Cranky Right Now

by Julie Berry, Holly Hatam (Illustrator)

Sometimes we’re all cranky, and that’s okay! Cranky Right Now shows kids how to deal with those cranky days.

Sometimes we’re all cranky. Maybe we’re tired, we’re hungry, or we’re just feeling grumpy. Dealing with emotions can be hard. Cranky Right Now is a ride through the ups and downs of being cranky, helping kids process difficult feelings, frustrating relationships, and things that just make them mad.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Emotion, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a children's book that I read to my twin boys. I found the pictures super cute, and the idea of this book was super cute. I cannot say I loved the writing in this book. I found some of the pages of this book just to much, and I do not think this book really pulled in my boys. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Sounds True Publishing) or author (Julie Berry) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that. (*)

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book lets kids and partners know it is okay to be cranky. Everyone is that way sometimes. But that crankiness will eventually go away. So when you see others who are cranky remember that this happens to you too and help them find a way to happiness.

[Nanny Miss Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever had a cranky kid on your hands, you know how much of a rollercoaster of emotions it can be. That's certainly the case in Julie Berrie's "Cranky Right Now". It's always good to see authors using children's books to explore the sometimes unfamiliar territory of feelings. Kids reading or hearing this book read to them should definitely relate to the main character's frustration of feeling moody and unsure how to deal.

It was also good to see a brown-skinned family tackling the subject of feelings, as many BIPOC children are subject to anxiety, stress, and feelings of inadequacy. The book does a great job using themes of humor, sibling rivalry, and imagery that can resonate with any kid big or small. Behind the main character's angst amd frustration are loving and understanding parents who are giving their child the space she needs to work out her issues in her own time.

Overall, I definitely recommend adding this book to your kid's library. "Cranky Right Now" is a beautifully illustrated, funny, and endearing story. It teaches children that not only is it ok to feel cranky sometimes, but you can feel better by verbally expressing your feelings, and even turning that crankiness into positive energy.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was received as an ARC from Sounds True Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was beyond adorable. I loved all of the illustrations and the text and wordplay were brilliantly constructed. I wonder if this book is available in board book format, I know my niece will definitely love this book. Even though the book is all about being cranky, I could not stop smiling and laughing. This is also another book that will be excellent for our elementary school classrooms and the students will absolutely love it and laugh out loud.

We will consider adding this title to our J Picture Book collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun! A young girl is cranky and describes all the ways she's upset and goes through all the ways she tries to make herself feel better. Eventually when she feels better, she shares her "cranky boots" with her brother who is having his own cranky day. The text is just prose for the first half or so of the book and then changes to rhyming text, which is a bit weird, but the story is fun and the illustrations are absolutely fantastic! This is great for one-on-one reading and as a group read aloud!! I highly recommend it for Preschool - Gr. 2.

Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[BeautyntheBook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic book about patience and dealing with emotions. It helps kids understand that sometimes it can be difficult to manage all the different ones, but the book shows them how through the storyline. I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to read it with my little ones.

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children's book week blog review

[Shawn L’s Book Notes & Quotes · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all get cranky sometimes and that’s ok. We can acknowledge it, accept it, and fully feel it. THEN we can change it. This book offers up some ways in which to do just that. Relatable subject for kids from 1-100.

[Lavínia Rocha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and realatable story that helps kids to deal with emotions. Love the story and the illustrations as well!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

CRANKY RIGHT NOW delivers a much needed message to kids - we ALL get cranky sometimes. Young and old alike will recognize themselves in this delightful new picture book. The brightly colored and playful illustrations help us to know exactly how big sister and little brother are feeling. Both the adoration and the mischievous antics of little brother are obvious as little brother tempts his big sister to join him in playing, as are big sister’s annoyance when she’ much rather be on her own.

I love the creative play you’ll see on every page without a screen in sight. The kids’ lives are filled with books, unicorns, bunny slippers, tents, a guitar and LOTS of make believe. But we also see lots of not so happy, but familiar family moments, such as when big sister is “cranky, crabby, grumpy and gloomy” and can’t find any food she likes. However, just as I recently saw my three year old nephew (who naturally can be impatient with his one year old brother) unexpectedly reach over and hug and kiss his little brother, you’ll also find lots of love in this story.

Finally, this is one you’ll want to read aloud and discuss with your little ones. It’s a great conversation starter for both an older sibling who might be annoyed with a younger one, and for the younger one to understand sometimes it’s okay to play on your own. It is out today. You’ll definitely want to add it to your TBR stack!

[April Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artwork is super cute in this story, and gives lots of hints as to why this little girl is so cranky. Not that we need help figuring that out- she's quite vocal about it, listing off many reasons for her present mood, and frankly, I can't say I blame her. Little brother has been scribbling on her stuff, making messes she's getting blamed for, hiding her things, and basically being, well, a little brother. Okay, maybe she didn't do her chores, but she was about to! Some people (*cough* parents *cough*) have no patience. Can you believe all this injustice? I'd be cranky too! Finally, she puts on her cranky boots and sings some cranky songs, crowns herself the Cranky King and runs a victory lap, before settling down to take a cranky nap. Now, we all know naps are magical, and she wakes up feeling much less cranky. She lists some other things to help that cranky feeling pass- get some sun, tell some jokes, take a deep breath- and the story ends on a happy note. We all feel cranky sometimes, and that's okay, it will pass, and we'll feel better again. This funny, relatable story is a great way to help kids understand that feeling cranky won't last, and that there are things they can do to help that cranky feeling go away (the same is true for adults!)

#CrankyRightNow #NetGalley

[Kanika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Sounds True Publishing, for an advanced copy of the book for my honest feedback.

This is such a much-needed book. 2020 created an environment where there were high levels of varied emotions and families spending more time in close proximity than usual. We were all a little cranky, learning to deal with our emotions and navigate our relationships with others. The little girl in this book provides the vocabulary for how she's experiencing her cranky mood. "I'm cranky and crabby and grumpy, and gloomy/I don't like my mood/ I don't like this food." Kids may finally feel heard.

Cranky Right Now has so many funny and relatable moments. If you have siblings or watch your little ones bicker incessantly, the front cover alone will bring back all types of memories. Holly Hatam does an excellent job allowing us to feel the girl's frustration building throughout the book. In the end, the girl provides several solutions to go from Cranky King to full of joy.

[Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

My family is a big fan of Julie Berry (Happy Right Now) and so we were so excited to dive in to her new work. Cranky Right Now is a beautifully written picture book about being cranky. I love the fun and whimsical illustrations by Holly Hatam. We had a fun look and find for the family cat as we read along!

My daughter and I shared so many laughs reading this story. We ourselves have cranky days... we know all about cranky boots, cranky suits, sibling tiffs, feeling hangry and being overtired. I loved this book so much because it really goes through the process of being cranky, identifying clues and feelings to help kids be mindful. We also loved the solutions to bring some happiness back into our day.

I can't wait to buy this book when it comes out on May 11th to add to our home library. Thank you to #Netgalley for the early read. Can't wait to read what you write next #JulieBerry!

#NetGalley #SoundsTruePublishing #CrankyRightNow #JulieBerry #HollyHatam

[Paulina M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What first drew me to this book was the illustration, it is gorgeous, and I am always looking for books with diversity and inclusivity to add to my classroom. I feel it is important for children’s sense of belong and well being to come to an environment they see themselves and their interests represented.

I really enjoyed Julie Berry’s story. It was funny, witty, light and oh, so true! I appreciate how she validates children’s emotions and offer solutions. Her main character is so relatable, I feel this book is a great addition to any classroom or personally book collection. It is a great way to help children understand, verbalize, and process their big feelings.

Thank you, Julie Berry, Sounds True Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of Cranky Right Now in exchange for my honest review.

#CrankyRightNow #NetGalley

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

With adorable illustrations by Holly Hattam, this is a story about a kid (but adults, take note: this little girl could be you!) whose crankiness (e.g., shooting off steam, blaming others, etc.) gets a whole lot better after a snooze, or a snack, or just time to work things through. Julie Berry's entertaining text gets the message (everybody has a bad day now and then; just don't take it out on others) across without being preachy or ham-handed. I liked the way the text rhymed only after the child had a much-needed nap, a subtle way of making a point.

This book is a great home and school resource. I wish I had it when my kids were little! It would've made for sweet snuggle time, as we shared what being cranky is about, that grownups feel it too, and that there are constructive ways of handling the hangries, the no-nap-snappies, and the just generally can't tell you why-grumpies.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naming emotions like "cranky" can help people of any age.

Does that mean I'm a big fan of this book, otherwise? Nope.

There's over-the-top emotion on parade. Witness what's on one of the earliest pages:

I'm cranky right now because
I get blamed for everything.
For messes I never made
and cookies I never ate,
and chores I never did.

Is this training for what's technically known as the Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Seriously, I am curious about this:
Will the humor and, sometimes, sarcasm be correctly interpreted by preschoolers?
I doubt it.

Yet I'll give FIVE STARS to Julie Berry's very relatable, if over-dramatic book. Clearly it is meant to help kids. Whether or not this book helps kids more than it confuses them?

Readers and caregivers will find out. Or they might wish to pass on this book altogether.

[bohemianrhapsodyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone can have a not so great day. Everyone can have a cranky day. But what does one do when one has a cranky day? This book gives us ideas for how to move through the cranky, without taking it out on anyone else. First you have to recognize what you’re feeling to be able to know that you need to move through it because it’s not helpful. This is a great book that talks about feelings in a light and easy way. Let’s all move through our cranky together!

Reading age 4-8

On Sale May 11, 2021

I just reviewed Cranky Right Now by Julie Berry. #CrankyRightNow #NetGalley #ChildrensSelfEsteemBook #ChildrensHealthBooks #ChildrensEmotionsBooks

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little girl is cranky right now - she doesn't want anything to do with her brothers, or her parents - there's so many reasons and most aren't her fault, and mom just wants her to go to bed! But, remarkably, after a short sleep, she's feeling better and sees things with a different perspective.

Dealing with emotions, particularly 'cranky" ones, can be difficult for a child. I liked that this book gives some ideas for recognizing feelings and possibly turning them around. Julie Berry's lyrical text makes for a fun read aloud which would make a great springboard for talking about it.

crossposted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com

[Lis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley + Sounds True Publishing for an advance copy of "Cranky Right Now" by Julie Berry, illustrated by Holly Hatam.

We all have our cranky days, moments, and times + when we are in the thick of it, we feel as though there is no way it's going to end. This ode to crankiness is the perfect conversation starter about feelings, emotions, and personal regulation techniques. Truly every classroom, home, and school library will benefit from having it in their collection - and no doubt these tips are not just for children.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cranky Right Now is a children’s book that highlights feelings and how to deal with them. It shows kids that everyone gets cranky and has cranky days and that’s totally normal. Kids struggle with vocalizing “big” feelings so this a great resource for them. The illustrations are colorful and appropriate while the story is fast paced and relatable. As an educator, I saw some great words to use as vocabulary words or teaching moments in a read aloud. ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Through wonderful graphics we meet a young girl having trouble being a big sister. It appears everyone is misbehaving and she is the one who receives the punishment. Cute storyline but why do the parents have to be “do as I say not as I do” types? I think that could be troubling or at least disheartening for a young child. And she is cranky and very quickly she is fine. Guess she needed a nap, which sounds good right about now.
I received an advanced reader copy for free from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Sara Alam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes we are cranky and that’s okay. This is a great book that talks about feeling cranky and the things to do to not feel so cranky anymore. I loved that the story was written in rhymes and the illustrations are just lovely. A great book to read to my students whenever we talk about an uncomfortable feeling in our tummies.

Thank you NetGalley and Sounds True Publishing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cranky Right Now
by Julie Berry
Black history month brings this book to the forefront of the literacy world. But this book has more to it. It teaches children that their mood is not always easy to understand. A little girl is cranky, she blames everyone else, and refuses to take a nap. Until she does, she finds more reasons to be mad. After her nap she finds that nothing bothers her as it once did.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good picture book to read when your kid is cranky because sometimes we're all cranky. But, as this book shows, there are some things we can do to help with the crankiness: pet a cat, eat a (healthy) snack, take a nap, etc.

Most of this picture books rhymes, so it would make a good storytime text.

Diverse reads:
- The illustrations depict a Black family, but nothing in the text indicates it one way or another.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the illustrations in this book but not the voice. I’m hearing more of an adult voice in some of the spreads. And I’m having a problem figuring out the age of the character. That said, I’m sure lots of kids will recognize some of their own cranky behavior. But do kids recognize they are being cranky and decide to have a fun cranky cooldown and stop? Maybe that’s the point of this book? To help kids see and understand they can chose to change their mood.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to my own cranky, bossy and argumentative 5 year old. I kept telling him it reminded me of someone I know and he was cracking up because he did almost every single thing that was described in the story. It was fun to read and we will have fun reading it again & again. The illustrations were adorable too.

[Lucy Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about a big sister who is cranky and her little brother won’t leave her alone.I love how this book says to kids that it’s ok to be cranky and everyone gets cranky.Lovely detailed illustrations on every page my son made me read it over and over. Thanks for Netgalley for the free ebook Arc

[Heydi Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully deep story. It doesn't come at the "cranky" issue head on but rather explains what "cranky" can look like and why. I appreciated that the main character was fully owning that they were cranky and what that meant for them. This shows that different feelings look differently for everyone. I appreciated how the crankiness was solved. The illustrations were precious.

[Dina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books with a SEL focus are so helpful! I liked this book because it shows a cranky character who stomps, make up cranky songs, runs a cranky victory lap, and more when she is cranky. The reader can tell she needs a NAP! I like this book but thought the main character was a little too cranky for me!

[FM Family · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good one for looking at sibling relationships and those times when you just feel cranky! Gives the reader the idea that crankiness is normal and something that will pass, especially if you have a nap, which is a good reminder for kids and parents alike. My 4.5 year old seemed to enjoy it a lot