Junie B. Jones Series
By Barbara Schultz,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Junie B. Jones brings good fun and laughs to early readers.
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A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this book.
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Community Reviews
Based on 35 parent reviews
Terrible
Teaching rude behavior and bad grammar???
What's the Story?
The main character in Barbara Park's JUNIE B. JONES SERIES starts kindergarten in Book 1, Junie B. Jones and the Smelly Bus, and the series -- 30 books and counting -- follows her into first grade. In each book, Junie B., a funny, strong-willed handful of a girl, survives minor mishaps and navigates social and personal challenges. The character of Junie B. is in some ways similar to Beverly Cleary's Ramona, but these books differ greatly in approach as they are written for very young readers and are narrated by a 5- or 6-year-old. Junie B. repeats various amusing turns of phrase ("Wowie wow wow!" "Yeah, only ..." "Guess what?"); she also frequently uses incorrect grammar and verbiage, which is funny to first graders but sometimes objectionable to parents. A 20th Anniversary edition of the first Junie B. Jones book, published in 2012, contains bonus features, including background about the development of the series, an inside look at the way illustrator Denise Brunkus draws Junie B., and an "interview" in which Junie B. asks questions of Barbara Park.
Is It Any Good?
The Junie B. Jones books are vastly entertaining to young grade schoolers, who will see an exaggerated, slapstick version of themselves in Barbara Park's funny, sassy main character. These books are just the right level and length for new chapter-book readers, and they offer that quality sometimes lacking in "edutainment" for early graders: big laughs. Denise Brunkus' broadly animated illustrations add to the fun and help tell the story for new readers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Familes can talk about whether Junie B. Jones seem like a real kid. What about her seems real to you, and what doesn't?
Which is your favorite Junie B. Jones book? What happens in it?
In the first book in the series, Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus, Junie B. doesn't want to ride the bus home from school. What does she do to avoid taking the bus? What do you think she could have done instead?
Book Details
- Author: Barbara Park
- Illustrator: Denise Brunkus
- Genre: School
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters , Friendship
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: July 28, 1992
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 6 - 8
- Number of pages: 80
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: April 12, 2019
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