Published: 1 November 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins
Illustrator: Pete Oswald
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book
★ ★ ★ ★ – 4 Stars
The Sour Grape holds grudges for every reason under the sun. Lime never returned a scarf they borrowed? Grudge! Orange never called back? Grudge! But when a friend holds a grudge against the Sour Grape without listening to an explanation, the Sour Grape realizes how unfair grudges can be. Could a bunch of forgiveness and compassion be enough to turn a sour grape sweet?
Another course in the Food Group picture books introduces us to Sour Grape. It is a great story, not overly sweet or cute, but it was an interesting and reflective story. One that followed Grape as they told their tale of woe and sorry.
What I enjoy about John’s books is there is often a reason why a character becomes the way they are. This book is no exception as it demonstrate people often have reasons for their behaviour; things happen outside their control, something has happened in their past that can affect their present selves, or sometimes mistakes just happen. What is also wonderful is John makes sure there is a chance to develop as a character and grow by the end of the story. In this case realise so many issues are not a big deal if you communicate and have understanding.
I enjoyed the physical effect of being sour had on Grape, how it affected their outward appearance as well as their interactions with other people. John is great at storytelling and putting messages forward without wedging them in unnaturally, or worse, by having a large neon sign that says “here is the lesson”. The tone of the book is reflective, the message clear, but never unnatural.
I liked the message of this one and it’s is certainly one we could all learn. It’s not telling the reader they can’t be grumpy, or can’t let things annoy them, but it does ask to take things into perspective and have a little understanding. Focus on the positives in the world not the negatives. Let things pass, understand accidents happen, and people will make mistakes. Try not to let it consume your life to your own detriment and others.
John’s food puns on point again as always. I love how they suit the food in question, they aren’t generic and instead have purpose to their story. Oswald also comes through with adorable illustrations of various fruits. A banana walking a dog raises all sorts of questions but in the world of the Food Group gang it’s best not to think about it too much.
You can purchase The Sour Grape via the following
QBD | Booktopia | Blackwell’s
