Every parent and teacher ought to have a handful of go-to grumpy day books. Sometimes our kids can go through days where nothing goes their way. They just feel bad, and do not always know why. Reading a grumpy book can help identify and deal with some of these emotions. They at least help everyone feel like they are not alone in feeling grumpy, and that it is ok to have a bad day. Here is a list of some of my favorites.
Where the Wild Things Are-by Maurice Sendack: This is such a great book, and totally appropriate when your own kiddos turn in to Wild Things! Sometimes it is useful on bad days to have a wild rumpus and roar your terrible roars together. I love when the Wild Things in Max’s imagination want to eat him up, they love him so! It reminds me that my kids really do love me, even when they are little wild things themselves.
The Grouchy Ladybug-by Eric Carle: Read this in a super grumpy voice! It is sure to crack a smile 🙂 I love Eric Carle. His illustrations are lovely, and the kids adore them.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day-by Judith Voirst: Remember this one from childhood? Even the title is fun to read. It’s always a great read when someone is terribly grumpy, and having just a no good, very bad day.
No, David!– by David Shannon: No David! is a classic. I think it is especially great for parents and kids because I often have days where I am telling my kids no, no, no constantly. I am certain that those days are as hard for my kids as they are for me. This book is hilarious, and easy to relate to. It is great to take a minute to cool down and read. It makes it easier to redirect both of child and parent- or teacher. I also like the companion book, David Goes to School.
The Bad Mood and the Stick-by Lemony Snicket: Lemony Snicket is one of my favorite authors. I love the Series of Unfortunate Events, which I find tragic and hilarious. His short stories are equally satisfying, and The Bad Mood and the Stick is no exception. This book cracked me up, and had me imagining days when I feel the same as the characters.
Ladybug Girl-by David Soman : There are days where it seems like nothing is going right for us, or we feel excluded. This is an empowering book about all the good we can do, even when we are still little. This book actually makes me feel a little lonely while I read it. It pulls out those emotions in me, but with a hopeful ending.
Llama Llama Red Pajama– by Anna Dewdney : This book is sweet, and fun to read, about a little Llama that is throwing a fit for his mama at bedtime. I like to read it to my littles when they are having an equally difficult time getting ready for bed. In school it is a great book to talk about homesickness or how to be patient.
Young children certainly have a ton of learning and development to undergo. Sometimes I can hardly believe that such little people can have such big emotions. Books help so much in identifying hard emotions, giving kids a way to objectively process the feelings they are experiencing. Hopefully their mood can take a turn after reading one of these books!
What are some of your favorite grumpy/rainy day books you enjoy with your kids?