Grumpy Monkey School Stinks!: A Graphic Novel

Ages 5 to 8, Grades K to 3

A graphic novel based on the #1 New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey, perfect for children who love the original picture books and are ready for the next step. A longer storyline, multiple panels per page, and hilarious dialogue will keep kids laughing all the way to the end.

The #1 New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey is back in an exciting new graphic novel chapter book! Follow Jim Panzee on a back-to-school adventure when he tries to help a friend with everything he's learned.

When Jim Panzee fails to identify the footprints of a polecat with a very smelly spray, he winds up smelling very stinky. The jungle animals complain about the stench, and his best friend Norman reminds Jim that they learned how to identify animal footprints in school. Then the  jungle animals chime in saying that it was too bad that Jim spent all his time in school daydreaming. They insist: Jim needs to go back to school.

At first, Jim objects. After all, he’s a full-grown chimp living on his own branch.

But Norman convinces Jim to head back to the classroom, even if he's surrounded by baby animals. Grumbling all the time,  Jim Panzee studies Animal Tracking, Physical Fitness, and Jungle Plants. Although he's not the best student, Jim will have to use everything he's learned to help his friend Little Turtle and his tummy ache. 

This silly back-to-school story will engage even the most reluctant readers and is perfect for children who love the original picture books but are ready for the the next step in reading. With a longer storyline, multiple panels per page, and hilarious dialogue, this brand new graphic novel will keep kids laughing from the first page to the last.

Series Overview: Series description: The Grumpy Monkey books were created by Suzanne and Max Lang to promote emotional literacy. Filled with fun stories and silly illustrations, these books encourage readers to feel all their feelings.  There’s something for every age—look for board books, picture books, early readers, and early graphic novel characters.

Upcoming:

Grumpy Monkey Mine! board book Fall 2025

Grumpy Monkey Father's Day POB  Spring 2026

Grumpy Monkey SiR #6  Summer 2026

About the Author

Suzanne Lang is the author of the New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey books as well as several other titles. When she’s not writing books, Suzanne writes for animation. When she’s not doing that, she hangs out with her very funny kids, feeds her many pets, and tries (but usually fails) to take a nap!

Author Residence: Los Angeles, CA

Max Lang has illustrated over twenty books, including all the titles in the Grumpy Monkey series. When he’s not making books, he makes films. He has co-directed several animated movies, including The Snail and the Whale, Zog, Room on the Broom, and The Gruffalo. He has received three BAFTAs, two Emmys, two Oscar nominations, and many other honors for his film work. In his spare time, he tries to make his kids laugh at dad jokes, and when he inevitably fails, he takes his dogs for a walk.

Illustrator Residence:Los Angeles, CA