Customer Reviews

Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business (Junie B Jones) (Junie B Jones)

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

My daughter and I have read all of the Junie B. Jones books, and this is one of the best- funny and on-target from start to finish. When Junie B's parents tell her they have a suprise for her, she is disappointed to learn that it will be a new baby, and not a present. Things worsen when mom won't accept Junie B's suggestions for names ("Teeny" being one of them, since the baby will be so small).

But the trouble really begins when Junie B's grandma comes home from seeing the new arrival and refers to him as the "cutest little monkey" she's ever seen. Junie B takes this literally, and goes to school insisting that her new brother is really a monkey. Hilarity ensues- I couldn't stop laughing as my then first-grade daughter read it to me.

In addition to the abundant humor, the book also shows that it is a confusing world out there, and that grownups' behavior is frequently inexplicable. Young readers can identify with Junie B's efforts to navigate through the disappointments and challenges of family and school even as they are entertained by her.

This is a great choice for kids who are just making the switch to chapter books. The chapters are short enough so that new readers will not be overwhelmed, and there are plenty of excellent illustrations to help kids interpret the text, and to provide additional humor.

There seems to be a debate whether these books are appropriate for young children. This is my first Junie B. book (I had been reluctant to try them due to the debate). While I see both sides, I come down squarely in favor of them, if they are read with a parent or teacher. First, they are very 'real' -- Junie B. talks and thinks like a real six-year-old. Second, they are very, very funny -- for children and adults. Third, they provide teaching moments for the adult to discuss Junie's conduct and feelings -- and by extension the child's feelings. (I used this story as a vehicle to discuss my four-year-old's frustration with her two-year-old brother's conduct.) But there are some downsides. First, the grammar is too 'real' -- it is how real six-year-olds talk. Since I am reading to my four-year-old, I edit the text as I read to clean up some of the grammar. Even if I did not, my daughter's grammar is not going to be harmed by Junie B. Second, Junie B. is not a model six-year-old -- and who is? Nevertheless, an adult should discuss with the child times when Junie B. acts inappropriately. My daughter and I also read Magic TreehouseMagic Tree House Series Books: Night of the Ninjas / Dolphins At Daybreak / Polar Bears Past Bedtime / Tonight on the Titanic / Magic Tree House Research Guide: Rain Forests (Unboxed Set of MARY POPE OSBORNE Magic TreeHouse Books, # 5, 9, 12, 17 + 1 Research Guide) and Geronimo Stilton The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid (Geronimo Stilton, No. 2)books. My daughter likes all three series. I am bored to tears with the Magic Treehouse (and frankly dislike the messages in some of the books). My favorite is Geronimo Stilton -- I love the high quality paper, pictures, and text; the stories are funny and engaging.

Junie B. is getting a baby brother! While her mother is at the hospital Junie B. stays with her grandparents. While at their house, her grandmother calls her new baby brother the "cutest little monkey" and Junie B. begins to have an idea.
She tells her whole class that her brother is a real live monkey and begins selling views of her brother to the highest bidder. What she finds out however, is that her brother is just a baby - nothing special to her - not even a real live monkey.
This may be one of the funniest books I have ever read - both as an adult or child. It is humorous and relatable and completely understandable for all children. They are able to connect with Junie B. easier and better than with some other children's book characters.

We adore Junie B. and have the entire set! We anxiously await the release of every new one published. This book (like all the Junie B. books) is cleverly written and makes my husband, daughter and I laugh until we have tears in our eyes. It makes for wonderful family time! Thank-you, Ms. Park!

The Junie B. series is amazing. We received this book by accident as a Christmas present and haven't stopped laughing since. Junie B. is "everychild" with a great big heart and a great big mouth to match. We loved this story so much we named our new kitten Mrs. Gutzman (after the lunch lady at Junie B.'s school). Young readers will have a great time reading this tale of a kindergartener who deals with a new baby in the family. My 4 year old laughs until she cries and I join her. Thanks Barbara Park for a wonderful read. Keep em' coming.

This Barbara Parks must have been some Kindergartner. I only wish she would have been my bestest friend. She's great. My daughter just can't get enough of her. At first I just brought her the first 5 books to get her started then she began reading them to me. I ran out and brought the remaining books. I don't know if I did it for my daughter or for myself. This character will keep you asking for more. Junie B. Jones is the name my daughter wants to be called. After my daughter finished each book I found myself reading them myself. I hope that people buy these books for their kids. You will be suprised to see them with their heads in these books. Maybe they will catch on and soon we can even get a movie or a cartoon series going. You never know. Although T.V. should never take place of these great books.

I was terribly offended by this book. I got it for my 6yr old daughter,because she told me they were reading it in school. I assumed it was a good book, but boy was I surprised! The language used by the main character & others was in no way appropriate for children of any age. The constant use of the words "stupid" & "dumb" & calling classmates "cry-baby boy" & "big fat Jim" & Junie B. thinking she could beat up a classmate & a classmate saying her father was not a real potatoe, while the nana calls him a couch potatoe, but "he is just a lazy bum." I found this book crude & disrepectful. There will be no more in my home & I have already spoken to the school about stopping the use of them in school. Our school has a "bully-free" program & this book totally contradicts that program. All they seem to do in this book is bully, make fun of & call names.

I liked the last piece.My whole entire class(grade 2) also loved it

I'm not sure which annoys me more--the mean-spirited dialogue or the consistently poor grammar that I'm guessing is supposed to be funny but isn't. If you want your child to be a nasty smart-aleck, this is the book for you!

i loved this book! i can't believe Junie thought her baby brother was a monkey! My sister and i laugh so hard when she hollers at people. Junie has a mind of her own, and i like it! you should REALLY read this book if you are in the mood for a laugh. (even if your not, read it anyway. its a great book)