Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out
Funny story shows non-romantic side of Valentine's Day.
Parents say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out, by Suzanne Lang, is an adorably funny and slightly repetitive story of Jim Panzee learning the truth about Valentine's Day. After focusing on the grossness of hearts and kisses, Jim's family and friends teach him it's about gratitude and caring for loved ones. Young readers can watch as Jim's over-the-top reaction to Valentine's Day couples' romance become enthusiasm for making Valentines for his friends. The story relies heavily on Jim's immaturity in thinking kissing is gross, and the goofy illustrations are engaging and hilarious.
Community Reviews
This is not a children book!
Report this review
What's the Story?
Jim Panzee is disgusted by the holiday and all the loving couples in GRUMPY MONKEY VALENTINE'S DAY GROSS-OUT until he learns that Valentine's Day is about caring for friends and family, not just kissing. After Jim rants about how gross this holiday is, his friend Norman and his parents tell him about the other sides of Valentine's Day, about the ways we can show our friends and family that we care, and how that can make people feel.
Is It Any Good?
The idea of celebrating love among friends and family is buried a bit deep under the idea that romance is gross. Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out has a wonderful premise and is a fantastic reminder that Valentine's Day is about gratitude and caring, but Jim Panzee could spend a little less time being disgusted by love and a little more time being generous with his loved ones. It's a fun read, though, with lots of great places to make faces, do funny voices, and remember that love isn't just about romance. The illustrations are a delight, filled with vibrant colors and ridiculous facial expressions to charm young readers and their adults reading aloud.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ways we can show others we care about them, like Jim does in Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out. How do you show your friends and family that you care about them?
What does Valentine's Day mean to you?
In what ways do other people celebrate Valentine's Day? Why would some people not celebrate it?
Book Details
- Author: Suzanne Lang
- Illustrator: Max Lang
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Friendship, Holidays, Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Gratitude
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Random House Studio
- Publication date: November 29, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: February 8, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Grumpy Monkey Freshly Squeezed
Great illustrations in funny story of animals' morning walk.
-
This Is Not a Valentine
Fresh take on the holiday reflects down-to-earth friendship.
-
Little Blue Truck's Valentine
Helpful truck spreads holiday love and gets some, too.
For kids who love funny books and tales of love
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate