The Grudge Keeper

The Grudge Keeper
by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
Peachtree, 2014 picture book

No one in the town of Bonnyripple keeps a grudge. Instead they write down their grievances and give them to the Grudge Keeper, and old man named Cornelius. As time passes Cornelius' cottage becomes so full of grudges it can hardly hold them all. Then one day, a great wind comes and blows everything in the little town around, including the grudges. Poor Cornelius is buried in all the grudges, and as the townspeople dig him out, they find better ways to deal with their petty squabbles.

This is a fun and gentle parable about the perils of holding grudges. The story is whimsical and Wheeler's charming watercolor and ink illustrations match the tone of the text. Great as a read aloud, this is a delightful packet of wit and wisdom.

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