"The Grumpus" by Alex Smith is a delightful and enchanting tale that will transport readers to a world brimming with imagination, warmth, and unexpected discoveries. Smith's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions bring to life a cast of endearing characters and a captivating setting that will charm readers of all ages. My year 4 class absolutely loved the tale.
The Grumpus explores deeper themes of self-discovery and acceptance. Through the development of its characters, the novel encourages readers to embrace their unique qualities and celebrate the differences that make us who we are.

A recommended read.

What is not to love about a story from Alex T Smith. Delicious illustrations accompany the sweetest, funniest, heart-warming prose. Another winner.

The Grumpus is in a seriously bad mood, all he wants is some of his favourite brussel sprouts but none can be found, Christmas is to blame, and he is determined to stop the upcoming festivities. Even if it means he needs to travel to the North Pole, he’s going to get this nonsense stopped!

Since I’m a big fan of Smith’s Mr Penguin books, I knew that this story would be a delightful read, and I was right. I was more than happy to lose myself in the world of The Grumpus and the quirky characters he chanced upon on his mission to stop everyone’s fun. As expected, the illustrations were wonderful and will charm readers. I really hope reading this book becomes a tradition every year for families.

The Grumpus brought a massive smile to my face.

I am beginning to feel like Christmas isn’t Christmas without a wondrous tale from Alex T Smith. Whether it be Winston, Claude or Grandma and her 12 gifts, each book brings a magical joy to the season.

I am Smith’s self proclaimed biggest fan and as soon as the news spilled about a new Christmas tale, I was eager and waiting for more. Spotting The Grumpus on Netgalley, I knew I could not wait and pressed request.

Waiting for just the right festive moment, in the middle of summer, I dove in and loved meeting The Grumpus, Furball, Eunice, Pearl and Grandma Bear. With tomes of A Christmas Carol, The Grinch and a sprinkling of the night before Christmas, I was hooked and overjoyed.

Such a wonderful story with a character who has much to learn about the world, kindness, friendship and Christmas. Even the grumpiest Scrooge will be moved by the joy of this adventure.

Kindness prevails and it, sadly, surprises The Grumpus, who hasn’t known kindness and who,expects the worst from those around him. Joyous, festive and filled with kindness, this is a Christmas must have.

A corker of a Christmas story!

I’d read Alex T. Smith’s SHOPPING LIST if I could so I am very biased but how glorious is this book? WHAT a character. WHAT a story. A Christmas classic to gather around in fits of giggles. Just superb!

This is a wonderful adventure and moral tale which will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. The characters are so well described alongside the most beautiful drawings. It is tremendously sweet, funny and heartwarming and we would highly recommend to all. We completely fell in love with all the characters, especially the rabbit. Sharing reading this book together was really special (we read it within a day of it coming out as we just couldn’t wait but will definitely read it again in December with a mug of hot chocolate).
(Thanks to Net Galley for this Very Special Book).

I was just in love with this story. Yes you can't fail to notice the concept is similar to The Grinch, but I think its executed so differently that there's room on our Christmas shelves for both.

I loved the heart of this story and it made me feel super Christmassy as The Grumpus is forced to look at what's going on behind the face of Christmas.

The illustrations are beautifully done and the colour palette just so inviting and evocative. I have pre ordered this book as I am convinced it's going to be a new family tradition at our home.

Did not get to review.
Item was either unfinished or removed by the publisher. Which is a shame as I was looking forward to reading it to get me into the christmasy mood

Don’t get confused! as The Grumpus is definitely NOT the Krampus.
He’s not quite that evil. But he does hate Christmas, and everything about it.
So when he finds he is suddenly all out of Brussels Sprouts (which seems to be all he ever eats) and when he finds the local shop is likewise bought out of the things, he goes on a rampage, and then a mission, most Grinch-like, to Cancel Christmas. Of course it doesn’t quite go according to his plans, but then he is supposed to hate red and yet wears red clothes, so the world is a topsy-turvey one indeed.

Don’t confuse The Grumpus with the Krampus – he’s not quite that evil. But he does hate Christmas, and everything about it. So when he finds he is suddenly all out of Brussels Sprouts – virtually all he ever eats – and when he finds the local shop is likewise bought out of the things – he goes on a rampage, and then a mission, most Grinch-like, to Cancel Christmas. Of course it doesn’t quite go according to his plans, but then he is supposed to hate red and yet wears red clothes, so the world is a topsy-turvey one indeed.

This does do the delivery of its lesson well in the end, that Christmas isn’t exclusively about presents and commercialism and so on, but it did kind of take too long to get there. I found the opening chunks, especially as the whole thing felt as if it hung on the Christmas jumper-tails of so much that had gone before, to really miss the necessary spark. Needing more brio, it only slowly finds its way, with quite absurd situations and scenarios impacting on The Grumpus’ mission, and the whole felt like one of those languidly oddball Christmas days, and not the pell-mell over-in-a-flash-of-over-eating kind.

There’s something quite lovely about reading a Christmas book in the week where we are experiencing temperatures of over 40 degrees! (Boo….give me snow any day.)

I have to first mention the illustrations. I don’t know for sure whether Alex himself did the drawings, but given his background, I am assuming he did. They are so wonderfully colourful and joyful.

It is definitely influenced by The Grinch. And even though I think Dr Seuss if for all generations, it is nice to have a festive character that’s new but has a similar energy. It’s bound to become a classic read.

I will happily buy this for the kids in my family. They range from 2 to 10, and I think they would all really love it. They would get something different from it than each other and from me, but they’ll all be thrilled with it.

It is simply written but it is full of magic and it’s just heartwarming; the perfect Christmas book to return to year after year for children and adults alike.

I know Alex’s books are generally aimed at children, I am very tempted to read his other festive writings as they just seems so cheery and sparkly festive, and that’s all I ask for in a book.