Cranky

November 6, 2023
Yellow crane truck Cranky is having a very bad day and doesn’t want to talk about it. The character also wishes the other vehicles on the bridge construction project would stop being so solicitous (“You know what doesn’t help when you’re feeling cranky? People telling you to cheer up”). Cranky doesn’t even celebrate placing the last piece of the bridge, and responds to concerned colleagues that “I don’t want anyone to fix it and I don’t want anyone to make me happy. And asking me what’s wrong makes me feel like it’s not okay for me to be cranky!” After the vehicles give Cranky a little space, the crane gradually regains composure and is warmly welcomed to the wrap party. “Thanks for telling us how you feel. That’s the only way we can know,” a cement mixer offers. Animation-style drawings by Oswald (Sleepy Sheepy), both sympathetic and funny about Cranky’s dark mood, prove a sprightly accompaniment to punny text by Tran (Sigh, Gone, for adults); together, they show how the language of empathy and “self-of-steam” can be wonderfully regulating for anyone in a funk. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Sarah Levitt, Aevitas Creative Management. Illustrator’s agent: Kirsten Hall, Catbird Productions.

December 1, 2023
Anthropomorphic trucks and construction vehicles work through big feelings. "I'm Cranky," announces a yellow crane--that's our protagonist's name and state of mind. It's a big day at the construction site; everyone's completing work on the construction of a new bridge. Friends like Zippy the cement mixer and Wheezy the forklift encourage Cranky to cheer up. But their positivity only makes Cranky feel worse. Cranky eats alone at lunch and feels increasingly isolated as the day goes on. When Zippy and Wheezy express concern, Cranky suddenly becomes even more upset: "Asking me what's wrong makes me feel like it's not okay for me to be cranky!" The others back off, and slowly, the grouchy crane's mood starts to improve. And the friends are right there when Cranky is ready to open up. Bright colors, adorably anthropomorphic vehicles, and layouts that alternate between vignettes and full-page spreads will hold readers' attention through what is a mostly introspective narrative. Tran imparts some solid messages, such as the importance of giving pals the space they need and communicating your needs, even if you choose not to share everything. Some of the nuance will be lost on younger readers, but the story will spark conversations with others. Construction puns such as "self-of-steam" should get some chuckles from older kids and adults. Kids will come for the construction vehicles and leave with some social-emotional skills. (Picture book. 4-7)

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January 31, 2024
Preschool-Grade 1 Cranky, a bright yellow and orange crane, wakes up feeling out of sorts, and the morning just gets worse as he burns his toast, spills his milk, and is deposited upon by a low-flying bird. He discovers that, as he's feeling low, it is not helpful when others around him are in good moods. Though his workmates intend well, their telling him to "Cheer up!" and asking what's wrong set his gears on edge. Cranky is visibly separated from his coworkers until he helps put the last section of the bridge in place, and, though his mood has kept him emotionally separated, his outlook begins to brighten when he realizes his friends really care about him and his well-being. Colorful, detailed illustrations show cement mixers, dump trucks, bulldozers, and other construction equipment working together to build a new bridge. Cranky's mood is clearly shown as a dark rain cloud hovers overhead and his eyes are open at half-mast. Children will understand and empathize with Cranky as he slowly but surely overcomes his moodiness.

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