Uh-Oh! Trouble at School
About:
Uh-Oh! Trouble at School is a hilarious story about Grumpy, a parrot trying his best to fit in at school with a class full of kids. On his first day, Grumpy behaves perfectly. But as the days go by, his natural parrot behaviours begin to emerge. First, he chews on his desk. Then he eats with his foot. Soon, he is flying around the classroom—and finally, he lets out ear-shattering shrieks!
With each new behaviour, Grumpy creates more chaos as his classmates begin copying him. Soon, kids are chewing their desks, eating with their feet, jumping off desks, and attempting to fly. Rather than becoming angry with Grumpy, the teacher seeks help from the class to think of creative ways to help him use his unique strengths.
Before long, Grumpy is sharpening pencils with his beak, flying around the classroom to keep the children cool, and delivering messages to the office. He even becomes the school bell! Unfortunately, Grumpy can't tell time, so he gives the children an extra-long lunch.
Uh-Oh! Trouble at School is a humorous celebration of personal strengths, inclusion, and problem-solving. It shows children that the things that make us different can also be our greatest strengths.
Uh-Oh! Trouble at School
By Linda Mah
Genre: Children’s
Format: Children’s book
Publication Status: Self-Published
Intended Audience: Children, Ages 0 to 12
Comparable Films / Books:
Pete the Cat (book), Zootopia, Bluey
Notable Achievements:
Received a 5-star review from Readers’ Favorite for Uh-Oh! Trouble at School.
Content Considerations
Content Warnings:
- N/A
Additional Notes:
- The story contains humorous classroom chaos as Grumpy’s natural parrot behaviours cause unexpected disruptions and the children begin copying him. The story is intended for young children and has a positive message about inclusion, individuality, and discovering and using personal strengths.
About the Author
Linda Mah is a children’s author and elementary school teacher. After more than 35 years of teaching, she continues to work as a teacher on call, bringing creativity into the classroom to engage and inspire children. Her book, Uh-Oh! Trouble at School, was inspired by her Goffin’s cockatoo, Grumpy, who has been part of her family since 1988. Linda and Grumpy also volunteer with a parrot rescue, visiting schools, daycares, camps, and seniors’ homes. A second book in the Grumpy the Bird series is in progress. Grumpy often supervises Linda’s writing from her shoulder.
Short Film Adaptation Idea
When Grumpy the Bird enters the school, he is well behaved However as days go by Grumpy’s natural parrot behaviours gradually start taking over the classroom. It begins with Grumpy quietly chewing his desk, followed by eating with his foot, flying around the room. Soon, the children begin copying him—chewing their desks, eating with their feet, jumping from their desks, and attempting to fly. The teacher seeks help from the class to find positive ways to use Grumpy’s unique strengths. When Grumpy feels he can't hold his parrot in any longer, Grumpy starts his jobs - sharpening pencils, delivering messages, cooling the classroom with his wings, and becoming the school bell.
