why does eric carle have to make some of his characters so unappealing? what kid or parent would want to read a story about a total grouch who goes around the world being a pain in the neck? to me, this book and the very busy spider, who is an antisocial workaholic with no time for her neighbors, set really bad examples of behavior. why should i waste my time or my son's reading about characters i don't like? save your money for his better books--the chameleon, the polar bear, the kangaroo, the caterpillar, etc.