Grumpy Monkey Party Time!

by Suzanne Lang, Max Lang (Illustrator)

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

Dancing? Socializing? Joy? Jim isn't feeling this party, and that's okay. Sometimes you just need to be yourself and the fun will follow.

A hilarious story in the New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey series now in board with abridged text for a whole new audience!

Have you ever been a little anxious about attending a party? Jim Panzee feels that. Porcupine is having a big party, and according to Jim's best friend Norman, there will be—gulp—dancing. When Jim tells his friends he can't dance, they try to teach him cool moves—surely that's the only reason Jim isn't excited about going!

At the party, Jim is dipped, swayed, and twirled until he can't take it anymore—he just doesn't like to dance! After Jim speaks (shouts) his truth, Water Buffalo reveals that he doesn't much care to dance, either. As more of Jim's friends have the courage speak out, they assume it's time for them to go because clearly there's no place for them at this party. But Porcupine's party has some surprises for them!

This board book shows kids that it's okay not to go with the flow if they're uncomfortable, and that speaking up about what they need can help others speak up, too—maybe they need the same thing!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593306208
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	03/31/2026
Series:	Grumpy Monkey Series
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 7.50(h) x (d)
Lexile:	AD510L (what's this?)
Age Range:	3 Months to 3 Years

About the Author

Suzanne Lang is the author of the New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey books as well as several other titles. When she’s not writing books, Suzanne writes for animation. When she’s not doing that, she hangs out with her very funny kids, feeds her many pets, and tries (but usually fails) to take a nap!

Max Lang has illustrated over 20 books including all of the books in the Grumpy Monkey series. When he is not making books he makes films. He has co-directed several animated films including The Snail and the Whale, Zog, Room on the Broom, and The Gruffalo. He has received a BAFTA, two Emmys, two Oscar nominations, and many other honors for his film work. In his spare time he tries to make his kids laugh with dad jokes, and when he inevitably fails, he takes his dogs for a walk.

Editorial Reviews

"The emphasis changes from recognizing one’s own feelings to having the courage to express them."—Booklist

From the Publisher

2019-07-28
Jim Panzee—the primate protagonist of Grumpy Monkey (2019) fame—is having a fine day until he receives an invitation to a party; the comic anxiety commences.

The source of Jim's nerves is the idea of dancing. Jim Panzee, as it turns out, doesn't know how to dance. This information shocks his jungle friends, who each give him pointers on how to bust a move on the dance floor. Jim tries to go along with his friends but discovers he's not having a good time, not because he can't dance, but because he actually doesn't like dancing. Speaking out about his preferences inspires other animals to voice that they aren't fans of the pastime either. They discover there are many other fun things to do at a party, like enjoy refreshments and play games, and still have a great time. Like its precursor, this title emphasizes self-acceptance and authenticity. It effectively communicates through the fanciful illustrations the feelings of facing pressure to conform to others' expectations and the relief of honesty. Whatever gains this title develops in terms of social-emotional learning concepts, however, are offset by the insensitive use of a monkey protagonist, particularly linked to the racialized skill of dancing. It's a shame that a series so imbued with emotional intelligence does not demonstrate more awareness of historical use of simian imagery as a derogatory referent to black people.

Likely to find mass appeal but should be considered with scrutiny. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews