The first thing that the reader is greeted with when beginning to read this book are the pictures. The detail and colour are absolutely sublime. They almost jump off the page at you which makes you sit up and take notice and want to continue reading. Although the print was small it was easy to read in spite of the detailed full page colour of the pictures. To say I was impressed is an understatement.

The Goodreads’ blurb doesn’t really do the book justice in my opinion. Granted it is a fairy tale (I could hear the story of the Beauty and the Beast within its pages) but it is much more than that. It celebrates personal growth as well celebrating that there’s more to life than meets the eye. It also showcases how effective properly written poetry makes for easier reading and promotes the easy flow from one thought to another.

The characters of this book were just as well developed as the story itself. The author is very talented and writes great stories for the young child (as well as the young at heart). Due to the way this story was written I was able to read it quickly (it took me approximately 10 minutes to complete) whilst enjoying a sweet story which had a lovely ending. If the caliber of the writing of this author is anything to go by I can’t wait to read more of his work. ( )

STORY-LINE AND CONCEPT OF THE GRUMPFACE BY B.C.R. FEGAN

In The Grumpface, B. C. R. Fegan author and Daniela Frongia illustrator, crafted an entertaining book for any child. With a premise easy to follow, the child will giggle and wiggle as they listen to this fun filled book.

A grumpy man became grumpy with a wizard. The wizard changed him into Grumpface and placed him deep in the dark forest. Grumpface would have to laugh before he would change back to a man. He devised a game for the people who wandered into the forest. They had to complete three task or stay in the forest. Dan wanted to find a rose for the flower vender, Bella, who he loved. Going into the forest, he meets Grumpface and laughter follows as Dan tried to complete the three task.

I love rhyming poems and stories; I am sure any child would love to have this book. The rhyming will catch the adult or child's attention immediately. Children will find the rhyming easy to remember and follow. All children love to have someone read to them; this book is perfect for any time of day as you set with your child.

With illustrations, detailed and colorful, children will love looking at the pages in Grumpface. I do not think they will be frighten as Grumpface resembles an old grumpy green leprechaun. With help from the reader/adult, children will understand laughter can change a person's attitude and outlook; the reader/adult should explain Grumpface becomes a different person after seeing Dan's funny attempts to complete the three task. The reader/adult can also impress upon the child how the man became Grumpface; an excellent teaching tool. An adult could sit with the child who's reading age and explain the concepts of the book.

I found The Grumpface perfect for child ages 5-10. The Grumpface has a happy ending for all. Also, I would not hesitate to buy this book for a child. I am sure it will become a favorite book in mom's arsenal; a good book for any child's collection.

The GRUMPFACE RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4

FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:

Additionally, I received this book from the author and chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest children’s book review. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. In addition, the ARC did not affect my voluntary children’s book review. ( )

The following book was kindly sent to me by the author, B.C.R. Fegan, who requested a review. This book is out now and you can get a physical or ebook copy by visiting the publisher's website, TaleBlade Press, or by checking out Amazon. :-)

The Grumpface by B.C.R. Fegan with illustrations by Daniela Frongia is told entirely in rhyme. It's the story of Dan who is a clumsy dreamer inventor who is simply trying to win over the affections of the girl he's loved from afar. The Grumpface is a creature determined to thwart anyone he comes into contact with no matter how earnest or good-hearted. It's not a huge leap to learn that the main character and Dan have a run-in and shenanigans ensue. If you're looking for a sweet book about a character that never gives up no matter how insurmountable the odds then you should look no further. Added bonus is that this book is told in rhyming verse which hearkens back to the fairytales of old (and which little people especially enjoy). This is one that I think they'll be requesting over and over to read. 7/10 ( )

***This book was reviewed for TaleBlade Press***

This charming picture book for young readers is a new spin on the classic 'Beauty and the Beast’ tale. In the gloomy Forest of Ho lives a terrible creature called the Grumpface, and what an ugly fellow he is! But he wasn't always so. Once he was as human as you or I, but it's like that old adage 'treat everyone with kindness, for they may be an angel (or god) in disguise.’ This cantankerous old man grumped at the wrong person one day, and found himself cursed by a wizard.

Dafty Dan is an inventor living in the Village of Hay. Dan loves the flower girl who works outside his shop, and he longs to bring her the one flower she wants, but does not have- a rose. Setting off into the Forest of Ho, Dan finds roses, but he also finds the Grumpface’s traps. The Grumpface agrees to let Dan go if he can complete at least one task out of three. Can Dan survive, and bring a rose back to his beloved?

I read this book with my cubs and they loved it! We are going to get a hardcopy version, as mine is on the Kindle. The artwork is wonderful, really bringing the story to life. I like the Grumpface. He looks like a troll, or ogre, but not 'too’ scary for small children.. This little book packs a powerful message that what you are on the inside really affects people’s perceptions of you, and that changing your outlook can change your whole appearance. If you’ve a nasty disposition, you’ll seem as ugly as the Grumpface looked no matter how beautiful you are on the surface. Likewise, a cheerful disposition can brighten the entire room, and no matter the surface appearance you wear, you’ll be the most beautiful there. (Smiling Grumpface is adorable, btw!

🎻🎻🎻🎻🎻 Highly recommended for kids of all ages! ( )