Monkeying Around With The Grumpy Monkey Books!

Are you looking for a new children’s book series that will have your kids laughing and learning important life lessons? Look no further than the Grumpy Monkey books series! Written by Suzanne Lang and illustrated by Max Lang, this delightful series follows the adventures of Jim Panzee, a lovable but grumpy monkey who learns valuable lessons about friendship, patience, and self-acceptance. With colorful illustrations and relatable characters, the Grumpy Monkey series is a must-read for parents and children alike. Join Jim on his hilarious journey towards self-discovery and learn important life lessons along the way!

Grumpy Monkey Books
Table of Contents [CLICK HERE TO OPEN]

The Grumpy Monkey Books

“Grumpy Monkey” is a popular children’s book series written by Suzanne Lang and illustrated by Max Lang. The series revolves around the life of Jim Panzee, a grumpy monkey who is often in a bad mood for no apparent reason. Jim’s friends try to cheer him up, but he insists on being grumpy until he comes to a realization or has a change of heart.

The first book in the series, “Grumpy Monkey,” was published in 2018 and quickly became a bestseller, followed by “Grumpy Monkey Party Time” in 2019, and “Grumpy Monkey Up All Night” in 2020. Each book features vibrant and engaging illustrations by Max Lang, and teaches important lessons about emotions, friendship, and acceptance.

One of the unique aspects of the series is its relatable and realistic portrayal of emotions. Jim’s grumpiness is not portrayed as a problem to be fixed, but rather as a natural emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. The books also encourage readers to be themselves, to accept their emotions, and to communicate with their friends and loved ones.

Overall, the “Grumpy Monkey” series has been praised for its positive messages, relatable characters, and engaging illustrations. It is a must-read for parents and teachers looking to teach important lessons about emotions and empathy to young readers in a fun and relatable way.

Here are all the details on the books in The Grumpy Monkey series:

Grumpy Monkey

A hilarious and reassuring New York Times Number 1 bestseller about feeling your emotions – sometimes it’s okay not to feel okay!

Meet Jim Panzee.

He’s in a BAD mood.
Nothing feels right!
Nothing will do, and Jim just doesn’t know why…

His friends can’t understand it – HOW can he be in a mood when it’s such a beautiful day!? They have lots of suggestions for how to make him feel better. But Jim can’t take all the advice… and has a bit of a meltdown.

Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?

This modern classic is the perfect reminder that ‘grumpy monkey’ days never last long.

Grumpy Monkey Books!

Grumpy Monkey Party Time

Everyone’s favorite New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey is back in this hilarious sequel about managing social anxiety and listening to your needs!

Have you ever been a little anxious about going to a party? Jim Panzee feels that. Porcupine is having a big party, and according to Jim’s best friend Norman, there will be–gulp–dancing. Jim can DEFINITELY not dance. When he tells his friends, they all try to teach him cool moves–surely that’s the only reason Jim isn’t excited about this party!

Now, their job complete, the other animals sweep Jim along, all the way to the dance floor. Jim is dipped, swayed, and twirled until he can’t take it anymore–he just doesn’t like to dance! When he lets everyone know, he’s met with disbelief…until Water Buffalo reveals that he doesn’t much care to dance, either. As more and more animals have the courage speak their truths, does this mean there’s no place for them at this party?

In this hilarious sequel to GRUMPY MONKEY, kids will learn that it’s okay not to go with the flow if they’re uncomfortable, and that speaking up about what they need can help others speak up, too–and maybe they need the same thing!

Grumpy Monkey Books!

Grumpy Monkey Up All Night

Everyone’s favorite New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey is back in this hilarious bedtime story about dealing with frustration when you don’t get to do what you want!

Have you ever stayed up way past your bedtime? Jim Panzee certainly has. Jim is going to a slumber party and there’s LOTS to do. But Jim plans on bobbing for mangoes, going termite fishing, and of course staying UP ALL NIGHT!

But Jim gets more than a little frusrated when all the things he wanted to do go awry. One by one, everyone else falls asleep, while Jim is determined to stay up. How long will he last?

In this delightful addition to the GRUMPY MONKEY series, kids see what happens when you stay awake too late!

Grumpy Monkey Books!

Grumpy Monkey Oh No Christmas

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Jim Panzee, our favorite grumpy monkey, is feeling like quite the Scrooge this holiday season!

It’s Christmas time in the jungle, and Jim just can’t get into the holiday spirit. Then Jim eats a “festive” green banana that makes him feel sick. Now everything seems worse. While all the other animals in the jungle are ready and eagerly awaiting Christmas, Jim can’t stop feeling that this time of year stinks. But with his good friend Norman’s help, Jim discovers that focusing on the good things around him instead of his own problems, is a reason to celebrate.

Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross Out

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The beloved character Jim Panzee is very grumpy about Valentine’s Day until his buddy Norman shows him that the holiday is for everyone. Two pages of full-color stickers are included for extra fun!

This holiday hardcover book is brimming with the same silly humor that characterizes all the beloved titles in the bestselling Grumpy Monkey series. 

When Jim Panzee hears Oxpecker cooing over her doting boyfriend on Valentine’s Day, he has just one thought: Gross. But Jim finds out that not everything about Valentine’s Day is hearts and kisses. Jim learns there are different types of valentines and many kinds of love, such as love for a parent or for friends.

Grumpy Monkey Don’t Be Scared

As New York Times #1 bestselling character Grumpy Monkey and his jungle friends pursue Halloween treats amid strange noises and mysterious smells, they remind each other that nothing can be scarier than returning home with no treats. Two pages of full-color stickers are included for extra fun!

On the spookiest night of the year, Jim Panzee and his jungle friends brave the dark to collect treats. Not only does the jungle look different at night, it sounds different. What’s that knock-knock-knock and that HAHA HAHA HAHA? And the smell? PEE-YEW! “Don’t be scared,” they tell Jim. But then two glowing eyes flash overhead, and looking for treats is almost abandoned. 

Halloween in the jungle can be even scarier than trick-or-treating in your own neighborhood.

About The Authors

Suzanne Lang

Suzanne Lang is an author and illustrator of children’s books. She has written several books for young readers, including the popular Grumpy Monkey series, as well as the titles “The Lonely Giant”, “Hooray for Kids”, and “Families, Families, Families!”. Lang’s books often explore themes of emotions, family, and friendship, and her relatable characters and engaging stories have captured the hearts of both children and adults alike.

Lang is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and holds a degree in English literature. She has worked in children’s book publishing for over 20 years, and has served as both an editor and art director. In addition to her writing and illustration work, Lang has also taught courses on children’s book publishing at the Rhode Island School of Design.

Lang’s passion for children’s literature shines through in her work, and she is dedicated to creating stories that inspire and delight young readers. She currently resides in New York City with her family.

Max Lang

Max Lang is a British filmmaker and animator, born in 1981 in Sheffield, England. He is best known for his work in the animation industry, including directing the Academy Award-nominated short film “The Gruffalo” and its sequel “The Gruffalo’s Child.” He has also worked on a number of other animated projects, including the TV series “Room on the Broom,” “Revolting Rhymes,” and “Zog.”

Lang graduated from the Central St. Martins College of Art and Design in London in 2003, where he studied graphic design and illustration. After college, he began his career in animation, working on various projects in different roles, including as an animator and illustrator.

With his wife Suzanne, Lang has co-created and co-written several children’s books, including “Grumpy Monkey,” “Grumpy Monkey Party Time,” and “Grumpy Monkey Up All Night.” The books have become bestsellers and have been praised for their humorous and relatable characters, as well as their positive messages about emotions and friendship.

Lang continues to work in the animation industry, and he and Suzanne are currently working on developing more children’s books and animated projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the grumpy monkey series?

There are six books in The Grumpy Monkey series, they are as follows:

  • Grumpy Monkey
  • Grumpy Monkey Party Time
  • Grumpy Monkey Up All Night
  • Grumpy Monkey Oh, No! Christmas
  • Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out
  • Grumpy Monkey Don’t Be Scared

What age group is Grumpy Monkey for?

Grumpy Monkey books are recommended for children aged 3 to 5 years old. The stories are simple, with colorful illustrations and relatable characters that teach valuable lessons about emotions, friendship, and self-acceptance. However, children of other age groups may also enjoy the books, as they offer valuable messages that can resonate with readers of all ages.

What is the moral of the story for Grumpy Monkey?

The moral of the story in the Grumpy Monkey books is to encourage children to embrace their feelings and learn how to manage them in healthy ways. The main character, Jim Panzee, learns that it’s okay to feel grumpy or sad sometimes, and that he doesn’t have to pretend to be happy all the time. The books aim to teach children about emotional intelligence and self-awareness, while also promoting positivity and kindness towards oneself and others.

When did Grumpy Monkey come out?

The first book in the Grumpy Monkey series was released on May 15, 2018.


The Grumpy Monkey series is a delightful and heartwarming collection of stories that teach valuable lessons about emotions, friendship, and self-acceptance. With lovable characters and charming illustrations, readers of all ages are sure to be entertained and inspired. Whether you’re a parent looking for a fun read-aloud, or a child who wants to explore the adventures of Jim Panzee and his friends, the Grumpy Monkey series is definitely worth checking out. So go ahead and add these books to your collection, and let the fun and learning begin!