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Grumpy Goat
Goat is the grumpiest animal at Sunny Acres farm until he remembers that there is more to life than eating and being alone.
30 pages, Hardcover
First published January 2, 2013
About the author
Brett Helquist
108 books437 followersBrett Helquist has illustrated many books for children, including the Series of Unfortunate Events books. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
October 4, 2019
Sunny Acres was one of the friendliest farms in the area until Grumpy Goat arrived and single-handedly changed all that. Uninterested in making friends with the other animals, whom he chased away, our caprine hero (anti-hero?) kept his head down and ate everything in sight. Until the day, that is, that he encountered a beautiful yellow flower and took the time to admire its beauty, thereby setting in motion a chain of events that led to his reform. But when the flower is blown away, what will happen...?
A prolific and much-celebrated illustrator, one who is probably best known for his work on Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events novels, Brett Helquist takes on the additional role of author for Grumpy Goat, producing a fairly engaging tale about the transformation that stopping to appreciate the beauty around us can produce. As always with Helquist, I enjoyed the artwork here, finding it colorful and expressive, with lots of humorous details. The animals' expressions are particularly appealing. Recommended to fans of the artist, and to anyone looking for picture-books about farm animals and/or stories in which the emotions of the main character are impacted by his perceptions of the world around him.
A prolific and much-celebrated illustrator, one who is probably best known for his work on Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events novels, Brett Helquist takes on the additional role of author for Grumpy Goat, producing a fairly engaging tale about the transformation that stopping to appreciate the beauty around us can produce. As always with Helquist, I enjoyed the artwork here, finding it colorful and expressive, with lots of humorous details. The animals' expressions are particularly appealing. Recommended to fans of the artist, and to anyone looking for picture-books about farm animals and/or stories in which the emotions of the main character are impacted by his perceptions of the world around him.
November 2, 2012
I love the illustrations in this book and it is a great little story for teaching kids about how their attitude affects friendships. Sometimes when you are just starting to make friends in a new place it is easy to assume there is a problem with everyone else, but if you step back and see how you treat them things might change. That is the way that it is for this little grumpy goat once he takes time to put care into protecting and caring for a dandelion and makes friends in the process. It's cute and possibly a good seasonal read, but would really work well any time of the year. I think it is a great introduction to friendships for kiddos.
*Thanks to HC for providing an ARC for review.*
scheduled: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
*Thanks to HC for providing an ARC for review.*
scheduled: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
March 13, 2013
This was a cute book about a grumpy goat that is new to the happy friendly little farm. Grumpy goat doesn't want to make new friends despite the other animals’ attempts to extend a hoof of friendship. One day he finds a single dandelion at the top of a hill, and for whatever reason (the book didn't say) the goat loses his grumpy attitude and begins hanging with the other barnyard critters. However, when the season of flowers ends the “grumpy” goat returns while he morns the loss of his flower friend. His barnyard companions show tremendous qualities of friendship and keep the goat company during his time of "loss." I don't know what the moral of the story is but I enjoyed reading this book with my daughter even though I felt the goat was undeserving of the efforts his friends made.
March 10, 2013
You guys, I think *I'm* totally a grumpy goat. He's not a very nice goat, until he sees a dandelion. Taking care of it makes him a much happier goat, and he starts to make friends. But when the dandelion floats away, he becomes despondent -- until hundreds more dandelions appear.
The acrylic illustrations in this book give it a soft, old-fashioned feel that makes it feel like a folk tale or fable. They're really sweet, and manage to give the goat a real range of facial expressions (hrm. I've never typed that sentence before!).
Really fun read aloud! Preschoolers would probably appreciate the lesson best.
The acrylic illustrations in this book give it a soft, old-fashioned feel that makes it feel like a folk tale or fable. They're really sweet, and manage to give the goat a real range of facial expressions (hrm. I've never typed that sentence before!).
Really fun read aloud! Preschoolers would probably appreciate the lesson best.
August 30, 2021
This is an interesting little book featuring farm animals, that's not really about farm animals. It has several good life lessons in it, but it definitely feels bittersweet and melancholic to me.
I think it's a good book for discussing important topics with young children - not only friendship in general, but specifically how to let others in (if you're the goat), and how to care for difficult people (if you're one of the other animals), as well as grief - how to be there for someone else who is grieving, and how grief doesn't last forever. Deep stuff for what looks like a simple picture book on the surface.
Side note: I'm surprised by the multiple reviews mentioning the goat being mean again after he loses his dandelion...That doesn't happen in this book. The goat becomes distant and despondent because he's grieving, but he certainly doesn't go back to being mean. There's a big difference, and it just goes to show that many adults need to learn more about grief as well.
I think it's a good book for discussing important topics with young children - not only friendship in general, but specifically how to let others in (if you're the goat), and how to care for difficult people (if you're one of the other animals), as well as grief - how to be there for someone else who is grieving, and how grief doesn't last forever. Deep stuff for what looks like a simple picture book on the surface.
Side note: I'm surprised by the multiple reviews mentioning the goat being mean again after he loses his dandelion...That doesn't happen in this book. The goat becomes distant and despondent because he's grieving, but he certainly doesn't go back to being mean. There's a big difference, and it just goes to show that many adults need to learn more about grief as well.
May 13, 2013
Brett Helquist is an artist that I hold in great admiration. If he illustrates it, I buy it. This story about a grumpy goat that comes around in the end wasn't one that wowed me. I am going to test it out on my class to see genuine kid reactions. They might very well love it! And who knows, I might love it once I've shared it with them.
Update: Yeah, the kids loved it, and I have to admit, after reading it with them and enjoying their reactions, it grew on me. Just proves, a read aloud is a powerful thing!
Update: Yeah, the kids loved it, and I have to admit, after reading it with them and enjoying their reactions, it grew on me. Just proves, a read aloud is a powerful thing!
July 16, 2014
Yet another one by an illustrator I love, but the text leaves me feeling "meh". Grumpy goat is horrible to the other farm critters. And then starts to nurture a flower, and as he does, he nurtures his relationships. And then the flower goes to seed, and disperses, and he becomes horrible again. But then the field is full of flowers, and they all live happily ever after.
I prefer my picture books to be a little funny, or surprising, or subversive.
Library copy.
I prefer my picture books to be a little funny, or surprising, or subversive.
Library copy.
September 18, 2014
I love this book. The illustrations are lovely, the story is a simple but poignant tribute to good friendships, and the language is a treat for little ears with lots of alliteration and subtle repetition. But the best part is that it meant something to me too. Every year I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder just like grumpy goat and it was so fun to see this real disorder acknowledged in a children's book.
November 18, 2023
Sunny Acres was once the happiest farm in the world, until Grumpy Goat came with his grumpiness. No matter what the other farm animals did, Grumpy Goat scared them off and prefers his solitude. But when Grumpy discovers and cares for a little dandelion, little did he know it's the start of new friendships.
I've always known Brett Helquist as an illustrator, specifically for his works in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, the art mystery series by Blue Balliett, and other standalone novels like The Storm Makers. So I was kind of anxious to see how well Helquist at writing to go along with his drawings. From what I read here, he could pass off as a small-time author. While the text is bare minimum, Brett does more showing than telling in this story of how our actions can make different perceptions from others. In the case of Grumpy Goat, who started off as rude & anti-social, the tenderness he shows to the dandelion, attracts the other farm animals to extend their arms to him and becomes much more friendlier in the process. Although all the illustrations were animals, Helquist's style is still very much remarkable in adding details and creating an ambient atmosphere.
I've always known Brett Helquist as an illustrator, specifically for his works in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, the art mystery series by Blue Balliett, and other standalone novels like The Storm Makers. So I was kind of anxious to see how well Helquist at writing to go along with his drawings. From what I read here, he could pass off as a small-time author. While the text is bare minimum, Brett does more showing than telling in this story of how our actions can make different perceptions from others. In the case of Grumpy Goat, who started off as rude & anti-social, the tenderness he shows to the dandelion, attracts the other farm animals to extend their arms to him and becomes much more friendlier in the process. Although all the illustrations were animals, Helquist's style is still very much remarkable in adding details and creating an ambient atmosphere.
November 21, 2019
Grumpy Goat arrives at Sunny Acres farm, grumpy, hungry and scowling. Despite the attempts of sheep, pig and cow, to be friendly, Grumpy Goat kicks ups his hindlegs and chases them away. Until one day he arrives at the top of Sunrise Hill, Goat stopped and was reminded of something. This something which was a remnant of nature would change him for the better. The artist's use of acrylic and oil paintings capture Sunny Acres farm as one of the sunniest places you could ever visit. Grumpy Goat's facial expressions are priceless.
March 15, 2023
This is a cute picture book about Goat who is the grumpiest animal at Sunny Acres farm. One day, Goat discovers a yellow flower on top of Sunrise Hill and his attitude completely changes. Goat plays tag with the pigs and allows Cow to help trim the grass. Brett Helquist incorporated vibrant colors typical of a farm. These colors brought the story alive. The message of this picture book is applicable to real life and showed me that a person can make friends if they are receptive to others and not isolate themselves. This story has a poignant message.
April 5, 2019
Grumpy Goat is devoted to his gut. All he wants to do is eat. Where he wants to eat, when he wants to eat, and he doesn't want to be bothered by the other animals while he eats. This used to be the happiest farm but Goat's surliness brings all of the animals down. Then, while munching the grass, Goat sees a dandelion. He thinks that it is dandy indeed and he cares for the blossom through the summer. The animals join him in appreciating the bloom, until Fall comes and his lovely plant falls apart in the wind. He is crushed. All of the other animals on the farm offer their support and soon make friends. To his surprise the field is covered in dandelions come Spring.
The story has a positive message about making friends but the execution is weak. There is not a pivotal point that really brings the animals together and creates a greater sense of unity. It's just a passive occurrence as other things are happening. Goat has an unusual affinity for the plant that seems out of sync with his feelings for the other animals. This could be incorporated to add depth to the goat's character but it is left up to the reader to make it make sense. The illustrations are gruff and stubbly and seem to match Goat's surly disposition perfectly. The humor is subtle but adds a nice touch to the overall story, especially since the death of the dandelion is quite sad. This is a good story, but it's a little rough around the edges.
For more reviews, please visit www.byucbmr.com
The story has a positive message about making friends but the execution is weak. There is not a pivotal point that really brings the animals together and creates a greater sense of unity. It's just a passive occurrence as other things are happening. Goat has an unusual affinity for the plant that seems out of sync with his feelings for the other animals. This could be incorporated to add depth to the goat's character but it is left up to the reader to make it make sense. The illustrations are gruff and stubbly and seem to match Goat's surly disposition perfectly. The humor is subtle but adds a nice touch to the overall story, especially since the death of the dandelion is quite sad. This is a good story, but it's a little rough around the edges.
For more reviews, please visit www.byucbmr.com
February 17, 2021
I've loved Brett Helpquist's illustrations ever since reading "A Series of Unfortunate Events" as a middle schooler. In this tale, a grumpy goat alienates himself and is unfriendly to everyone except for a single dandelion he finds at the top of a hill. He begins to take care of it, and the other farm animals help him, leading to friendship. When the dandelion turns white one day and all the seeds blow away, the goat is very sad, but soon the whole hillside is covered in dandelions.
November 3, 2023
Prepare for a cross between a picture book and a medieval morality play. Will Grumpy Goat ever stop living so cranky?
Eventually he's redeemed by the power of a flower. Not what this recovering hippie from the 60s would call "Flower Power." But it will do.
FIVE STARS for a book that many readers may find uplifting.
As for the rest of us? It takes all kinds to make a world of Goodreaders.
Eventually he's redeemed by the power of a flower. Not what this recovering hippie from the 60s would call "Flower Power." But it will do.
FIVE STARS for a book that many readers may find uplifting.
As for the rest of us? It takes all kinds to make a world of Goodreaders.
February 19, 2017
This wonderfully illustrated book is full of lessons in friendship and the places we put our focus and effort. The take away for me and my preschooler was that having something in our lives to nurture, care for, and invest our effort to see bloom is a blessing that can change our outlook on life and bless others in the process.
May 19, 2017
This was okay...I liked how the other animals still loved on him when he was grumpy & I get how being in God's creation can bring cheer. But the way the story was put, in a week his dandelions will die & then he'll be grumpy & mean to the other animals again?? Not cool.
August 17, 2018
An antisocial, grumpy goat avoids all the other animals on the farm and keeps to himself. One day he finds a dandelion and starts taking care of it. He slowly makes friends with the other animals while taking care of the flower.
March 12, 2019
Illustrations were too dark for a young child's book
It was a smidge long- author could have made the point in more concise language
Aside from being dark, the illustrations were reminiscent of something from the 70's, didn't feel current at all.
It was a smidge long- author could have made the point in more concise language
Aside from being dark, the illustrations were reminiscent of something from the 70's, didn't feel current at all.
October 1, 2019
When Goat arrives on the farm he doesn't want any friends, he just wants to eat everything in sight. Eventually a flower catches his eye and he begins to learn about caring and friendship. A great story to introduce the concept of grumpiness and how attitude impacts our perspective for preK+.
October 13, 2017
KSE really liked. Was upset for the goat. Read multiple times and took it to bed.
September 18, 2019
I'm not quite sure what the 'moral of the story' is. Maybe 'keep trying to make friends--you never know what'll do it'? Still, it's a sweet story.
December 19, 2019
Nice illustrations, but I think the story was a bit, eh? My son liked the pictures so that was nice I suppose.
November 12, 2020
Loved the illustrations, but the story was lacking.
January 15, 2021
4 stars
July 27, 2021
Countdown to Kindergarten: Letter G
Goat is grumpy until he finds something that changes his attitude and heart....a dandelion.
Goat is grumpy until he finds something that changes his attitude and heart....a dandelion.
December 6, 2021
I never found out what the flower reminded goat of 😐
February 10, 2022
“Sunny Acres was once the friendliest little farm in the county ... until the day that grumpy goat showed up.”
The other farm animals try to make friends, but the goat doesn’t want friends. Until one day when goat notices something growing out of the grass. “What he saw reminded him of something, but he couldn’t think what.” It gave him something to love and take care of and suddenly, he was much happier ... and so were his friends. But what happens when that plant goes away? Will Goat’s sunny disposition go away, as well?
The other farm animals try to make friends, but the goat doesn’t want friends. Until one day when goat notices something growing out of the grass. “What he saw reminded him of something, but he couldn’t think what.” It gave him something to love and take care of and suddenly, he was much happier ... and so were his friends. But what happens when that plant goes away? Will Goat’s sunny disposition go away, as well?
March 14, 2022
This book was so cute. The grumpy goat is mean to the other animals, but then finds meaning in a little flower and starts to appreciate the things he didn’t before. A good moral.
Read
June 6, 2022A goat was grumpy until it happened upon a dandelion.
June 17, 2022
Ok book about dandelion
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews