I saw that my coworkers had each done a grumpy themed storytime awhile ago, and I thought that was such a great idea that I decided to steal it!  This is the second time I’ve used this theme, and I’ve got to say it’s one of my favorites.  There’s just something so fun about getting to put on your grumpy as you tell a story.

MOVEMENT: Welcome Song*

MOVEMENT: “Can’t Wait to Celebrate” from Jim Gill’s Irrational Anthem by Jim Gill

BOOK:

Crankenstein by Samantha Berger

FLANNELBOARD:
Old MacDonald Felt So Glad

(to tune of “Old MacDonald had a farm”)
Old MacDonald felt so glad
HA-HA-HA-HA-HA
And when he’s glad he sounds like this:
HA-HA-HA-HA-HA
With a HA-HA here and a HA-HA there
Here a HA, there a HA everywhere a HA-HA
Old MacDonald felt so glad.
HA-HA-HA-HA-HA

Repeat this, substituting the following emotions and sounds:
Grumpy = NO NO NO NO NO
Sad = Boo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!
Silly = Nah-nah-nah-nah-nah

MOVEMENT: “Shake My Sillies Out” from More Singable Songs for the Very Young by Raffi

BOOK:

Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard

MOVEMENT: “If You’re Happy and You Know It” from Walt Disney’s Children’s Favorite Songs Volume 3

MOVEMENT: My Wiggles*

VIDEO:

“Pete’s a Pizza” from Pete’s a Pizza …and more William Steig Stories

MOVEMENT: Storytime’s Over*

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL IDEAS:
     
Book: Grumpy Cat by Britta Teckentrup
Book: I Love it When You Smile by Sam McBratney
Book: Maya was Grumpy by Courtney Pippin-Mathur
Book: Grumpy Goat by Brett Helquist
Flannelboard: Peace & Quiet (because I know if I don’t sleep, then I’m grumpy)

THOUGHTS ON THIS STORYTIME:
I decided to use grumpy as a theme because it seemed like there were a lot of new books about that topic coming into the library.  Crankenstein was one of these, and I thought this worked well for storytime today.  I had a bit older audience than usual, so I think that helped keep the kids from being scared from the “monstery” illustrations.  I also had the kids help make the “MEHHRRR!!” noise which got them involved in this story.  Grumpy Bird is one of my favorite storytime books.  It it so fun to do the voice of the bird, and I like having the kids chime in on the name of the animal he’s walking by.  This one got some giggles today.  I originally was going to use “Peace and Quiet” as a flannelboard, but the group seemed a little squirmy, so I cut that one out.

ATTENDANCE: 47 (adults and children)

*To see the words to these movements and activities I use frequently, please visit my A-capella Movements Section on my Storytime Movements and Music Page