Grumble Boats

 

What do you do when all you want to do is grumble. You make a grumble boat and set it adrift. This fun and inventive book by Susannah McFarlane can help even the most grumpy people think positively about a situation. Her parents are taking her brother to a pirate party while Emma stays with her grandmother. Emma is not pleased. She wants to go to the party as well. Hmph! Emma's grandmother knows exactly how to help her get rid of her grumbles. The grandmother gathers some materials and they set off for the beach. Taking out paper and pens, grandmother sits on the beach and writes. Earlier that day, grandmother broke her favorite tea cup, so she started drawing out her grumble. The idea of coloring wasn't too appealing to Emma. Emma's grandmother explained that sometimes it is good to write our grumbles down when things do not go our way. It's not long before Emma sits on the beach drawing out her grumble. Emma is quite impressed when her grandmother folds the paper into a boat. When both papers have been transformed into boats, grandmother holds Emma's hand while they throw their boats into the sea. Goodbye grumbles! Both of them watch their grumble boats sail further and further out into the ocean. That's how you handle grumbles.

The act of creating grumble boats and setting them adrift is a therapeutic way to release negative emotions. It allows individuals to externalize their frustrations, giving them a tangible form so they can be acknowledged and let go. This simple yet meaningful ritual can bring a sense of relief and closure, helping people to move forward with a more positive outlook.