Grumpy Monkey Spring Fever

PreS-Gr 1–Jim Panzee the chimpanzee wakes one morning bursting with energy. “Why do I feel so silly?” he asks a friend, Norman. The answer might be “spring fever.” Horrified, Jim sets off through the jungle, asking all of his neighbors for help to cure his illness. The animals suggest a variety of mindfulness tactics: smell some lavender, take deep breaths, have a cup of tea, but these only make Jim more energetic. Finally, Norman makes a wise suggestion: Jim should enjoy himself rather than seek a cure! As with previous books, Lang’s story encourages readers to embrace their emotions. Jim’s friends highlight many useful tools that children can use when they are feeling rowdy. However, when these tools fail to make an impact on Jim, he chooses to embrace his feelings and find constructive ways to let his energy out.