The animals of the forest are preparing for Christmas, but Grumpy Badger just wants to settle down for his long winter’s nap. He is awakened by cheery visits from several friends and then by a frantic call for help for Mole, who is stuck at the top of the community Christmas tree. All the visitors are rebuffed with grumpy behavior, but after a nightmare about poor Mole’s fate, Grumpy Badger repents, rescues his friend and invites everyone home to feast on his winter provisions. The story is quite British in tone and dialogue, and the characters (all males) have a certain appeal due to their dignified manners—or curmudgeonly attitude, in the case of Grumpy Badger. The oversized format helps provide a good look at Chapman’s cast of endearing animal characters. (Picture book. 3-6)
