Grumpy Monkey Party Time!

Author Suzanne Lang On Tour
Illustrated by Max Lang
Look inside
Board Book
$9.99 US
7.5"W x 7.5"H x 0.77"D  
On sale Mar 31, 2026 | 32 Pages | 9780593306208
Up to Preschool
Reading Level: Lexile AD510L | Fountas & Pinnell L

See Additional Formats
A hilarious story in the New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey series now in board with abridged text for a whole new audience!

Have you ever been a little anxious about attending 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. When Jim tells his friends he can't dance, they try to teach him cool moves--surely that's the only reason Jim isn't excited about going!

At the party, Jim is dipped, swayed, and twirled until he can't take it anymore--he just doesn't like to dance! After Jim speaks (shouts) his truth, Water Buffalo reveals that he doesn't much care to dance, either. As more of Jim's friends have the courage speak out, they assume it's time for them to go because clearly there's no place for them at this party. But Porcupine's party has some surprises for them! 

This board book shows kids 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--maybe they need the same thing!
Suzanne Lang is the author of the New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey, as well as several other titles. When Suzanne is not working on books, she writes and produces children’s television. View titles by Suzanne Lang
MAX LANG is an animation director, storyboard artist, character designer, and illustrator. He co-directed the film adaptation of the picture book The Gruffalo, which was nominated for an Oscar and a BAFTA, as well as the Oscar-nominated adaptation of the picture book Room on the Broom, which has won numerous awards, including the Cristal for Best TV Production at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. View titles by Max Lang
"The emphasis changes from recognizing one’s own feelings to having the courage to express them."—Booklist

About

A hilarious story in the New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey series now in board with abridged text for a whole new audience!

Have you ever been a little anxious about attending 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. When Jim tells his friends he can't dance, they try to teach him cool moves--surely that's the only reason Jim isn't excited about going!

At the party, Jim is dipped, swayed, and twirled until he can't take it anymore--he just doesn't like to dance! After Jim speaks (shouts) his truth, Water Buffalo reveals that he doesn't much care to dance, either. As more of Jim's friends have the courage speak out, they assume it's time for them to go because clearly there's no place for them at this party. But Porcupine's party has some surprises for them! 

This board book shows kids 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--maybe they need the same thing!

Author

Suzanne Lang is the author of the New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey, as well as several other titles. When Suzanne is not working on books, she writes and produces children’s television. View titles by Suzanne Lang
MAX LANG is an animation director, storyboard artist, character designer, and illustrator. He co-directed the film adaptation of the picture book The Gruffalo, which was nominated for an Oscar and a BAFTA, as well as the Oscar-nominated adaptation of the picture book Room on the Broom, which has won numerous awards, including the Cristal for Best TV Production at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. View titles by Max Lang

Praise

"The emphasis changes from recognizing one’s own feelings to having the courage to express them."—Booklist

Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and addressing student wellness and mental health is critical to help children learn how to manage emotions, develop healthy identities, empathize with peers, and pursue individual goals. We created thematic guides and book lists to help foster important conversations to build an inclusive environment where emotions matter. Explore our social emotional

Read more

Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. AANHPI Creators – Elementary School titles  

Read more