Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus is geared toward children in grades 1 through 3 and was written by Barbara Park in 1992.

This is the first book of many in a series written by the author telling of the adventures of a little girls about to enter school.  In this story, Junie is about to begin kindergarten and ride the school bus for the first time.  After she completes her first day of school she is scared to return to the school bus and the other children so she hides in the classroom closet and roams around the school after closing.  Her adventures continue throughout her school age years.

This book is an excellent tool for teachers and parents/guardians to use to expose young children entering school to kindergarten, riding the school bus, and that it really isn't that bad at all.  Barbara Park has authored a series of 26 Junie B. Jones books in addition to other picture books and novels. Titles of her other books include The Graduation of Jake Moon and Skinny Bones.  Ms. Park passed away in 2013 at the age of 66.   There is also a Junie B. Jones website.

As an example of contemporary non-fiction reality chapter book, this book has provided many beginning readers with the confidence to do well in school.  I have included this book in my collection because it is a cherished story from my childhood.  This was the series of books that provided me with the love of reading and gave me the confidence to read.   The illustrations are simple outline drawings of black and white.

Motivational Activities;

1. Describe your first day in kindergarten.

2. Compare the first day of school in kindergarten to other grades.

Reader Response Questions:

1. What grade level was Junie entering in this book?

2. Why didn't Junie want to get back on the school bus?

3.  Where did they find Junie at the end of the story?


Park, B. (1992)  Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus  New York, Random House Books

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http://www.juniebjones.com/