Stink Series

Book review by Carrie Kingsley, Common Sense Media
Stink Series Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 6+

This 7-year-old's antics will engage emerging readers.

Megan McDonald For Beginning Readers 2013
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Parents say

age 6+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 7+

Based on 2 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

Stands out for and .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that the Stink series is a spin-off of the Judy Moody series, written in the same light, funny style. Stink, Judy's little brother, feels like he's never going to grow, and Judy constantly reminds him that he's the shortest kid in his second-grade class. The series starts with Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, first published in 2013, and each book follows Stink, often with best friends Webster and Sophie by his side, on an adventure -- from letter writing for free candy to sleepovers to a disastrous weekend with the class pet. When the friends get in trouble, it's resolved quickly, and hurt feelings never last long. There's realistic teasing between siblings, but Stink and Judy always support each other when it counts. The word choices are fun: A bit of advanced vocabulary is repeated throughout each book, and Stink and his friends use a lot of goofy words. Young readers will enjoy the comic strip-style illustrations between chapters.

Community Reviews

willjebs
willjebs Adult
November 10, 2021
age 5+

Our 5 year old loves these

Stink is an engaged kid, exploring his world, trying to be kind, and having lots of fun on his adventures. I love how he recognized the need to apologize to his friend when he missed his friend's birthday party. I didn't like how Stink's sister treated him at first, but as we read a couple more books it's clear that she cares about her little brother and these are probably just normal antics between siblings. (We just have the one kid and not a lot of sibling experience.) My husband and I were shocked when the school pet dies in the disposal in the first book, but our son thought it was just part of the hilarious situation. We enjoy the fun facts we learn about plants and animals along the way. I recommended 5 and up because so much of Stink's experiences revolve around school, so I think kids who aren't in school might have trouble relating to it. We have an early reader who enjoys reading these on the bus, but we also read these to him before bed.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Jjflipt
Jjflipt Adult
December 1, 2019
age 6+

My 8 year old loves these books.

These are my 2nd graders first chapter books. He loves them.
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In the STINK series, James "Stink" Moody behaves like the second-grader he is: He's inquisitive, energetic, and impulsive, and he likes to go on adventures with his friends. Whether they're on a sleepover at the aquarium or walking the halls at school, the kids' interactions are realistic: They talk, tease, share fears and hurt feelings, and laugh, usually within the same conversation. He and his sister, Judy, tease each other and argue, but they can be kind and supportive. Cool trivia about animals, science, and history is woven into each book, and throughout the series, Stink finds ways to mention his favorite president, James Madison, the shortest president of the United States.

Is It Any Good?

This is a great series for kids who are starting to read chapter books. The language in the Stink books is accessible, engaging, and often silly, and the plots are simple. Kids can relate to Stink feeling insecure because he's so short or being scared in a new situation, but they'll laugh at the corny jokes and the fun words. Parents will likely hear the animal and science trivia repeated back to them after their reader finishes the book.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how in the Stink series, Stink finds out that small kindnesses make a difference. A supportive comment from a friend when he's sad or scared helps Stink feel better. What opportunities for small kindnesses do you see in your day?

  • How does the Stink series compare with the Judy Moody series? Which do you like better?

  • Why is a sincere apology for hurting someone's feelings important? How it can mend friendships? Why is it sometimes so hard to say you're sorry?

Book Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love humor and family stories

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