Module 9: Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus & Judy Moody

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park

Summary:  This story is about the adventures Junie has as she enters kindergarten.

Citation: Park, B. (1992). Junie B. Jones and the stupid smelly bus. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.

Impressions:  At first I was not impressed with the way Junie talked, but I eventually liked her.  This was a very funny book.

Reviews:  School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3 --Park is truly a funny writer. Although Junie B. is a kindergartner, she's sure to make middle graders laugh out loud when they read about her adventures on the first day of school. Even the most insecure readers will feel superior because they know so much more than she does. Brunkus's occasional black-and-white pencil illustrations are appealing and reinforce the mood of the text. Junie B. is a real character; she talks a lot, is funny without knowing it, and honest to a fault. This book will get lots of peer recommendations, and younger kids will enjoy listening to it when read aloud. It's a real hoot!

Sherman, G. (1992). Junie B. Jones and the stupid smelly bus [Review of the book Junie B. Jones and the stupid smelly bus, by Barbara Park]. School Library Journal.

Use in Library Setting:  This book is very simple and could be used as an introduction to chapter books.

Judy Moody by Megan McDonald

Summary:  Judy Moody is a spunky third grader.  Judy misses everything about second grade and definitely not looking forward to third grade.  Everything changes when a project lets her share about herself.

Citation: McDonald, M. (2010). Judy Moody. New York: Candlewick Press.

Impressions:  I thought this book was very similar to Junie B. Jones series but catering to a different audience.

Reviews:  School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-Judy Moody is grumpy. She hates the thought of summer ending and dreads starting third grade, until her new teacher asks each student to create a "Me" collage to share with the class. Then she can't wait to tell about her new pet-a Venus flytrap that eats bugs and hamburger, the T.P. (Toad Pee) Club initiation, and how she ate a shark over the summer. Judy's second-grade brother Stink and her friend Rock are major figures in the story as is her nemesis, Frank Pearl. Judy is independent, feisty, and full of energy, a delightful new character for beginning chapter-book readers. Reynolds has captured her personality in his humorous illustrations done in watercolor, tea, and pen and ink.

Schomberg, J. (2010). Judy Moody [Review of the book Judy Moody, by Megan McDonald]. School Library Journal.

Use in Library Setting:  This book is a great read aloud for students second grade and above.  Since it is in a series, reading to students aloud will inspire the further reading of the series.