book visually, but I'm not sure about the story.
I don't think there's anything wrong with it, but I'm sure what's right about it. I think kids will like it but not sure if they will "get" it. I've put off trying to share it with my students but I will try it eventually.
I simply can't decide if this is a cautionary tale about actually being grumpy, or if it's about discrimination, or in some ways about grammar... I just don't know.
Still, really cute. Worth trying out for yourself.
I don't think there's anything wrong with it, but I'm sure what's right about it. I think kids will like it but not sure if they will "get" it. I've put off trying to share it with my students but I will try it eventually.
I simply can't decide if this is a cautionary tale about actually being grumpy, or if it's about discrimination, or in some ways about grammar... I just don't know.
Still, really cute. Worth trying out for yourself.
November 28, 2019
I liked this book. It is colourful and silly and exactly what young kids from 2-9 love. The sillier the better seems to work for our grandkids - we have 10 now - all different ages and we love books, books and more books. I am rating it as a 4-star being a Grandma, but the real test will be when I read it to one of our grandchildren - a two year old is arriving for a visit tomorrow. :). Depending on her response, I may change it to a 5-star.
January 11, 2020
A nice read in rhyme with great lessons
Grumpy Owl was a real grumpy that day. Nobody talked well in his eyes and he told everybody what they had to say and what they were not allowed to say.
Lucky Grumpy Owl’s child reminded him something very important: wasn’t the golden rule to accept people (and other creatures) how they are, even when they are different? That’s right said Grumpy Owl and he started to write a letter to apologize.
Nice and vivid illustrations
Grumpy Owl was a real grumpy that day. Nobody talked well in his eyes and he told everybody what they had to say and what they were not allowed to say.
Lucky Grumpy Owl’s child reminded him something very important: wasn’t the golden rule to accept people (and other creatures) how they are, even when they are different? That’s right said Grumpy Owl and he started to write a letter to apologize.
Nice and vivid illustrations
July 18, 2020
Grumpy Owl
Thanks so very much Eric, Anna and Sue for this well illustrated,colorful and funny book. Your book gave me and my granddaughter a good laugh. I would recommend this book to parents who love to read to their children and send them to bed with a smile on their faces. I gave this book five stars because it left us with a smile on our faces and we will reread it again tomorrow. Thanks so very much I appreciate your humor! 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️🙌🙌👏👏👍👍
Thanks so very much Eric, Anna and Sue for this well illustrated,colorful and funny book. Your book gave me and my granddaughter a good laugh. I would recommend this book to parents who love to read to their children and send them to bed with a smile on their faces. I gave this book five stars because it left us with a smile on our faces and we will reread it again tomorrow. Thanks so very much I appreciate your humor! 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️🙌🙌👏👏👍👍
August 23, 2020
Hey hey sorry I’m not sure about you going
Hey hey sorry I’m not sure if you’re on my dad wants you can pick me a couple days ago and he wants you guys gotta was a good day to come and I have some stuff done and he can get him some things for me to get done for you I don’t gotta I want him I know you have him but I know he was a little girl and she gotta I know I don’t gotta I
Hey hey sorry I’m not sure if you’re on my dad wants you can pick me a couple days ago and he wants you guys gotta was a good day to come and I have some stuff done and he can get him some things for me to get done for you I don’t gotta I want him I know you have him but I know he was a little girl and she gotta I know I don’t gotta I
November 20, 2019
Cute book
Owl is grumpy and the animals seem confused. They are all making the wrong sounds and it's making him even grumpier. But when he gets home little owl reminds him to always be kind.
Owl is grumpy and the animals seem confused. They are all making the wrong sounds and it's making him even grumpier. But when he gets home little owl reminds him to always be kind.
December 15, 2019
Laugh and Learn
This book is a really cute and creative reminder that we are all different in our own special way. Not everyone has to be and act the same every day. Be different, that’s okay! Laugh and Play! This book is a fun read for the young learners and older readers! Enjoy!
This book is a really cute and creative reminder that we are all different in our own special way. Not everyone has to be and act the same every day. Be different, that’s okay! Laugh and Play! This book is a fun read for the young learners and older readers! Enjoy!
March 21, 2020
A great childrens book about friendship
This is a great children's book with a good moral behind it. I just read it to my 3 year old, he had fun looking at the bright pictures, looking and pointing at all the different animals and we both really enjoyed the book together
This is a great children's book with a good moral behind it. I just read it to my 3 year old, he had fun looking at the bright pictures, looking and pointing at all the different animals and we both really enjoyed the book together
November 7, 2019
So cute and a good lesson
My little bear was having a bad day until i I read this to him. It made him smile. Thank you.
My little bear was having a bad day until i I read this to him. It made him smile. Thank you.
November 7, 2019
Poor
Disappointing Disappointing a a a a a a a a aa. A a aa. A a a a a a a a a a. Gg gg
Disappointing Disappointing a a a a a a a a aa. A a aa. A a a a a a a a a a. Gg gg
November 8, 2019
Good book for early readers. Lots of repetition and rhyme.
November 9, 2019
Excellent
Great book for my daughter. She loved all the sounds of different animals. Hope she learned a lesson as well.
Great book for my daughter. She loved all the sounds of different animals. Hope she learned a lesson as well.
November 22, 2019
Cute
Very cute book teaching children not to be grumpy. Amazing illustrations too. Really enjoyed reading this book. Can't wait to read more
Very cute book teaching children not to be grumpy. Amazing illustrations too. Really enjoyed reading this book. Can't wait to read more
December 10, 2019
Fun and rhythmic
Great read for younger kids. I (adult) like that it rhymed which made it easier for my 2 yr old nephew to sing along. Illustrator did a wonderful job!
Great read for younger kids. I (adult) like that it rhymed which made it easier for my 2 yr old nephew to sing along. Illustrator did a wonderful job!
January 17, 2020
Good Read! Good Day!
Good day! Good book! Cute children’s book. Enjoyed listening to my grandson read it to me. Recommend for young readers
Good day! Good book! Cute children’s book. Enjoyed listening to my grandson read it to me. Recommend for young readers
March 24, 2020
The lesson was to not be so bossy and not tell people what to say because people can say what they want as long as it's appropriate.
April 10, 2020
Very cute
A cute story with fun pictures that can help teach kids to be more flexible and accepting of their friends being different.
A cute story with fun pictures that can help teach kids to be more flexible and accepting of their friends being different.
December 4, 2020
Happy prompt
Nice little nudge to be kind non judgemental and to accept responsibility as/when/if we are.As much a reminder for parents as for children.
Nice little nudge to be kind non judgemental and to accept responsibility as/when/if we are.As much a reminder for parents as for children.
April 21, 2021
Very good
This story is very well done and shows how to be accepting my 3 year old loves this more so as owls are her favourite animals
This story is very well done and shows how to be accepting my 3 year old loves this more so as owls are her favourite animals
June 20, 2023
6/19/20: This one was pretty good. I could see a teacher using this to talk about being grumpy, sort of being short with friends, and then how to make up for that. Decent book we will keep.
December 24, 2023
3 1/2 stars. I’m sure kids would love it but the text was rough in places.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews