Grumpycorn

by Sarah McIntyre, Sarah McIntyre (Illustrator)

Overview

Oh, what a Grumpycorn!

Unicorn wants to write the most fabulous story in the world. But he has no idea what to write!When his friends try to join in, will Unicorn turn into a... Grumpycorn?A funny and feisty picture book celebrating friendship, teamwork, and the joys of storytelling.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338617993
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	07/21/2020
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	775,771
Product dimensions:	9.70(w) x 10.80(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	HL550L (what's this?)
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

Sarah McIntyre has published several award-winning and bestselling books in the United Kingdom, including Orris the Mankiest Monster by Giles Andreae and Oliver and the Seawigs. She is crazy about raspberry jam, loves incredible hats and wigs that she often makes herself, and adores making comics with her friends. She lives in London, England. Visit her online at jabberworks.co.uk or follow her on Twitter @jabberworks.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Pugs of the Frozen North:"As the story dashes along so, too, do the illustrations, which are a delight on every page." — The GuardianPraise for Oliver and the Seawigs :"A fun-packed delight." — Daily Telegraph"A gloriously wacky story." — The Times of London"Immersive, richly textured, and enormous fun. It's a great example of what illustrated children's novels can achieve." — The Guardian

From the Publisher

07/01/2020

PreS-Gr 2—McIntyre offers a vibrantly illustrated tale about a unicorn who loves the idea of being a writer but cannot think of a story. Unicorn has a charming house on stilts over the sea (inspired by the town of Seldovia in Alaska), inspirational posters on his wall, sticky notes for arranging his thoughts, a special fancy notebook, a fluffy pen, and moonberry tea—but not a single idea. Caught up in his grand vision of writing "the most fabulous story in the world," when his friends come knocking, he brushes off their ideas to help him, becoming Grumpycorn without writing a single word. It is up to his friends to begin the story and forgive Unicorn when he finally apologizes for losing his temper. McIntyre's illustrations are glorious and chock full of interesting details. VERDICT With an ending that celebrates the importance of teamwork, friendship, and the power of a well-timed apology, this sweet and simple story is sure to delight children.—Sally James, South Hillsborough Elem. Sch., CA

School Library Journal

2020-03-29
A unicorn with writer’s block turns into a whole story.

Unicorn has every writer’s dream setup: a charming, cozy, isolated shack well stocked with writing supplies, friends to bring him snacks, and time to write. But he “didn’t know where to begin his story.” He assembles his special writing implements and beverages to boost his creative juices. But: “I wish an idea would come knocking at my door,” he says, and in riotously colored spreads, supportive sea creatures try to help. Narwhal asks to be a character, Mermaid brings him cookies as a bribe for a featured role, and Jellyfish bubbles over with ideas. But Unicorn refuses to see these as anything other than distractions, yelling “I can’t get ANY ideas because everyone keeps bothering me!” After he throws his notebook and special pen into the sea, his friends find the empty notebook and decide to fill it with their own story, relating everything that just happened in the preceding pages with themselves in starring roles. Each spread offers a wealth of details for readers to pore over, and the goofy sea creatures are fun and clever. Silent sea horses, trailing in the background, help bring the story to a satisfying conclusion in the endpapers. This hits just the right notes, engaging children, who will want to yell at the stubborn unicorn, and making any procrastinating adults chuckle in recognition.

A delicious blend of the fanciful yet realistic. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews