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Junie B. Jones #25
Junie B., First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May.)
"Hilarious. Barbara Park makes reading fun." -Dav Pilkey, author of Dog Man Celebrate Christmas with the World's Funniest First Grader, Junie B, Jones! This #1 New York Times bestselling chapter book series has been keeping kids laughing—and reading—for more than twenty-five years with over 65 million copies sold! 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.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2005
473 people are currently reading
1947 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Park
386 books1,089 followersBarbara Lynne Park was an American author of children's books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews
August 15, 2014
The disrespect for other people around this character, peers and adults alike is disappointing. How do we expect children to read stories like this and then treat the people around them in a polite and respectful manner.
Let me quote a few instances found in this book:
"Dear Blabbermouth May: My name is Junie B. Jones. How come you can't remember B's? Huh, May? Huh? Are you a block-head or something?"
...in response to the teacher correcting her grammar.
"I threw my head back. "For the love of Pete! Can't you just let it go? I'm trying to make a point here!" I said"
...She is given $5 by her parents to spend at the school sale to buy presents for her family, she found a $5 item she wanted to purchase at the school sale for herself, so she decides to get the money from her grandpa...
"Okay, here's the deal," I said. "Grampas have to give their grandgirls however much money we want. It's the rules."
followed by,
"How come you're not getting this, Grampa? It's so simple," I said. "I need five dollars and you have five dollars. Boom! Do the math."
then, walking away in a grouchy mood
"Oh, just never mind the whole thing," I grumped.
...and guess what, the grandfather gave her the money. :(
then she decides to ask her parents for even more money...
" I cannot believe this situation! Mother said NO MORE MONEY. Plus Daddy said NO MORE MONEY, too. They said Grampa Miller already gave me five whole dollars more! Only HE WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO TELL THEM THAT! And so GREAT! Now I have stress in my head! I NEED AN EXTRA BUCK, I TELL YOU! i REALLY, REALLY NEED AN EXTRA BUCK!
So, based on the attitude that she should get anything she wants when she demands it, I would not recommend this book for children. It would promote the idea that if they throw a big enough fit, they will get what they want! :(
Let me quote a few instances found in this book:
"Dear Blabbermouth May: My name is Junie B. Jones. How come you can't remember B's? Huh, May? Huh? Are you a block-head or something?"
...in response to the teacher correcting her grammar.
"I threw my head back. "For the love of Pete! Can't you just let it go? I'm trying to make a point here!" I said"
...She is given $5 by her parents to spend at the school sale to buy presents for her family, she found a $5 item she wanted to purchase at the school sale for herself, so she decides to get the money from her grandpa...
"Okay, here's the deal," I said. "Grampas have to give their grandgirls however much money we want. It's the rules."
followed by,
"How come you're not getting this, Grampa? It's so simple," I said. "I need five dollars and you have five dollars. Boom! Do the math."
then, walking away in a grouchy mood
"Oh, just never mind the whole thing," I grumped.
...and guess what, the grandfather gave her the money. :(
then she decides to ask her parents for even more money...
" I cannot believe this situation! Mother said NO MORE MONEY. Plus Daddy said NO MORE MONEY, too. They said Grampa Miller already gave me five whole dollars more! Only HE WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO TELL THEM THAT! And so GREAT! Now I have stress in my head! I NEED AN EXTRA BUCK, I TELL YOU! i REALLY, REALLY NEED AN EXTRA BUCK!
So, based on the attitude that she should get anything she wants when she demands it, I would not recommend this book for children. It would promote the idea that if they throw a big enough fit, they will get what they want! :(
November 16, 2012
Junie B. Jones is facing her 1st grade class Christmas “Secret Santa” challenge. And oh what a challenge that is because the worst thing ever happens – Junie B. is the last to choose a name and it turns out to be her dreaded obnoxious rival, May.
Funny, delightful, and full of fun is this story of Christmas for a classroom full of 1st. graders. No hesitations or glossy sweetness blanket Mr. Scary’s students, they are just a bunch of 6 yr. olds that are hilariously normal. Yes, after my 18+ years of elementary students, and two granddaughters right at the age now, I love the innocent honesty that DOES happen. Look at the book cover – it’s perfect!
Love the poetry: “Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, Robin laid an egg….” The rest of the poem – hilarious! And of course, Junie B. learns a very valuable lesson with her challenge, not to mention a great teaching moment about giving, and a few others along the way.
Another wonderful holiday book for young kids, and adults that like to read aloud to kids. 4 1/2 stars from this former elementary librarian and grandma of 8.
Funny, delightful, and full of fun is this story of Christmas for a classroom full of 1st. graders. No hesitations or glossy sweetness blanket Mr. Scary’s students, they are just a bunch of 6 yr. olds that are hilariously normal. Yes, after my 18+ years of elementary students, and two granddaughters right at the age now, I love the innocent honesty that DOES happen. Look at the book cover – it’s perfect!
Love the poetry: “Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, Robin laid an egg….” The rest of the poem – hilarious! And of course, Junie B. learns a very valuable lesson with her challenge, not to mention a great teaching moment about giving, and a few others along the way.
Another wonderful holiday book for young kids, and adults that like to read aloud to kids. 4 1/2 stars from this former elementary librarian and grandma of 8.
January 25, 2018
Can I just say that I loved Junie B. Jones (and you better not forget the B) when I was a younger child, and I love even more reading these stories to my children as they enjoy them as well.
In this story, we learned that Junie B. learned a valuable lesson about being "shellfish" or selfish. Ha. I think each story that we read not only teaches my children lessons that they will one do go through but they also teaches values and goodwill. Yes the stories can be silly, yes Junie B. has an attitude, but at the end of the day she always does the right thing with the guidance of those around her.
It's through short-stories such as these that children first began to learn about honestly and integrity. Reading is always a great thing to share with family members, but when it teaches you morals as well you always have an A+ on your hands.
In this story, we learned that Junie B. learned a valuable lesson about being "shellfish" or selfish. Ha. I think each story that we read not only teaches my children lessons that they will one do go through but they also teaches values and goodwill. Yes the stories can be silly, yes Junie B. has an attitude, but at the end of the day she always does the right thing with the guidance of those around her.
It's through short-stories such as these that children first began to learn about honestly and integrity. Reading is always a great thing to share with family members, but when it teaches you morals as well you always have an A+ on your hands.
December 7, 2024
Junie B. Jones is such a little brat, but golly does she make me laugh. I hope never to find myself in a room with someone like her, but I do enjoy reading her adventures. And this hilarious turn has her coming up with one of her most evil schemes ever when she finds herself in an unwelcome Secret Santa situation.
January 8, 2015
I read this book Junie B.,First grader Jingle bells, batman smells (P.S. So does May.)and it was a great story it was very interesting I didn't want to stop reading it!!!
I really liked how at the end it was making you think what will Junie B. Jones give to May as a Secret Santa. In the beginning May and Junie B. jones were fighting all the time. When Mr.scary told Junie B. Jones to pick the last name that was in the basket Junie wasn't happy because she was not going to pick a name she had to get that one only because there were no more left,when Junie B. Jones read the name it said May,when they went to the gift-shop they saw cool toys and Junie B. Jones really liked a squeeze-a-burp. Then she asked grampa Miller five dollars he didn't want to but then he gave the five dollars to Junie B. Jones then Junie B. Jones asked her mom for another five dollars but her mom was mad at Junie B. Jones for asking grampa Miller for money but anyway she gave Junie B. Jones another five dollars. At the end Junie B. Jones wanted to give May a coal as a present.but she actually gave May a squeeze-a-burp gnat Junie B. Jones really wanted. May let Junie B. Jones play with the squeeze-a-burp. Junie B. Jones was very happy of what she did.
This story teaches a lesson that when you do good things to other people you feel very happy and proud of your self.
I really liked how at the end it was making you think what will Junie B. Jones give to May as a Secret Santa. In the beginning May and Junie B. jones were fighting all the time. When Mr.scary told Junie B. Jones to pick the last name that was in the basket Junie wasn't happy because she was not going to pick a name she had to get that one only because there were no more left,when Junie B. Jones read the name it said May,when they went to the gift-shop they saw cool toys and Junie B. Jones really liked a squeeze-a-burp. Then she asked grampa Miller five dollars he didn't want to but then he gave the five dollars to Junie B. Jones then Junie B. Jones asked her mom for another five dollars but her mom was mad at Junie B. Jones for asking grampa Miller for money but anyway she gave Junie B. Jones another five dollars. At the end Junie B. Jones wanted to give May a coal as a present.but she actually gave May a squeeze-a-burp gnat Junie B. Jones really wanted. May let Junie B. Jones play with the squeeze-a-burp. Junie B. Jones was very happy of what she did.
This story teaches a lesson that when you do good things to other people you feel very happy and proud of your self.
December 3, 2010
I love Junie B.! Here's just a little taste:
"'My father says that friends should never borrow money from each other.' [says May]
"I clapped my hands real thrilled. 'Then it's perfect!' I said 'Cause I you and I aren't friends! I don't even like you, May! Plus listen to this! I'm not even borrowing the money! You're just giving it to me! And I'm not paying you back!'
"May made a mad face at me. Then she quick put her wallet away again.
"I slumped way down in my seat. And I tapped my fingers on my desk. 'I don't get it,' I said. 'That was the best arguing I ever thought of. What went wrong there?'"
"'My father says that friends should never borrow money from each other.' [says May]
"I clapped my hands real thrilled. 'Then it's perfect!' I said 'Cause I you and I aren't friends! I don't even like you, May! Plus listen to this! I'm not even borrowing the money! You're just giving it to me! And I'm not paying you back!'
"May made a mad face at me. Then she quick put her wallet away again.
"I slumped way down in my seat. And I tapped my fingers on my desk. 'I don't get it,' I said. 'That was the best arguing I ever thought of. What went wrong there?'"
December 28, 2015
The book was okay but the picture in the back of the author with her golden retriever earned the biggest star.
March 31, 2021
THIS BOOK WAS SO FUNNY! Me and my Mom especially liked the part where Junie B said, “Lucille stomped her expensive foot.” We laughed so hard, even the neighbors could hear it! I recomend this book to everyone, 5 stars!
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December 15, 2021My three year old found in a free library on vacation so we read it. He loved it and I thought it was funny but I definitely omitted many sections of being critical of others and the words dumb and stupid. It is also written from the perspective of a first grader so she uses poor grammar at times which I wished were phrased differently. Love Junie B’s spunk and a female lead character but not sure we’ll read others unless he presses it.
December 14, 2023
I wanted to give it less stars because Junie B is always so whiny and contrary as much as a teenager in a first grade body can be! 🤣 On the upside, though, I get why young children are attracted to the character and book series, and it did leave me with a feel good grin!
May 14, 2022
From a prankster to a giver. 😅
December 12, 2024
She was kind of a jerk, but the book still was pretty good 👍
December 15, 2009
Another Junie B. book. I must say that I really like her - she reminds me so much of my daughter - bright, self-assured, outgoing, bossy, and deep down has a heart of gold. I really enjoyed Junie B's dilemma with having May for her Secret Santa and how she decided that May deserved a lump of coal. I had to snicker at the thought of her going for it and putting the lump of coal into May's bag and then feeling guilty over it. I was so pleasantly surprised to realize that Junie B. made a mistake and gave May the gift that was supposed to be for her instead. I was proud that Junie B. accepted it gracefully and was kind to May in the end. A Christmas lesson in giving learned?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2019
Junie B. is the worst role model ever for kids. However, the kids I read this book to were well aware that Junie B. is a snotty little brat who no one in their right mind should emulate, fortunately. They loved her as an anti-heroine. It is a little dated (no one in primary school has weird salesmen with no background check just come to their school to buy awesome toys for less than $5 a pop anymore), but kids love it.
September 21, 2020
These chapter books are so much fun, Junie B. Is the spunkiest, most outspoken and outrageous first grader I’ve ever known. Her flawless 6 year old’s logic sheds light on so many issues that grown ups have long been confused about.
The author has faced criticism for using a first grader’s grammar, but I think it adds a lot to Junie B.’s voice and makes it much more fun to read out loud. Children will know that it is a part of her persona and accept it.
The author has faced criticism for using a first grader’s grammar, but I think it adds a lot to Junie B.’s voice and makes it much more fun to read out loud. Children will know that it is a part of her persona and accept it.
January 22, 2022
This was a cute one! Junie B is a treasure, I love how Park treats the relationship between her and May. Dealing with friend enemies (frenemies) is an important part of life and the human need to, at our guts, be nice, but with our words and actions speak our truth is an interesting dichotomy to explain through the eyes of a first grader.
December 17, 2024
3,5/5 star
Junie B sama May agak ngeselin yah wkwkkw
tapi dialog2nya banyak yg kocak. Ini cocok buat anak2 usia 7-8 thn yg baru coba baca bahasa inggris, soalnya banyak pengulangan kata2 untuk latihan,
Inti ceritanya meskipun anak2 suka bertengkar satu sm lain pada dasarnya mreka masih punya sisi polos dan kebaikan 🤣
Junie B sama May agak ngeselin yah wkwkkw
tapi dialog2nya banyak yg kocak. Ini cocok buat anak2 usia 7-8 thn yg baru coba baca bahasa inggris, soalnya banyak pengulangan kata2 untuk latihan,
Inti ceritanya meskipun anak2 suka bertengkar satu sm lain pada dasarnya mreka masih punya sisi polos dan kebaikan 🤣
November 18, 2018
This is my favorite Junie B so far. It’s Secret Santa time in Room One, and Junie draws the name of her mortal enemy. Will Christmas spirit save the day? Or will Junie B spend her money on a gift for herself?
February 28, 2019
This book fulfills the Reading Women Challenge #5: A children's book
Can't go wrong with Junie B. Jones. I grew up reading this series and it's always cute to revisit. Working with kids on a daily basis provides me with a new perspective on this little troublemaker.
Can't go wrong with Junie B. Jones. I grew up reading this series and it's always cute to revisit. Working with kids on a daily basis provides me with a new perspective on this little troublemaker.
December 8, 2021
I think I’ve started this book every year since I started teaching and I never actually finished it. This year I did! Here are my favorite quotes:
* Winter Break is the school word for I gotta get out of this place, I tell you!
* Peace and goodwill do not come easy.
* Winter Break is the school word for I gotta get out of this place, I tell you!
* Peace and goodwill do not come easy.
December 12, 2025
Junie B at her finest! She’s a riot and I just loved how hilarious this was. From her shaking the sweater sleeve, telling May she didn’t even like her, to the world’s biggest belch in a bag, too funny!
My favorite moment though was when May called her Junie B. and my sweet student yelled out, “she said the b, she said the b!!”
My favorite moment though was when May called her Junie B. and my sweet student yelled out, “she said the b, she said the b!!”
December 13, 2021
Yes, I did check this out of the library and read it for Christmas even though I am 25 years old and yes it was HILARIOUS.
December 19, 2024
One of my fave 1st grade read alouds every year 😜
December 25, 2017
This was a fun read. Had some LOL moments.
December 20, 2020
Read this book after 14 years and it is still amazing. (Contrary to popular belief I did not read this to reach my reading goal)
December 5, 2019
I love these books. They are easy but they are a quick, fun read when I have nothing else to read.
June 10, 2018
My kiddo who is currently reading serial books for fluency seems to be interested enough in this series to keep asking for more installments, however her reviews are not unmixed. She is a mature eight-year-old and finds that the children in this series are portrayed as funny when they are being rude to each other and to adults. She likes the complexity of the characters but dislikes the constant use of the word stupid. While the conclusions of the June books do tend to impart good character lessons, the watchful parent may want to ensure imitative children don’t devolve into the same sarcastic characters that populate shows like Friends and much of family entertainment. Mouthy kids may be cute to watch; mouthy teens not so much.
December 31, 2008
I checked this out on CD from the library. The girls and I listened to it together. It's classic Junie B. Jones only better. It's hilariously funny and it has a wonderful message as well. After we listened to it we talked about the golden rule. I highly recommend this book to all Junie B. Jones fans!
January 22, 2009
This is the FUNNIEST of them all. OMG. That girl May that picks on her and her teacher Mr. Scarey. You gotta read this one, if not to a kid, just to the kid inside you. It also has a really nice message.
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May 16, 2009These books are filled wit humor and are VERY FUNNy i really LUV THEM nd i read the whole series i luv temmmm!!! nd she is a really good author i really luv all her books their GR8!...... luv junie b jonesss
Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews