This easy reader is hilarious! It is race day and monkey is starting off wrong. His friend turtle hits him on the head to wake him up. He begs Jim to carry him in the race so he can win this time. Jim the monkey is not wanting to do this but finally gives in. Twist at the end and hilarious illustrations throughout. Kids will love this one. Highly recommended for Grades K-2.
Grumpy Monkey is my spirit animal! He doesn’t want to run in any race! He’s napping, dreaming of bananas, when Tortoise bonks him on the head with a stick. “Are you awake?” What do YOU think, Tortoise?!? DO NOT MESS WITH ME WHEN I’M TRYING TO SLEEP!! Do not mess with Jim, either!! Oxpecker found this out in another book!
Some view it as a retelling of the tortoise and hare because a tortoise wants to race but it's a Grumpy Monkey reader. It actually does both jobs and is enjoyed more if you know your Grumpy Monkey characters.
I was eager to read this series both as a follow-up to the picture books and as a student of early readers. This is a fun read with a slightly non sequitur storyline which nevertheless delivers a satisfying ending and some laughs. The best in the series so far.