Junie B. Jones's First Boxed Set Ever! (Books 1-4)

As a parent, I was skeptical at first. About a year ago, a neighbor (who is very heavy-hearted and serious about life) said she didn't like the books because she thought Junie B. had too much of an attitude. She loaned us one (The Stinky Smelly Bus) so that I could see for myself. I was hesitent, but read the book to my daughter. In summary, although Junie B. is far from perfect, she is surrounded by very clever, compassionate adults, she always learns from her mistakes, and she has a big heart. Additionally, the interest in my daughter's eyes and the big belly laughs she let out during the reading convinced me to buy a second book in the series.

I'm now a full force supporter of Junie B., and I enjoy seeing my daughter trade the various books in the series with her friends at school. Junie B. Jones books are their (and my) FAVORITE BY FAR! Thank you Barbara Park for lighting up my daughter's reading world and keeping it fun and interesting!!!

A final note: I do NOT recommend these books for children under six; they may misinterpret the wonderful messages Barbara Park is conveying, and focus only on Junie B.'s "spirited" personality (just as some of the other reviewers here have done!).


A delightful series   October 21, 2002
Y. Leventhal (Oak Hill, VA United States)
36 out of 43 found this review helpful

I bought a bunch of books for my daughter (age 6) to read, and she likes the Junie B. Jones series best. She laughs out loud as she reads and is totally engrossed in the story.

The events in the Junie B. Jones series are typical things that young children either directly encounter in their daily lives or fantasize encountering (such as being left behind by a school bus). Some of them may seem mundane to grown-ups, but full of excitement, suspense and breathless anticipation for young readers. Junie B. Jones is a spirited girl with a unique, creative, and humorous view of the world around her. She may first come across as opinionated (as most 5, 6 year olds are), but one quickly discovers the "loopholes" in her opinions. My daughter frequently points out, with a laugh, what Junie B. Jones says wrong or how she mis-interpretes a situation.

The stories end well and in a joyful and high spirited note.

I highly recommend this series!


Junie B. makes reading fun!   July 23, 2005
K Teacher (NJ)
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

These stories have entertained and held the attention of (25) 5 year olds. I have read many of the Junie B. books aloud to my kindergarten classes. We would read and discuss two chapters a day. Most, if not all of my students, loved listening to Junie's hilarious antics. One parent, who rarely visted the school, made a special trip in so she could order the series for her son from the Scholastic Book Club. Apparently, he's been bugging her for quite some time.

Yes, Junie B. has the tendency to go overboard, but that is what keeps my students wanting to know more. What crazy thing will she do next? Of course, we discuss the topics that arise: listening, friendships, name-calling, honesty, etc. These are matters we deal with every day. Reading and discussing these stories encouraged independent thinking and reasoning. We would even brainstorm better ways for Junie B. to handle situations. But most importantly, the series made the children laugh and encouraged reading.


Great Books Written From A Child's Perspective   September 12, 2002
Erin Worsham (California)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Junie B. is a sassy little girl with a great sense of humor. The author's use of children's grammar only makes it that much more funny to children and adults alike. These books are a great way to get kids engaged in the fun of reading. My daughter read one and then wanted to read them all!