A Bonding Experience
Grumpy Goes Home for the Holidays follows an iguana who sets off for a Christmas reunion with his family in the Florida Keys; however, a few unexpected obstacles threaten his plans. What was the inspiration for your story?
Let’s go back to book 3, Two If By Sea, where Grumpy the Iguana tells the Giant Sea Turtle that he grew up behind the Turtle Hospital in the Florida Keys. This is where we learn that Grumpy has a family. So, when we get to book 4, Grumpy Goes Home For The Holidays, we find out that Grumpy is missing his family in the Florida Keys and decides it’s time to go home and surprise them. The inspiration I had was thinking about the holidays and how people want to be close to the people they love. Gifts are nice too, but the true meaning is connection, love, and family (and that includes friends because sometimes your friends are your family). Showing the people in your life that you care about them by showing up is also important.
How does Grumpy change or grow as he prepares for and completes his journey, and what qualities do you hope children recognize in him as they follow his adventure?
I think Grumpy realizes how much his friends care about him as they help him prepare for his trip. They want him to have a great time with his family. When Grumpy arrives home in the Florida Keys and spends time with his mom, dad, and little sis, he is again caught up in emotion about how much his family misses him and loves him. We learn that he has had a wonderful childhood and came from a solid foundation where there is respect and honor and love. Now we know how Grumpy came to be.
What do you hope children learn about friendship from the way Grumpy and his neighbors care for one another?
Showing you care and building trust with your friends is so important when you are out on your own and away from your family. The Flamingo Park neighborhood is a place where everyone looks out for one another. Every adventure that the family of animal friends goes on is a bonding experience and brings them closer together.
What do you enjoy most about creating stories for young children?
I enjoy every aspect of creating these adventures, and I always try to add a fun fact or two about the animals or the environment that they live in. This way, the children are learning something new at the same time they are enjoying the story.
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The story follows Grumpy as he packs his suitcase and sets out on a journey to visit his parents and little sister, who live in the Florida Keys. Along the way, Grumpy encounters several obstacles, including the loss of a precious gift for his family. However, with the help of his friends, Grumpy overcomes these obstacles and finally reaches his destination.
The book is beautifully illustrated, and it features charming characters that will capture your heart. It is also an excellent teaching tool for parents, as it promotes the values of love, family, and friendship.
With “Grumpy Goes Home for the Holidays,” you can join Grumpy on his journey and experience the joy of Christmas with him. This book will make a perfect addition to your holiday collection, and it is an excellent gift for anyone who loves a good holiday story.
Posted on October 11, 2026, in Interviews and tagged Animal books, audiobook, author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, bookblogger, books, books to read, bookshelf, childrens animals books, childrens books, ebook, goodreads, Grumpy Goes Home For The Holidays, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, nook, novel, read, reader, reading, story, Susan Marie Chapman, writer, writing. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.
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