Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
This 7-year-old's antics will engage emerging readers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
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
- Author :
- Illustrator : Peter H. Reynolds
- Genre : For Beginning Readers
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Candlewick Press
- Publication date : April 9, 2013
- Number of pages : 150
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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