Grumpy Bird, written and illustrated by Jeremy Tankard. Scholastic, 2007. $9.99 ages 2 and up

"Bird walked past Beaver. 
"Hello, Bird," said Beaver. 
"What are you doing?" 
"Let me give you a hint," said Bird. 
"You do it by placing one foot in 
front of the other." 
"Walking!" guessed Beaver." 

Here's some Sunday fun in board book form! 

You are likely to have heard of Grumpy Cat, but do you know Grumpy Bird? Published first in 2007, this is the first time I have seen his story published as a board book for a younger audience. It works so well! 

There is a lot of grumpy in Grumpy Bird. So much so that he doesn't want to eat, play or fly. What's a bird to do when he just doesn't have it in him to fly? Why, he walks. This sounds like it could be a real downer of a book, doesn't it? And yet ... 

It is full of witty words, appealing artwork, emotions felt by most young children, and a message that sneaks up on readers. While obviously thought to be perfect fare for toddlers because of its board book format, it is a book that is sure to appeal to all who read and share it. The artwork is familiar to fans of Jeremy Tankard. Take a careful look at the animals in contrast to the lovely natural backgrounds that provide a setting for his walking adventure. 

Little ones will be totally captivated by the animal characters who choose to walk with Grumpy Bird, despite his demeanor. They maintain their joy in friendship as they choose to join him on the walk he is taking. His sarcasm does nothing to deter them. As they go, they gather more and more intrepid walkers until they form a parade of their own. 

As it likely to happen when friends are patient and thoughtful, and the setting is so appealing, Bird succumbs to the pleasure of being with others and forgets about the grumpiness that started him down the path he is on.  So much fun, and worth reading again and again. 

When my father was alive and our kids were little, they called him Grumpy. It was a beloved nickname. I share this book today in honor of him, and all other fathers, uncles, grandfathers, brothers, caregivers who mean so much to so many.