Barbara Park’s Junie B. Jones is a children’s book series illustrated by Denise Brunkus. Junie B. Jones and her adventures are the focus of the story. It was published by Random House from 1992 to 2013.
Junie B. Jones is a kindergartner nearing her sixth birthday at the start of the series (and a first-grader in later books). Her favorite dishes include everything sugary. Junie despises her grandmother’s bird Twitter and roosters.
The Junie B. Jones series starts with the “Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus.” book. Junie’s first day at kindergarten is the subject of this story. Junie B. Jones dislikes the bus she needs to take to and from school when she starts kindergarten. The stories are appealing to children, as Junie says and does things that many would like to do but can’t. Junie allows the kids to live through her without getting themselves into any trouble. Some readers praised the author’s depiction of the consequences of Junie’s manners. The series spans 28 books.
Junie’s character is based on Parks’ own childhood experiences when she was in the first grade. She had many letters sent home and sent to the principal’s office for questioning things.
Junie B Jones Books in order
Junie B. Jones
- Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus (1992)
- Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business (1993)
- Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth (1993)
- Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying (1994)
- Junie B. Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake (1995)
- Junie B. Jones and That Meanie Jim’s Birthday (1996)
- Junie B. Jones Loves Handsome Warren (1996)
- Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed (1997)
- Junie B. Jones Is a Party Animal (1997)
- Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook (1997)
- Junie B. Jones Smells Something Fishy (1998)
- Junie B. Jones Is a Beauty Shop Guy (1998)
- Junie B. Jones Isa Flower Girl (1999)
- Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime (1999)
- Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket (2000)
- Junie B. Jones Is Captain Field Day (2001)
- Junie B. Jones Is a Graduation Girl (2001)
- Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten (2012)
Junie B., First Grader
- Junie B., First Grader (at Last!) (2001)
- Boss of Lunch (2002)
- Toothless Wonder (2002)
- Cheater Pants (2003)
- One-Man Band (2003)
- Shipwrecked (2004)
- Boo…and I Mean it! (2004)
- Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (2005)
- Aloha-ha-ha! (2006)
- Dumb Bunny (2007)
- Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School (2009)
- Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten (and Other Thankful Stuff) (2012)
Junie B. Jones Non-Fiction
Similar authors
- Megan McDonald’s Judy Moody series follows the life of a little girl. An aspiring doctor, Judy uses her brother to practice her medical skills.
- Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Tree House series features siblings Jack and Annie. They find a magical tree house that has a lot of special books.
See also: I Survived Books in Order.
Most recommended books of the series
- Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May.) (Junie B. Jones, #25) (4.16 Goodreads score)
- Junie B., First Grader: Aloha-ha-ha! (Junie B. Jones, #26) (4.16 Goodreads score)
- Junie B., First Grader: Dumb Bunny (Junie B. Jones, #27) (4.10 Goodreads score)
- Junie B., First Grader: Shipwrecked (Junie B. Jones, #23) (4.10 Goodreads score)
- Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime (Junie B. Jones, #14) (4.09 Goodreads score)
Awards
Junie B. Jones has received over 40 awards, including 25 Children’s Choice awards.
Latest releases in the series
The last book in the series is Junie B., First Grader: Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten (and Other Thankful Stuff). It is the 28th book and was published in 2012.
Book summaries
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus (1992)
Meet the World’s Funniest Kindergartner—Junie B. Jones! Remember when it was scary to go to school? In the first Junie B. Jones book, it’s Junie B.’s first day and she doesn’t know anything. She’s so scared of the school bus and the meanies on it that when it’s time to go home, she doesn’t.
Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business (1993)
Meet the World’s Funniest Kindergartner—Junie B. Jones! In the second Junie B. Jones book, it’s pooey on B-A-B-I-E-S until Junie B. finds out that her new dumb old baby brother is a big fat deal. Her two bestest friends are giving her everything they own just to see him. And guess what else? Maybe she can bring him to school on Pet Day.
Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth (1993)
Junie B.’s having a rough week. First she got punishment for shooting off her mouth in kindergarten. And now she’s in big trouble again! ’Cause Monday is Job Day, and Junie B. told her class that she’s got the bestest job of all. Only, what the heck is it?
Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying (1994)
Junie B. is the bestest spier in the world. That’s ’cause she has sneaky feet. And her nose doesn’t whistle when she breathes. But guess what? Junie B. might be real sneaky. And real peeky. But when she spies on Mrs., she could get into real trouble!
Junie B. Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake (1995)
It’s Carnival Night, and Lucille has already won a box of fluffy cupcakes with sprinkles on them. But when Junie B. wins the Cake Walk, she chooses the bestest cake of all—the one wrapped in sparkly aluminum foil. How was she to know it was a lethal weapon?
Junie B. Jones and That Meanie Jim’s Birthday (1996)
That meanie Jim has invited everyone in Room Nine to his birthday party on Saturday—except Junie B.! Should she have her own birthday party six months early and not invite Jim? Or should she move to It’s a Small World After All in Disneyland?
Junie B. Jones Loves Handsome Warren (1996)
There’s a new boy in kindergarten, and guess what? He’s the handsomest guy Junie B. has ever seen. She and Lucille and that Grace all want him for a boyfriend. Only, he thinks Junie B. is a nutball. Just ’cause she couldn’t stop laughing and rolling. So how is she supposed to get that boy to love her?
Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed (1997)
Junie B. knows there’s no such thing as monsters. Mother and Daddy even said so. But then why is there monster drool on Junie B.’s pillow? Oh, no! What if Paulie Allen Puffer is right—what if she really does have a monster under her bed? If Junie B. goes to sleep, the monster might see her feet hanging down. And he might think her piggy toes are yummy little wiener sausages!
Junie B. Jones Is a Party Animal (1997)
Lucille is having a sleepover party—at her richie nanna’s big giant house! Grace and Junie B. can’t wait to see all the rich stuff in that place. Sleeping over at the nanna’s is sure to be a dream come true! ’Cause what could possibly go wrong?
Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook (1997)
A terrible thing happened to Junie B.! And it’s called—someone took her new black furry mittens! And they kept them! They didn’t even put them in the Lost and Found at school. So when Junie B. finds a wonderful pen on the floor, she should be allowed to keep it, too. Right? That’s fair. Right? Right?
Junie B. Jones Smells Something Fishy (1998)
There’s going to be a pet day at school, only guess what? No dogs allowed! And that’s the only kind of pet Junie B. has! If Mother and Daddy won’t buy her a new pet, Junie B. will just have to find one on her own. Like maybe a jar of ants. Or a wiggly worm. Or—could it be—something even better?
Junie B. Jones Is a Beauty Shop Guy (1998)
Junie B. wants to be a beauty shop guy when she grows up. But first she needs a little practice. And a few volunteers. Like her bunny slippers. And her dog. And maybe even . . . herself? Is Junie B. on her way to a great new career? Or is she about to have the worst hair day ever?
Junie B. Jones Isa Flower Girl (1999)
Junie B.’s aunt Flo is getting married. What a perfect chance for her to show everyone how grown-up she is! Too bad she wasn’t picked to be the flower girl in the wedding so she could really show off. But surely Junie B. can still find some way to get everyone’s attention.
Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime (1999)
February 14—Valentime’s Day, as Junie B. calls it—is just around the corner. Junie B. can’t wait to see all the valentimes she’ll get. But she never expected a big, mushy card from a secret admirer! Who is this secret mystery guy, anyway? Junie B. is determined to find out. Only guess what? Finding a secret mystery guy is NOT as easy as it sounds! Can Junie B. solve this mushy, gushy mystery?
Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket (2000)
It’s almost the end of the school year, and Room Nine is taking a field trip to a farm! There’s lots of fun farm stuff there. Like a real actual barn. And a real actual farmer. There’s even real alive animals you can pet! Only, where’s the gift shop? That’s what Junie B. Jones would like to know. Surely no one would want Junie B. to go home empty-handed. . . .
Junie B. Jones Is Captain Field Day (2001)
Afternoon kindergarten is having a field day, and Junie B. Jones is team captain! Only, here’s the problem. Room Eight keeps on winning too many events. And so how will Room Nine ever become the kindergarten champions? As Captain Field Day, will Junie B. find a way to lead her team to victory? Or will it be up to someone else to save the day?
Junie B. Jones Is a Graduation Girl (2001)
It’s kindergarten graduation, and Room Nine is getting bright white graduation gowns. Mrs. says to keep them in their boxes until the big day. But Junie B. Jones just can’t help herself. Then—uh-oh!—an accident happens! Will graduation be a spotty dotty disaster?
Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten (2012)
To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, Mr. Scary’s first grade class prepares a Thankful List for the school contest, but Junie B. Jones finds it hard to be grateful for squash or Tattletale May.
Junie B., First Grader (at Last!) (2001)
Hurray, hurray for a brand-new school year! Being in first grade means having to get used to a whole new classroom. And a whole new teacher. And a whole new bunch of strange children. But here’s the worst thing of all: When Junie B. tries to read words on the chalkboard, she can’t seem to see what everyone else is seeing! Is it possible she might actually end up wearing glasses?
Boss of Lunch (2002)
Something very wonderful is happening to Junie B. And it’s called—hurray, hurray!—she’s getting to be a professional lunch lady! And that means hanging out with Mrs. Gutzman in the cafeteria. And standing behind the counter. And even wearing a real actual hair net! Who knows? Pretty soon she could be the boss of the whole entire lunch operation!
Toothless Wonder (2002)
One of Junie B.’s top front teeth is loose! Only Junie B. is not that thrilled about this development. Because what if she looks like toothless Uncle Lou? And even worse . . . what’s all this tooth fairy business? Like, who is this woman, really? And what does she do with all those used teeth? So many questions, so little time.
Cheater Pants (2003)
Junie B. has all the answers when it comes to cheating. It’s just plain wrong! But what about copying someone else’s homework? That’s not cheating, right? ’Cause homework isn’t even a test! And speaking of tests . . . what if a friend shares an answer that you didn’t even ask for? Sharing definitely isn’t cheating . . . is it? Uh-oh. Maybe this cheating business is more complicated than Junie B. thought. Could she be a cheater pants and not even know it?
One-Man Band (2003)
It’s time for the first-grade kickball tournament! Only, here’s the problem. Junie B. has hurt her big piggy toe and she can’t play on the team. So now what? She definitely doesn’t want to be a cheerleader. But wait! Maybe she could be in Sheldon’s halftime show! Then all eyes would be on her! And she would be the star! Hurray! Hurray! Junie B. . . . in the spotlight. What could possibly go wrong?
Shipwrecked (2004)
Room One is putting on a play. And guess what? It’s about explorers looking for the New World! And there’s ships and sea captains and everything! Plus here’s the bestest news of all—Junie B. Jones thinks she might be the star of the whole entire production! Only, sailing the ocean blue is not as easy as it looks, apparently. ’Cause problems keep on happening. Like the actors keep catching the flu. And bossy May keeps trying to take over the show. Can this play be saved? Will the ships ever get to land? Or is Room One in for a disaster at sea that they will never forget?
Boo…and I Mean it! (2004)
It’s Halloween! But Junie B. is afraid to go trick-or-treating. ’Cause what if witches and monsters are really real? And what if pumpkins with sharp teeth can eat your feet? And don’t even get her started on the candy corn problem. So how is Junie B. supposed to enjoy this scary holiday?
Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (2005)
It’s holiday time, and Room One is doing lots of fun things to celebrate. Like making elf costumes! And singing joyful songs! Only, how can Junie B. enjoy the festivities when Tattletale May keeps ruining her holiday glee? And here is the worst part of all! When everyone picks names for Secret Santa, Junie B. gets stuck with Tattletale you-know-who! It’s enough to fizzle your holiday spirit! Hmm . . . or is it? Maybe, just maybe, a Secret Santa gift is the perfect opportunity to give May exactly what she deserves.
Aloha-ha-ha! (2006)
Junie B. and her family are going on a vacation to Hawaii! And ha! Mr. Scary is giving Junie a real, actual camera to keep a photo journal of her trip! But taking good vacation pictures is not always easy. ’Cause what if there is an unfortunate inner tube incident at the swimming pool? (And, oh my! Let’s not even mention what happens if a tropical bird gets tangled in your hair!) Will Junie B.’s vacation end up picture-perfect? Or will her trip to Hawaii be aloha-horrible?
Dumb Bunny (2007)
It’s an Easter egg-stravaganza! Lucille is having an Easter egg hunt at her rich expensive mansion! And guess what? The winner gets a play date to swim in Lucille’s heated indoor swimming pool! Only, here is the problem. How did Junie B. get stuck wearing a big dumb bunny suit? And how can she possibly find eggs when she keeps tripping over her huge big rabbit feet? Being a dumb bunny is definitely not as easy as it looks. Will Junie B. end up with egg on her face? Or will the day deliver some very uneggspected results?
Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School (2009)
Hello, school children! Hello! Hello! It’s me . . . Junie B., First Grader!I have been going to school for over one-and-a-half entire years now. And I have learned a jillion things that will help you survive at that place. And guess what? Now I am going to pass this information on to y-o-u!!! I wrote it all down in my brand-new book!Here is some of the stuff I wrote about:Bus rules, carpools, how to stay out of trouble (possibly), homework, fun work, water fountains, friends (plus children you may not actually care for).All the helpful hints and drawings are done by me, Junie B. Jones! Plus also, there are stickers and pages for you to write in! This thing is a hoot, I tell you!
Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten (and Other Thankful Stuff) (2012)
Gobble, gobble! Room One is getting ready for their very own Thanksgiving feast! There’s even a contest to see which room can write the best thankful list. The winners will get a pumpkin pie! Only it turns out being thankful is harder than it looks. Because Junie B. is not actually thankful for Tattletale May. Or squash. Or scratchy pilgrim costumes. And pumpkin pie makes her vomit, anyway. Will Room One win the disgusting pie? Can May and Junie B. find common ground? Or will this Thanksgiving feast turn into a Turkey Day Disaster?
Top-Secret Personal Beeswax (2003)
Wowie, wow, wow! It’s Junie B. Jones’s top-secret, personal beeswax! This hilarious companion to the best-selling series features Junie’s own original writings along with drawings, stickers, and lots of blank pages with creative prompts designed to get kids drawing and writing about their own top-secret, personal beeswax. Kids will love getting to know Junie up close in this fun, interactive writing format. Perfect for holiday, birthday, back to school, kindergarten and first grade graduation gifts!
Junie B.’s These Puzzles Hurt My Brain! Book (2011)
Ha! That was a little puzzle joke by me! Junie B. Jones! On account of this is my very own puzzle book ! And it is full of games and puzzles about me, me, me . . . for Y-O-U! This book has: * mazes (starring me!) * connect-the-dots * triangle puzzles * tangles * secret codes * coloring activities *creative-writing activities * and also, word games!!!!! And so quick! Grab a pencil and start puzzling yourself! Have fun!
