The Previews

A funny, witty story first: a very grumpy daisy, a garden of neighbours determined to cheer him up, and plenty to laugh at along the way. Underneath the laughs, it carries real heart: it’s completely okay to have a grey day, and sometimes just being there is enough. A children’s counsellor and teachers have listened. This is what they said.

“So much, in such an uncomplicated way, of emotions so hard to work on.”

Children’s counsellor

“Profoundly powerful.”

Former teacher

“They absolutely loved it, saying it’s the sort of thing they could use with their students.”

Peter Kenny, on reading it to the teachers in his poetry group

In Peter’s words

Asked on BBC Radio Somerset what made him say yes to this one:

“I’ve been very fortunate to work on some magnificent writing. And Chris’s story is up there. It really is, because it just tells it so simply, and in a simple way that’s accessible. And actually quite moving. I was moved to tears when I first read it.”

Peter Kenny, on air, 21 October 2026

“At face value it’s a charming evocation of characters in an English country garden, with their sweetness and silliness, but it evolves into something much more powerful, a simple yet powerful message that it’s ok to not be ok. This is a particularly difficult concept for younger people; this poem lays it out beautifully. I love the Grump more each time I read it!”

Peter Kenny, September 2026

“Utterly enchanting... a wee tear as well as a smile.”

Peter Kenny, when the script first reached him

“In a world full of robins and roses, snails and hedgehogs... on occasion... be more ladybird!”

Peter Kenny

Hear Peter read the opening of the book

Play the excerpt

As heard on BBC Radio Somerset: listen again on BBC Sounds (from 2 hours 27 minutes in). Coming soon in the December 2026 issue of Somerset Life magazine.