Grump by Janet Wong

Bibliography

Wong, Janet. 2001. GRUMP. Ill. by John Wallace. New York, New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books. ISBN 0689834853

Plot Summary

In a picture book all parents and children can relate to, Janet Wong writes about a mother going through a day with her baby. She describes how mom feels as she cleans up baby’s mess and as baby decides not to take a nap. The ending of this book will make parents and their children smile. This book reminds us that even though moms get tired and grumpy, they still love their babies.

Critical Analysis

Wong uses repetition in this book to make a point. When mom is ready for baby to take a nap she says “Baby’s going to take a nap now, Baby’s going to take a nap now, Baby’s going to take a nap now. Take a nap now, little lump.” She also uses contrast to show the difference between the “smart, good Baby” and the “tired and frumpy, Grouchy chumpy” mom. The rhyming of the –mp words in this book keeps the child’s attention. By using her own experiences as a mother, Janet is able to relate to mothers and children everywhere.

John Wallace’s watercolor illustrations bring the story to life. The bright color Wallace uses captures the reader’s attention. Parents and children will relate to the changing expression on the mother’s face. His illustrations will help young readers decode new words they encounter in the book.

Review Excerpts

Review for School Library Journal “A poetic yet accessible text blends with appealing watercolor paintings to tell the tale of a bright-eyed baby and his exhausted parent”

Review in Booklist: “New mothers will appreciate this as much as their babies.”

Review in Kirkus Review: “An enjoyable romp for little ones and a compassionate reassurance for their exhausted parents.”

Connections

*Another book about children and parents: Schwartz, Amy. SOME BABIES. ISBN 0531302873

*Read with student’s when teaching the –mp sound.

*Parents and children can read together and discuss how mom will always love her children even when tired and grumpy.