The Grumpalump [Large Print] [Paperback]

Sarah Hayes (Author), Barbara Firth (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Even listeners too young to know the difference between a gnu and a yak will love the sounds of this cumulative tale, as a parade of animals confronts the mysterious grumpalump, which just lies there--a big multicolored pile of stuff--resisting the animals' attempts to get it to do something but grump. Large print and lots of defining white space make this a terrific just-one-more for storytime.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Just what is this grumpalump? A handful of curious animals would like to know. One by one, they come across this multi-colored pile of mysterious material and react in different, rhyming ways--the bear stared, the cat sat, the mole rolled, the yak whacked and the armadillo used it for a pillow. Each time an animal meets it, "the lump grumped," but makes no move until "the gnu blew." When this resourceful animal picks up a corner of the grumpalump and continues to blow air into it, its identity is revealed. Youngsters will be as amused by the resolution as are the animals, and will want to read Hayes's ( Eat Up, Gemma ; Stamp Your Feet ) subtly rhymed text again and again. (Or hear it, perhaps: the rhythms make this an excellent read-aloud choice.) The facial expressions Firth ( We Love Them ; The Park in the Dark ) gives to each animal are highly entertaining; the staring bear is especially endearing. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-- A bear stares, a mole rolls, and a dove shoves, but none can make head or tails of a lump that grumps. A half dozen curious animals puzzle over this "grumpalump" until a gnu blows it up, balloon-style, and it becomes a hot airship. The sing-song repetitiveness of this slight story may amuse young listeners, especially if the one reading it aloud stumbles over the tongue-twister text. The creatures trying to goad the grumpalump into action are amusingly portrayed, but the overall effect is rather pallid. --Anna DeWind, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper; large type edition edition (March 20, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618040331
• ISBN-13: 978-0618040339
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,020,722 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun for early listeners and readers, June 13, 2000

By 

Jane Averill (Chicago, Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Grumpalump (Paperback)

As a parent of a 3 year old and a first grade teacher, I highly recommend this book. There are fabulous rhymes, interesting pictures, and an underlying message that you can help your child "mine" as he/she reads it over and over. It's the favorite at pre-school and a great book for teaching vowel sounds to early readers, especially short u. Teachers may want to have the children act it out as well or do related art projects.

5.0 out of 5 stars the best toddler book ever!, December 20, 2008

By 

Paula J. Garner (san diego, ca) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Grumpalump (Hardcover)

I strongly recommend this delightful book for any small child- my daughter had it memorized by the time she was 3 because of the lyrical quality of the words. The illustrations are delightful and compelling for children and adults alike. My alltime favorite children's book, without doubt.

5.0 out of 5 stars Be prepared to read this book over and over!, November 10, 2002

By 

T. Bayer "BronxCheer" (East Coast) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Grumpalump (Paperback)

My 17 month old daughter LOVES this book! She enjoys the sing-song, repetitive quality to the content and the pictures are lovely. I highly recommend this book to all toddlers. Be forwarned, you may end up reading this book over and over again, but it's worth it.