Another Grumpy Iguana tale as sweet as sweet potato fries
Sweet Potato is different. While her brothers are out playing games about eating as many bugs as they can, all Sweet Potato wants to eat are mangoes and sweet potato fries. And while her family is sleepy in the sun, she wants to go on adventures with her Uncle Grumpy.
“When I grow up, I want to be an iguana just like you, Uncle Grumpy.”
But does being different from your family really make you a different animal altogether?
Sweet Potato is yet another lovely installment in the Grumpy Iguana series. It’s a small, relatable story that teaches kids that it’s okay to be different. Sure, this one might be more specifically about being a little vegetarian in a family of meat eaters, but it’s also about listening to your parents and being true to yourself.
As always, the simple, friendly illustrations of these lovable creatures is a true highlight. It’s never overstimulating but always engaging, giving little readers plenty to look at, like Grumpy’s overly long arms and Sweet Potato’s long pointed ears. With big eyes and soft-palette colors, your kids will love flipping through this calm, friendly book series.
While Sweet Potato’s father might wish he never fed his family those fries from the trash can in the first place, he and Mrs. Screech Owl are still great role models and Grumpy remains a sweethearted uncle figure who looks out for his little family friends too. Seeing Grumpy tear up at the sight of Sweet Potato’s hatching reinforces the notion that this uncle, “grumpy” as he may be, is still a wonderful character to build around. He’s sweet and calm and teaches Sweet Potato the most valuable lesson of the book:
“You must always listen to your parents, Sweet Potato. They are here to guide you from danger and teach you all the life skills that will help you…Remember that your parents have your best interests at heart and they love you more than anything in the world.”
Even though Sweet Potato flies away from her family as they’re sleeping, the stakes remain low and don’t infringe on the calm nature of this series’ storytelling. She flies right over to Grumpy’s house, where he’s dancing around and looking forward to a calm day on the rocks at the park. Mrs. Screech Owl comes to fetch Sweet Potato shortly after arriving, and though she’s disappointed that Sweet Potato left without permission, she’s still accepting of her unique little girl who’s just learned an important lesson about acceptance and sticking together with your family. You don’t have to change in order to be loved here.
Sweet Potato is a calm, reassuring kids’ tale about being different and being accepted by your family.
The post Sweet Potato (Grumpy the Iguana) by Susan Marie Chapman appeared first on Independent Book Review.