A hilarious story in the New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey series now in board with abridged text for a whole new audience! Have you ever been a little anxious about attending a party? Jim Panzee feels that. Porcupine is having a big party, and according to Jim's best friend Norman, there will be--gulp--dancing. When Jim tells his friends he can't dance, they try to teach him cool moves--surely that's the only reason Jim isn't excited about going! At the party, Jim is dipped, swayed, and twirled until he can't take it anymore--he just doesn't like to dance! After Jim speaks (shouts) his truth, Water Buffalo reveals that he doesn't much care to dance, either. As more of Jim's friends have the courage speak out, they assume it's time for them to go because clearly there's no place for them at this party. But Porcupine's party has some surprises for them! This board book shows kids that it's okay not to go with the flow if they're uncomfortable, and that speaking up about what they need can help others speak up, too--maybe they need the same thing!

ジム・パンジーという稀代のキャラクターが放つ魅力は、単なる不機嫌を超えた、同調圧力に対する痛快なまでの誠実さにあります。華やかなパーティーの裏側で渦巻く「踊らなければならない」という焦燥感。本作は、誰もが一度は抱く社会的な不安を、ジムの繊細な表情を通して鮮やかに描き出しています。 物語の白眉は、彼が自分の真実を叫んだ瞬間に訪れる連帯です。自分らしさを貫く勇気が周囲の仮面を剥ぎ、多様な楽しみ方を肯定する場へと変容させていく過程は、子供向け絵本の枠を超えた哲学的な深みを湛えています。周囲に合わせることに疲れた現代人の心に、静かでありながら情熱的な勇気を与えてくれる至高の一冊です。