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Grumpy the Iguana

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GRUMPY THE IGUANA is a happy iguana until one day when something turns his life upside down. It is not until Grumpy meets a new friend that he is able to put his like back together and move forward. He also learns the meaning of true friendship and compassion in the process.

34 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2019

253 people want to read

About the author

Susan Marie Chapman

32 books14 followers
Susan Chapman is originally from Pennsylvania and lived most of her life outside of Philadelphia in a rural area of Amish country. She grew up on a farm with many different animals and a huge vegetable garden. Susan is one of eight children. Susan attended colleges in Pennsylvania. She has a BA in Economics from Wilkes University, an Associates Degree in Business Administration from the Business School of Widener University, and a Certification in Home Design from Philadelphia University.

After college, Susan met and married her husband, the late Michael Douglas Chapman. Susan and Michael have two beautiful children together, Michael Jr. and Avery Alanna.

Susan now resides in Naples, Florida with her two fur babies, Sugar and Cookie.

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5 stars
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12 (26%)
3 stars
18 (39%)
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2 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up.
2,896 reviews435 followers
August 11, 2021
This was a cute Childrens book.
It was offered on Netgalley to listen to.
It’s not long, a lovely quick bedtime story.

Iguana is not grumpy to start with, he resides in a tree, has a lovely daily routine going unto his home is cut down, so he’s grumpy now for sure.

A parrot comes to his rescue.

It was a quaint short little story.
Loved the narrators voices in this.
Profile Image for Jane.
339 reviews54 followers
January 28, 2020
I was attracted to the cover and that's what compelled me to try this book.

It is only a quick read since it's a Children's fiction. I love it, it's such a cute book and story.

I don't read a lot of Children's fiction but I adore them. The drawing is not excellent, but it is almost there. Most of the drawings are really good, some are just average. I love the color combination. The font style is so catchy and I love that it changed color according to its background. I just love the font, I think it's brilliant!

The story is cute! I also love how the illustrator draw the Iguana because it's attractive. I love the reason why he became grumpy because it is just horrible! I think the story plot is cute and when the parrot came in, the story becomes more interesting and adorable. They look so cute.

Overall this is a pleasant read. Would I recommend it? Yes! If I have children or little nephews/nieces, I would definitely let them read this.
Profile Image for Natalie  all_books_great_and_small .
3,154 reviews174 followers
September 4, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book to listen to in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Grumpy the Iguana is a cute story about a happily Iguana living his best life until one day when he goes back to his tree home to find it is no longer there! The Iguana becomes sad and stops being happy (hence getting the name grumpy). One day he meets a parrot who is curious as to why grumpy is grumpy. He invites him to come luce in his tree home and they become fast friends.
This book was a cute listen and made you think about these poor animals and insects etc thar end up homeless when their homes are cut down.
Profile Image for Blaine DeSantis.
1,088 reviews189 followers
February 16, 2020
Thanks to Canoe Tree Press and NetGalley for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. Good book about friendship. The graphics appear to resemble watercolor drawings and are a little sparse, but for a book I would read to or with a 1-3 year old that is OK. Story is also OK and is about friendship, and a friendship that develops between different species (an iguana and a parrot). Nice effort.
Profile Image for Mel (Epic Reading).
1,124 reviews354 followers
April 15, 2020
This is a great, simple story. Perfect for toddlers or those just learning to read on their own. Grumpy the Iguana also displays some basic traits I hope all children are taught: friendship, gratitude, and a desire to help others. While the story is simple the concepts behind it are complex.
Our iguana buddy is faced with a major disruption to his life when his tree is cut down. So he resorts to some bleachers one night before a lovely Parrot comes along and saves the day by kindly offering him to stay in his tree. On the exterior of this it seems simple and easy. But imagine if we actually did this in real life. Brought those without housing or in trouble into our homes? What an amazing world it might be. Now I realize there are 1001 concerns and issues with simplifying things down like this; but I think for the purpose of teaching really little kids there isn't any risk in saying that displaying kindness and helping others is the right thing to do.

This is the kind of simple story that might open the door for larger conversations as the children get older. In fact wouldn't it be a great story to have a book club chat about? I'm thinking you could discuss things like: what are the concerns with the simplicity of housing being shared, is it not as simple as helping those who've had misfortune thrust upon them to receive the help they need, and how do you tell the difference between our Iguana (who just needs a helping hand) and someone who perhaps doesn't know how to accept help or even process there is a problem.
Interesting food for thought from a 32 page children's book...

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
9,116 reviews130 followers
February 3, 2020
Hmmm… There's not a heck of a lot to say about this; it features an iguana who has a daily set pattern until someone chops his tree down, and so he turns grumpy. It's one way of showing how being a good Samaritan can change things, though, as a parrot comes to offer friendship despite the grumpiness. Pleasant water-coloured illustrations add to things; oddly coloured text less so.
7,037 reviews83 followers
January 29, 2020
Not so sure what was the point of this book. The illustrations were a bi sketchy but nothing problematic even if not that pretty. My problem is more about the story which isn't that fun and a moral that isn't that clear. Nothing terribly wrong with it overall just a bit foggy. it could have used a bit more polishing/editing to make it reach a higher level.
Profile Image for Isabelle.
Author 1 book66 followers
December 21, 2020
Grumpy The Iguana by Susan Marie Chapman is a fun little book about an animal we don't get to see much in children's books. This is the story of an iguana that was perfectly happy with his simple life in sunny Florida until one day, someone cut down his home tree and he had nowhere to go anymore. From then on, the happy iguana was known as Grumpy, as that was all he ever felt moving forward. One sunny day though, he came upon an (to him) unreasonably happy parrot who promised to have just what he needs to turn his life back around. Find out what happens next and enjoy the beautiful illustrations that accompany this story with lots of fun colors.
Profile Image for Catherine Craig (Angelic Light).
1,136 reviews20 followers
August 5, 2021
This is a great little audiobook for children, which tells the story of Grumpy the Iguana who loses his home, but goes on to find a new friend and a new place to live. My daughter and I found this audiobook very enjoyable and we listened to it twice. It was the perfect length to keep her interested. The audiobook narrator did a good job. The Net Galley app worked well for me.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Donna Maguire.
4,895 reviews120 followers
April 14, 2020
I thought that this was a great book and I loved the images

The book tells the story of Grumpy the Iguana who lives up to his name after he loses his home and his daily routine – the book shows Grumpy making a friend and his personality changes.

It is a positive book for children – 4 stars from me for this one
Profile Image for Josephine Sorrell.
1,947 reviews41 followers
February 11, 2020

Grumpy is an an iguana that lives in Flamingo Park in Miami Beach, Florida. He is a happy iguana, until one day something terrible happens that would change his life forever. So why was he named Grumpy initially?
His tree was cut down and I was prepared for a lesson about encroaching on animal habitat, but that’s not the case. It’s more a story of friendship as a new friend helps Grumpy to put his life back on track, and he discovers kindness of others.
This will be a good book to add to your collection about empathy and kindness.

The illustrations are vivid and very striking although at times Grumpy’s expression is more goofy than grumpy, but that adds to the fun.
Profile Image for Stef Bevins.
317 reviews9 followers
February 9, 2020
This book was adorable. I read it to my ten month old son tonight and he seemed to enjoy the photos and was paying attention to the story. I thought it was a cute story but also highlighted some important environmental issues that wild life routinely faces. It also brings up important lessons about friendship and helping friends in need. I do recommend this cute book.
Profile Image for RiverShore.
118 reviews5 followers
April 13, 2020
A Review of
Grumpy The Iguana
By Susan Marie Chapman
(Reviewed by Carol Stoecker)

As a former elementary school teacher, I am always looking for children’s books that teach more than basic vocabulary. This is what I found in Grumpy The Iguana by author Susan Marie Chapman. While it certainly fills the vocabulary requirements of a 2nd -3rd grade level reading book, it offers so much more.
In this story, which I believe is the first in a series, we meet Grumpy the Iguana who lives a life of constancy. He awakes each day to find everything the same as the day before and he finds peace and comfort in that. One day however, Grumpy returns to find his tree home has been cut down and taken away. Where will he live? How will he ever adjust?
Grumpy wanders his neighborhood for weeks, becoming more and more discouraged that he will ever find a safe, comfortable place to call home again. When he is at his lowest point, he notices a bird happily singing in a tree. At first Grumpy’s attitude is less than friendly, but due to the caring and wise nature of the bird, Grumpy finds all is not as bad as he had imagined. In fact, with the help of his new friend, Grumpy is able to find a safe and comfortable place to live as well as a lifelong friend.
What I really loved about this book is that it applies to so many of us who find our lives suddenly in upheaval due to circumstances outside our control. Yet when someone reaches out to us in kindness, we like Grumpy, can find that all is not lost and that we are not alone. This book offers hope to those who may feel lost and somewhat hopeless. I can see this used by educators, counselors, parents, grandparents as well as caregivers to provide a springboard for communication with children struggling with life’s challenges. I look forward to future books by this author.
Profile Image for litandcoffee.
274 reviews6 followers
December 17, 2025
Chapman explores loss, routine, and emotional recovery in this quietly observant picture book set in Flamingo Park, Miami Beach. Grumpy the iguana is happiest when his days unfold just as expected. He loves his routine and the comfort it brings. When a terrible loss takes away his home, Grumpy feels unmoored and alone. Meeting a kind green parrot helps him discover that friendship can offer a way forward.

The story moves at an unhurried, steady pace, letting routine provide both structure and emotional security. Early scenes repeat the same comforting actions—breakfast, water, sun, sleep—so readers feel the safety Grumpy depends on. When that rhythm breaks, the book doesn’t hurry to fix it. Rather than explaining Grumpy’s feelings, Chapman shows them—through withdrawal, irritability, and a reluctance to accept comfort. The prose remains spare and controlled. When Grumpy declares, “There is nothing glorious about today,” his line conveys grief. The green parrot doesn’t bring instant cheer, but quiet understanding. Friendship grows through listening and shared time, and the gentle “Tell me more” becomes the moment where healing begins.

The story ultimately suggests that rebuilding does not mean restoring what was lost, but learning how to live differently, together. Natalia Loseva’s lovely illustrations play a crucial role in carrying the emotional arc of the story. Her art style is expressive, colorful, and gently stylized, well-suited for a picture book audience while still offering emotional nuance. A gentle, emotionally perceptive picture book for young readers who value routine, and for libraries building collections around change, loss, and resilience.
4,120 reviews116 followers
August 29, 2021
Grumpy the Iguana has a favorite tree in Flamingo Park, until one day when he finds it has been cut down. The grumpy iguana is now sad, but a chance encounter with a stranger has the power to change everything.

This children's book touches on friendship, problem solving, and compassion for others. Grumpy the Iguana has a positive message for children, centering on the idea that being grumpy on your own is not nearly as good as getting help from others. The book is narrated by Trevor Gobel, who reads the book in an exaggerated manner. He gives voice to the iguana in a way that was a little overdone, in my opinion, but children will probably like. The biggest problem with this audiobook is the fact that it is a children's picture book. Pre-readers like to look at pictures, so the absence of visuals is clearly felt. The story itself is a bit lacking, as the iguana is introduced as grumpy and becomes sad, yet there is no background on how he got that way in the first place. The final problem is regarding word choice, as words like compassion are beyond the vocabulary of the target audience. With a physical book, the reader can stop and explain the meaning, but this not accomplished as easily with an audio one. For these reasons, I would be hesitant to recommend Grumpy the Iguana to others.
516 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2020
A lesson about being grumpy and learning that having a friend can change our situation and attitude.

Grumpy is happy until someone cuts down the tree which is his home. He becomes grumpy with everyone. One day, he meets a parrot who asks him why he is so grumpy. After learning of Grumpy’s home, the parrot takes Grumpy to the tree that is the parrot’s home. He offers to share his tree with Grumpy. Thereafter, the two are inseparable and Grumpy is no longer cranky.

There are two connecting lessons in this story. From Grumpy we learn that being crabby and pushing others away when we have a problem gets us nowhere. This leaves us stuck.

From the parrot we learn that reaching out to someone who is grumpy and problem-solving makes both people happy and can result in finding a new friend. Also, it is apparent that when two people work together, problems are solved easier. Sharing is a positive message, as well.

The illustrations are bright and colorful. The artwork feels perfect for the story.


I received an ARC from Canoe Tree Press through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.
Profile Image for Engrossed Reader.
375 reviews10 followers
October 14, 2023
This short picture book works equally well as an audiobook of 6 minutes. However, it would have been nice to have seen some illustrations too.

Why is Grumpy The Iguana called Grumpy? For a fairly good reason. Grumpy is living his best life, enjoying the familiarity of his routine when inexplicably he's made homeless. This change naturally has a knock on effect on his wellbeing.

Grumpy' s attitude doesn't change until he meets someone who ignores the first impression he makes and offers friendship and helpful solutions despite the rebuff. A sweet read.

But I do wonder where was Grumpy's resilience, it almost seemed as if he would remain in a downward spiral until rescued .

My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an audio copy of this book in return for a candid review.
Profile Image for _sassy_39.
2,602 reviews160 followers
May 29, 2023
Grumpy the Iguana penned by the author Susan Marie Chapman is the first installment in the Grumpy the Iguana and Green Parrot Adventures. The story features Grumpy, a happy iguana. He lives in Flamingo Park in Miami Beach. Grumpy is a loner who loves his daily routine.

One day, when Grumpy was returning to his home, he noticed that his tree home was gone. What happened to Grumpy's tree home?

Get your hands on this interesting story book. Kids would be delighted to read this story and they would learn important lessons as well. The author has used lucid language so kids could follow it easily. I had a great time reading this book.

I recommend this book to little readers. Looking forward to reading more books by the author.
Profile Image for Ryan.
5,754 reviews33 followers
April 13, 2020
I'm not sure if it's the books intentions but this is very much an allegory for homelessness. Grumpy the Iguana didn't used to be grumpy until his home was taken away. But it'll take a friend to help him find his place again and find a happier mood. The story isn't bad and reads more like a spoken word story than a picture book. The illustrations are not up to standard big five publishing. The book looks and feels very self-published or vanity published. That's not a bad thing. The story is nice and it works. I think this book would be better in Florida libraries where there are iguanas rather than Illinois where I'm at.
622 reviews25 followers
March 7, 2020
This was a fun children's book filled with colorful pictures and a theme that teaches change can be good. The iguana was happy in his tree home and environment until he returned to his tree one day and it had been cut down. He became grumpy and sad. He is befriended by a parrot who eventually invites the iguana to live in his tree and be his friend.

This would be a god book for children who move or change schools to encourage them that even those things change -- good things can come from change.

Profile Image for Michelle (around - catching up!).
108 reviews7 followers
August 12, 2021
Oh, poor Grumpy. I feel his pain, I'm not a big fan of change either and his was such a big one. I'm so pleased with how this lovely story ended, this book is a nice reminder that even scary changes can have a positive outcome and that friends are so important. I think Grumpy the Iguana could be particularly good for neurodivergent children (I'm autistic myself and really dislike change) and is the perfect bedtime story for everybody. I listened to the Audible version of this book and the narrator did such a wonderful job!
Profile Image for Nicci.
723 reviews228 followers
November 18, 2020
This one was a little better than the other books featuring Grumpy. It was a bit dry but the story was sweet and more engaging than the other books... The message was lovely in that the holidays are not about gifts or what you can give people but spending time with the people you love.
If you're reading it to a younger reader (pre-school) it would work but I wouldn't recommend it outwith that age bracket.
Profile Image for S. ≽^•⩊•^≼ I'm not here yet.
701 reviews122 followers
August 9, 2021
I listened to this sweet short children's audiobook.

Grumpy is an Iguana who lives in Flamingo Park. Grumpy was not always grumpy! His mood has changed when he lost his home, the great tree. But, he wasn't sad anymore when finds a new home and a friend.

This was a beautiful story that shows to cherish animals, nature, and friendships. The narrator was great, too.

Thanks to Netgalley, I have given an honest review of Grumpy The Iguana by Susan Chapman, Narrated by Trevor Gobel.
Profile Image for Pam.
9,896 reviews55 followers
February 6, 2021
This one offers an example of empathy and kindness. Grumpy was not always unhappy but one day he lost his home. He had nowhere to sleep and was miserable. Others tried to cheer him up but he wasn't ready to listen. Finally, he listened to a green parrot who showed him a lovely tree and offered to share his home. Use to talk about listening to our friends and offering help when they are ready.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Mellen.
1,660 reviews60 followers
August 2, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and the IBPA for the audioARC of this in exchange for my honest review.

This was a cute little story for the picture book loving crowd. Grumpy lives up to his name, for pretty good reason, you’d be grumpy too if your house disappeared! Everything ends in HEA and it was the right length to keep my 5 year old’s attention.
Profile Image for Anita Salát.
494 reviews5 followers
August 3, 2021
A short audio book narrated by Trevor Goble. We all are grumpy sometimes, especially if our daily routine is disrupted or unpleasant things happen to us. This cute story helps kids understand how they can help their mates get out of their grumpy mood by being attentive and kind.

I am grateful for NetGalley and IBPA for the ARC of this audio book.
Profile Image for Daniela.
409 reviews10 followers
August 3, 2021
Grumpy the Iguana is a cute story about what happens when something doesn't go as planned or as we think it should. The narration was fabulous. I really enjoyed hearing this story and think children and parents would like it. Then, they can talk about why Grumpy was "grumpy" and what he did to feel better.
Profile Image for Cris.
2,304 reviews26 followers
September 1, 2021
Grumpy the Iguana is the first book in the series and thanks to NetGalley I was introduced to this series via audiobook. The audiobook introduces you to Grumpy, who wasn’t always grumpy and will introduce you to his soon to be best friend. I would love to see pictures children draw after listening to the audiobook.
1,497 reviews8 followers
September 18, 2020
I read this book for my 5 year old grandson and he liked the book. The story was good but the editing was strange. Many words were chopped off, half on one page, the other half on the next. Some words were large other words were smaller.
Profile Image for J S.
7 reviews
August 25, 2021
Thank you to net galley for the advanced copy of this story.
Everyone has grumpy days, so it is very relatable.
I took a listen and thought it was very cute. I shared it with my two and four year old and they thought it was fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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