As y’all know, I’m a Library Science student at University of North Texas. This semester I have the pleasure of taking an AWESOME class called Literature for Youth! One of the things we have to do is read some books from a list my Prof has provided us and then make up a blog and post reviews over what we’ve read. CLEARLY this is right up my alley! So, instead of making a completely different blog, every Saturday I’m going to start posting this new feature!
MODULE 13:
Series & Graphic Novels
Released: July 28, 1992
Published by: Random House Books for Young Readers
Source: Library
Book Summary: It’s Junie B.’s firsst day of school and she is NOT excited about being on the “Stupid, Smelly bus.” She tries to do everything in her power to not have to be on that bus. Including hiding from the adults.
Reference: Park, B. (1992). Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus. New York, NY: Random House Books. Retrieved November 21, 2015.
*MY IMPRESSIONS*
Junie B. is one of my favorite series for children. She has everything one would think could appeal to a child: funny illustrations, funny literature, and a really lovable main character. I wouldn’t go as far as saying this is quality literature, but I will say this has great kid appeal.
With this being so filled with kid appeal, I can see this book being a gate opener for children. After reading this kids will more than likely want to see what other trouble Junie B. can get into. The ultimate goal of a librarian is to get children reading, so I feel that even though this isn’t “quality,” it’s still something that should definitely be included in the library.
I see Junie B. being as big for kids as The Baby-Sitters Club is for teens. With the series being commercial, it helps to give the child more to read and more to look forward to. My sister who loves Junie B. was happy that she has so many stories with her to look forward too.
With this being so filled with kid appeal, I can see this book being a gate opener for children. After reading this kids will more than likely want to see what other trouble Junie B. can get into. The ultimate goal of a librarian is to get children reading, so I feel that even though this isn’t “quality,” it’s still something that should definitely be included in the library.
I see Junie B. being as big for kids as The Baby-Sitters Club is for teens. With the series being commercial, it helps to give the child more to read and more to look forward to. My sister who loves Junie B. was happy that she has so many stories with her to look forward too.
Overall, I give this
Professionals are Saying…
KIRKUS REVIEW
In the “First Stepping Stone” series, a genuinely funny, easily read story. Junie didn’t like riding the bus to her first day of kindergarten, so when it’s time to go home she hides in a supply closet until everyone but the janitor has left. She has a fine time exploring the contents of her teacher’s desk, the school library, and the nurse’s office–until she has to go to the bathroom and finds it locked. Only when Junie calls 911 to report this emergency is she located by the frantic adults who’ve been searching for her. Junie’s abrupt, ungrammatical narration sounds just like the feisty young lady seen in the b&w drawings, with droopy socks, wispy hair, and spit-shined (literally–she licks them) shoes. Kids may need some persuading to read about a younger child, but they’re sure to enjoy the understated humor. (Fiction. 6-9)
Retrieved from: Kirkus(2010, May 20).JUNIE B. JONES AND THE STUPID SMELLY BUS.[Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus, by Park, B.]. Kirkus. Retrieved from: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/barbara-park/junie-b-jones-and-the-stupid-smelly-bus/
Library Uses:
I would use this as a story-time near the end of school. It’s something that connects to the beginning of school and it’s funny and filled with pictures. Children would be interested in seeing what else Junie B. does the rest of the school year. I would also lay more copies of Junie B’s books out so they could see if any others interested them. For a craft I would make them draw or color cut outs of a bus or other pictures dealing with school.
Book Image from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/958277.Junie_B_Jones_and_the_Stupid_Smelly_Bus