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

1.0

I read this aloud to my 4 year old. If she were to score this, she would have scored it higher. She gets really into the story line and can't wait to read a little bit every night. So I keep reading.

But she doesn't know that I skip over all the nasty comments Junie B. has to share and correct the horrible grammar (I get it, supposed to be part of her character, but I'm not a fan of that in children's books.) I'm bummed, because I've heard wonderful things about Junie B and I couldn't believe the things this kid gets away with saying and her attitude. Maybe if the book ended with a bit more of a correction for her behavior, it wouldn't bother me so much! That being said, it does give us a wonderful opportunity to talk about if Junie B. is saying or doing the right things, and what would have been a better way for her to handle the situation.

I'm sure for an older child, who would be reading this on their own, Junie B.'s attitude wouldn't be quite as offensive. However, I am glad that we're getting these out of the way now, so I can 'sensor' it a bit. We'll finish reading through the ones she was given as a gift, because she just can't wait to read the next one, and I love her sudden enthusiasm for 'chapter' books. But I will be sure to have a different series ready for her when we get to our last Junie B book.