Who would have thought a little kindness and unexpected surprise could turn a grumpy group of animals into happy friends?
It all started when Elephant woke up grumpy. Stomping and grumping all over the place…until a gift showed up on his doorstep. With such a fantabulous surprise from a mysterious friend, how could Elephant possibly remain grumpy?
The surprise gift to Elephant cheered him up so much he wanted to show Zebra, but when Elephant goes to his friend, Zebra is too grumpy for a visitor. Remembering what the gift did for Elephant, Elephant shares the gift with Zebra. “Hooray!” Zebra too began smiling and felt cheered up.
The animals visit all their friends, finding all of them having a grumpy day. After visiting each friend and sharing the gift, soon all the animals have gone from grumpy to happy. All thanks to a mysterious gift that showed up unexpectedly on Elephant’s doorstep.
Having a grumpy day? What “gift” could you pass around to help cheer yourself up and maybe even family, friends, and neighbors? Children will shout “Hurray!” when this story is read aloud. As the reader uses an expressive voice, children will be delighted by both the simple dialogue and entertaining illustrations.
Brian Won’s story will help children overcome their own bout of grumpiness. What’s more important is that the story will teach a message of friendship, kindness and sharing. All of which will undoubtedly will bring joy and happiness to anyone’s gloomy day.
Kindness will always turn a frown upside down.