Cranky

"Tran’s “Cranky & Friends” ­series is perfect for readers [who love construction equipment like cranes, dump trucks, and cement trucks]." --School Library Journal

From the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of the Food Group series, Pete Oswald, and debut picture book author Phuc Tran, this is a hilarious picture book about big trucks, big feelings, and even bigger friendships!

It's the last day at the construction site and Cranky the crane truck is feeling, well, cranky. And he doesn't want to talk about it. His friends Zippy, Wheezy, and Dump Chuck try to cheer him up. But you know what doesn't help when you're feeling cranky? A lot of talking.

But what will help?

With Phuc Tran’s hilarious text and Pete Oswald’s bold, expressive illustrations, this tale shows young readers how kind friends and honesty are the perfect tools for navigating strong emotions. Perfect for fans of Grumpy Monkey and construction vehicles.

A Children’s Book Committee Best Book of the Year!

Kids will come for the construction vehicles and leave with some social-emotional skills.  - Kirkus Reviews

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.  - Publishers Weekly

With a perpetual frown and lidded eyes, Cranky is wonderfully endearing (though don’t tell Cranky that). This makes an ideal opportunity to discuss big feelings with little ones who like big trucks.   - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Children will understand and empathize with Cranky as he slowly but surely overcomes his moodiness. - Booklist