Josh Lawson (text) and Shelley Knoll-Miller (illustrator), Shoo Grumpers Shoo!, Scholastic Australia, September 2018, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781742991955
Shoo Grumpers Shoo! is the debut picture book from award winning director, actor and screen writer Josh Lawson. Written for cranky kids, it personifies grumpiness in the form of small pixie like creatures with wings and smelly clothing that travel in packs. As most parents will agree, when Grumpers’ attack, things can go downhill pretty quickly. Lips drop. Faces frown. Feet stomp. And then, of course, the crying starts. But how to shoo those miserable Grumpers away? With smiling, dancing, singing, playing and laughter, of course!
With bright, comic illustrations and a galloping rhythm reminiscent of Dr Seuss, children aged four and up will enjoy this light-hearted story about learning how to shake oneself-and others- out of a bad mood.
Reviewed by Deb Kelly
