Andrew McDonald (text) and Ben Wood (illustrator), Look Who’s Grumpy (Hello Twigs), Hardie Grant, May 2024, 48 pp., RRP $11.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781761212031
Look Who’s Grumpy is a part of the early reader graphic novel series Hello Twigs.
Stump is feeling grumpy. He has lost his favourite splinter… but where did he leave it? Will his best friends Noodle Twig, Ziggy Twig or Red Twig be able to help him? Will he be able to get over his grumpy mood?
Stump is a particularly self-aware little fellow. He is experiencing some big feelings and has tried a number of different techniques to defuse his anger. Children will be able to relate to these feelings and might even learn a technique or two that they can use themselves (a parent can dream)!
The author and illustrator complement each other perfectly. The text is simple and the illustrations are bold, cute and funny. The How to Draw Stump pages at the back of the book are a really fun addition and will inspire budding artists.
Look Who’s Grumpy is an enjoyable little read for both adults and children! It is recommended for children 3 and up and is a 2025 Notable book in the Younger Readers category.
Reviewed by Clare Mellor
