Valentine's Day Grump

First-Start Easy Reader

by Rose Greydanus, Don Page (Illustrator)

A valentine might make Gus the grump happy but nobody dares give him one.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday

31 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1981

Reviews

[Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Library date ♡

[James Greening · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I think of 1980's classic children's books, this book rates right at the top. In the "Giant First-Start Reader" series by Troll, the book is a simple story about a grumpy monster who becomes happy because someone remembers him on V-day. Does it get any better than this...or should I say does it get any more 80's than this? The illustrations - perfect. The story - perfect. Lesson learned - most definitely. Hits all of the key points for a great children's book for me!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like that this is a giant book so it's easier for large groups at storytime to see, but I am not a huge fan of the story itself. It's repetitive, which is good for kids, but sometimes really hard for storytimes.

[Marta Pereira · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good reader (controlled number of words) for real beginners

Nice and simple

[Rick Christiansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad he found love

[Peacegal · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you learned to read in the '80s, you probably read some books from Troll Associates. Not much here for those who have already mastered reading (aside from nostalgia for thirtysomethings), but a solid beginning reader with some humorous illustrations.

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gus is so grumpy, NO ONE wants to give him a Valentine.

[Evie · Rating 3 out of 5]

We read this in our kindergarten class for Valentine's Day, and then had a talk about how giving valentines to people who aren't very happy might make them a little less grumpy. There's a bus driver who used to be really mean to our kids, but our teacher has slowly but surely gotten him to turn his act around. (He got a valentine, by the way.)

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this one a four mainly because of it's cute illustrations of the "Grump." Other than that, it's not a brilliant book, but the idea of the grump, the length, and the repetition might make it good for storytime.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a silly story about a grump who just needs a Valentine. The narrative is simple and the repetition is good for beginning readers.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Went over very well at pre-school story time!