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Grumpy Grandpa

By curlyq
Grumpy Grandpa
By Heather Henson, illustrated by Ross Macdonald
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009. Unpaged. Picture book.

This grandpa is not your typically depicted jolly sort of man--he is grumpy. He yells, has awful removable teeth, is even a little scary to his small grandson. It doesn't seem like he has any redeeming qualities until one day Grandpa overhears his grandson complaining about his attitude. On a fishing trip together, they learn surprising things about each other that might even mean they are more alike than they realize!

Having a grumpy relative can be hard, especially when you are expected to visit often with them. However, this book shows that even when someone seems outwardly prickly and unpleasant, they can have a warmer, friendlier side. With illustrations reminiscent of a fifties style, similar to those in the Dick and Jane series, there is a cozy, nostalgic feel to the story. This story would be a good fit for anyone who wants to appreciate their relatives more, especially those who appear prickly.
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