Cranky Versus the Cat

"Tran's "Cranky & Friends" ­series is perfect for readers [who love construction equipment like cranes, dump trucks, and cement trucks]." --School Library Journal

The first Level 2 I Can Read in the Indie Bestselling Cranky & Friends series by Phuc Tran and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Pete Oswald!

There's trouble at Sandbox Hills! A cat is causing mayhem as Cranky and the crew are building a new playground, and Cranky is feeling, well, cranky. Will an unexpected new friendship help Cranky cool down and get back to work?

Find out in this Level 2 I Can Read! book featuring an engaging story, longer sentences, and language play perfect for developing readers.

For more fun with Cranky and Friends, don't miss:

• Cranky
• Cranky Makes a Friend

Author: Phuc Tran
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 04/28/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Paperback
Series: I Can Read Level 2
Weight: 0.17lbs
Size: 8.93h x 6.05w x 0.29d
ISBN: 9780063469082
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 2
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 558863 / Cranky Versus the Cat


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 03/01/2026 pg. 60

About the Author
Oswald, Pete: -

Pete Oswald is an artist, picture book creator, and production designer. Pete is the illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Food Group series by Jory John and the Cranky series by Phuc Tran as well as many other picture books. When Pete is not working on books, he is helping to uplift many of the most successful animated franchises as a character designer, concept artist, and production designer. Pete lives in Los Angeles, California, with his wife and three sons.

Tran, Phuc: -

Phuc Tran is an award-winning writer, tattooer, and Latin teacher (for which he has won no awards). Lots of things make Phuc cranky: being too cold, being too hot, staying up too late, getting up really early, wearing baggy socks, eating jaggedy cereal for breakfast. Cranky was his first children's book. His memoir, Sigh, Gone, received the New England Book Award and the Maine Literary Award and was named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon, Audible, and others. Phuc lives in Portland, Maine, with his wife (who is rarely cranky) and his two daughters (who are sometimes cranky). "Phuc" is pronounced like "Luke" but with an F. Learn more at phucskywalker.com.