Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Energetic spring story has bright art, positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In GRUMPY MONKEY SPRING FEVER, Jim Panzee is full of energy, and when his friends tell him it's spring fever, he tries everything they can think of to calm down. Nothing works, and Jim is frustrated. But when his friend Norman tells him that spring fever is just extra energy he should enjoy, the friends come up with all kinds of ways Jim can use it. He plants flowers, decorates eggs, splashes, plays, pets animals, and more. His energy is contagious, and soon the friends are part of Jim's spring fever fun.
Is It Any Good?
With expressive, bright images and a message of acceptance and cooperation, Jim Panzee and his friends bring depth and insight to a simple story about having lots of energy. Grumpy Monkey Spring Fever brings friends together to help a friend channel his springtime energy, which makes them all happier and more satisfied as they realize that energy is a gift, not a problem. Kids who have trouble sitting still will feel a bit more understood here, and adults will get a chance to see these situations from a different perspective. The hidden eggs are a fun added challenge for little readers to find throughout the book.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Jim changes when Norman tells him he doesn't need to calm down in Grumpy Monkey Spring Fever. How does your approach to a situation change when you feel like someone understands you?
Why do you think Jim first tried to calm down and be still? Why do you think it didn't work?
What do you do when you have too much energy? What helps? What doesn't help?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Max Lang
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Random House Studio
- Publication date : January 2, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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