Grumpy Badger is the star of GRUMPY BADGER’S CHRISTMAS. He lives in the Old Tree in the forest and loves all things warm and cosy, but dislikes the winter and cold weather as it makes him very grumpy! His favourite treat to eat is beetles because he loves the way they crunch. We caught up with Grumpy Badger for a quick interview.

Christmas is coming and we’re getting in the mood here at Little Tiger HQ by decorating the office and munching mince pies. What gets you in the Christmas spirit?
Well, I used to sleep all through the winter because it was so cold and dreary. But now I’ve found that Christmas is full of bright lights and warm fires and hot, steaming things to eat and drink. I just love being snug and warm inside when it’s cold and dark outside.

A little birdie tells us that you weren’t always a fan of Christmas, in fact, you were a bit of a grumpy badger! What’s not to like about Christmas? Grumpy? Me? What piffle and double piffle and triple piffle with knobs on! If people don’t stop calling me grumpy, I shall be very grumpy indeed!

What changed your mind about Christmas?
Well, it all happened when three friends came to visit me on Christmas Eve – and I have to admit I was just a teensy bit grumpy with them! But if you want to know more, you’ll have to read the story!

What would be the best Christmas present anyone could give you?
Oh, I don’t need very much. Here in the woods we enjoy giving very small presents – maybe something we’ve made. Something to eat is always nice. And maybe, just to make sure I don’t sleep through Christmas by mistake, an alarm clock with a very loud ring, to keep near my bed! That would be very useful.

We’re readying our voices for some Christmas carolling. Do you have a favourite Christmas song or carol?
My favourite Christmas carol is Away in a Manger. I like it because it talks about the cattle in the manger, and some of my best friends are cattle. But I like it as well because, the first time I heard it, all the carol singers had colds and sniffles and bunged-up noses, and it sounded like ‘Away id a badger’! Ho, ho, ho!

We have been scoffing lots of treats at Tiger Towers. What is your favourite Christmas food?
I make a special Badger Christmas cake. It has all the usual ingredients of nuts and fruit and such like, but with some added tasty Badger treats – some chewy worms and crunchy beetles, and all sorts of tasty creepy-crawlies. You should try it – it’s delicious!  

You’re now the star of your own Christmas book. Are there any other Christmas stories you like to read? I like How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss. I always keep my eyes open at this time of year in case I see the Grinch prowling in the forest – he’d soon find out just how fierce and grumpy a badger can be! Happy Christmas, everybody!