Seahorse Is Furious: And There Is Nothing You Can Do About It

by Morag Hood

It’s a dire day under the sea for a seahorse stuck in an angry mood in this funny and accessible picture book perfect for fans of Nobody Hugs a Cactus.

Seahorse is furious. It is a bad day. In a terrible week. In an awful ocean.

And nothing in that whole entire, awful ocean is going to make him feel better. That’s nothing.

Not even his favorite things or his closest friend or the cuddliest bunny will help—unless…

No, no he’s furious. And there’s nothing you can do about it.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 26, 2026

About the author

"I'm an award-winning children's book author and illustrator from Edinburgh. I love making up stories, print-making and cutting and sticking. My favourite things to draw are eyebrows.

I have an MA in Children's Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Art and a BA in Costume Design from Wimbledon College of Art. I used to work in theatre, but now spend my days in my Edinburgh studio with views of the hills.

One day I will manage to write a book about my very favourite animal - the duck.

I am represented by Paul Moreton at Bell Lomax Moreton."

Reviews

[Champ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was drawn by the title of this book and the little frown the seahorse had on the cover. It made me chuckle. The book is a cute little idea. It reminds me of Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss. In that book, Sam tries to get the person to try eating the green eggs and ham, similarly in this book they try to find something to make the seahorse no longer feel furious. In this book there is no rhyme, though it probably would have benefited from one. The pictures are cute and funny. I think the writing could have been done a little better. Another similar book the comes to mind is Alexander and the No Good…Very Bad Day. One of the draws to that book is him saying the same line, “it was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.” The kids listening or reading along many times begin say that line with the reader. Green Eggs and Ham does this in a similar manner where he says, “No I will not eat green eggs and ham, I will not eat them Sam I am.” I think if this book had some type of a line like that, it could be really great. He is furious, so give a catch phrase for every time he sees something that makes him furious, or turns away an offer by someone to try to change his mood. The book has a very good idea and very good illustrations, it just lacks a good memorable saying or staple to make it really draw kids in. 2.5 stars

I’d like to thank #NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing @SimonKids for providing the ARC for me to give my honest review, of which all my opinions are my own.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the title, the cover, and the whole story. This is SO relatable. Seahorse is furious, because everything is going wrong. "It is a bad day, a terrible week, and an awful ocean." However, despite his negativity, a friend keeps trying to cheer him up. The narrator keeps repeating that Seahorse is furious, and that there is nothing you can do about it. But towards the end, you can see Seahorse's mood begin to shift.

The book only offers emotional validation for whoever is furious, but even though Seahorse doesn't apologize in the story for acting so grumpy to the friend, the final illustrations show them hugging. Parents who want to use this as a teaching tool can talk about ways to repair things with a friend after being harsh to them when they're trying to help you.

The art style looks simple, but it is wonderfully expressive. The looks on Seahorse's face convey so much! This funny, relatable story shows that even when you are in a terrible mood, a good friend and some things you love can help you feel better.

I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Fatguyreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amusing, fun book to read with our two year old Niece, Clacey-May. I read this with her one night before her bedtime milk bottle and we really enjoyed it. She loved pointing out the shark, or octopus or fish as we read along and the bright, wonderfully contrasting colours really popped. The font used is a good size in bold and is nice and clear to read for little eyes.

Seahorse is just so grumpy and fiesty and I'm sure his experience of stubbing his tail is one we've all experienced ( substituting tail for toes of course ) and can certainly make us all grumpy. So that set his bad mood for the rest of the day until his Octopus friend came along with a nice picnic and his favourite bunny to cuddle.

All in all a delightful book that now takes it's place on our Niece's bookcase.

A big 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from us.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Seahorse Is Furious" follows a seahorse who is having quite a rough week. Very relatable and reminiscent of many children I know. This is a short children's story with vibrant and simple illustrations that I think will capture young children's interest. As a preschool teacher, I love reading stories with a big, dramatic voice and I this story seemed absolutely perfect for a dramatic story-time! I'd recommend for children approximately 2-4 years-old. I know my preschool class would love it!

Thank you, Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Liz Benbow · Rating 3 out of 5]

The bold, bright, simple illustrations are fun. The seahorse is having a terrible day and he’s grumpy. Nothing can make him feel better… except maybe a picnic, a soft blanket, and a bunny to cuddle. Overall a cute, simple book, but I wish it had given a bit more about what to do when you’re having a grumpy day.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley & Simon and Schuster Children’s publishing for this arc!

I loved this book! Super adorable and the art was really bright and colorful. Love books that center around processing feelings for kids and a special shoutout to the friend who never stopped trying to turn his day around 💕

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this adorable book. It was just the right length to hold children’s attention. The pictures were colorful. The story was cute and fun. I think any kid can identify with how seahorse feels.

[Christine Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay this book is so cute! I love books that talk about feelings and the illustrations are simple and adorable. Definitely a great story time book!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this free arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Britney Ireland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC read of this book.

I did think this book was just okay in my honest opinion. The ending was cute.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It is a bad day, a terrible week, and an awful ocean." Who hasn't felt like Seahorse from time to time? Seahorse is Furious is a little bit silly and a whole lot of emotionally affirming.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic title, with a relatable protagonist.

[Bel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious- reflects toddler interaction. Bright simple art, great story telling. A joy.

[Grandma Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice, vibrant pictures. I would like to have seen a more tangible resolution to this angry seahorse.

I was blessed with an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley.