Cranky versus the Cat

Phuc Tran is an award-winning writer, tattooer, and Latin teacher (for which he has won no awards). Lots of things make Phuc cranky: being too cold, being too hot, staying up too late, getting up really early, wearing baggy socks, eating jaggedy cereal for breakfast. Cranky was his first children’s book. His memoir, Sigh, Gone, received the New England Book Award and the Maine Literary Award and was named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon, Audible, and others. Phuc lives in Portland, Maine, with his wife (who is rarely cranky) and his two daughters (who are sometimes cranky). “Phuc” is pronounced like “Luke” but with an F. Learn more at phucskywalker.com.Pete Oswald is an artist, picture book creator, and production designer. Pete is the illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Food Group series by Jory John and the Cranky series by Phuc Tran as well as many other picture books. When Pete is not working on books, he is helping to uplift many of the most successful animated franchises as a character designer, concept artist, and production designer. Pete lives in Los Angeles, California, with his wife and three sons.

Mischief and mayhem abound where sly cats are involved. Holy chisels, this is fun! — KirkusThis level 2 beginning reader uses compound sentences and less repetition, allowing youngsters to flex their reading skills with more challenging text. Kids will identify with Cranky’s feelings and technique for managing them. A fun social-emotional offering that doesn't feel like a lesson. — BooklistThis story is about problem-solving, sharing, working with friends, and making new ones. This book will be in demand by youngsters who love construction equipment like cranes, dump trucks, and cement trucks, and are eager for more picture books about them. Tran’s “Cranky & Friends” ­series is perfect for those readers. — School Library Journal