About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling grumpy during a high-pressure holiday or when they are struggling with the social expectation to be performatively happy. This story follows Bruce, a perennially grumpy bear who just wants a quiet autumn, while his exuberant mouse roommates insist on celebrating a festival of gratitude. It highlights the tension between introversion and extroverted celebration, validating that it is okay to feel overwhelmed by forced cheer. It is perfect for preschoolers and early elementary students, offering a humorous way to discuss boundaries and the different ways people express (or don't express) appreciation. Parents will appreciate the clever subversion of typical holiday tropes and the reminder that gratitude can't always be forced.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is entirely secular and metaphorical. It deals with social pressure and emotional boundaries. There are no heavy topics like death or divorce; the conflict is purely interpersonal and temperament-based.
