How to read the Junie B. Jones books in order
If you’re a fan of children’s books, you have likely come across the name Junie B. Jones, also known as the world’s funniest kindergartner. This New York Times best-selling book series has been a favorite of children for over two decades, and it’s still as popular today as it was when it was first published. This article will take a closer look at the Junie B. Jones books, which the author, and explore the literary world of Barbara Park.
Here, we will introduce you to the order of publication of the books. But first, let us first introduce you to Junie B. Jones, bring you closer to her world, and introduce you to the author of the series.
Who is Junie B. Jones?
Junie B. Jones is a fictional character in a series of chapter books by Barbara Park. She is a precocious and spunky first-grader with a unique perspective on the world around her. Junie B. Jones’ favorite color is pink, which she mentions often in the books.
Throughout the series, readers follow Junie B. as she navigates through the ups and downs of first grade, from making new friends to dealing with bullies and getting into mischief. Junie B. Jones is known for her colorful language, humorous observations, and unique perspective on the world around her.
The illustrator for the Junie B. Jones books is Denise Brunkus.
Author of the Junie B. Jones books
Barbara Park was an American author best known for her Junie B. Jones series of children’s books. She was born in 1947 in Mount Holly, New Jersey, and grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania. She began her writing career as a young adult, and her first book, Operation Dump the Chump, was published in 1982. After working as a teacher and a journalist, she focused on writing children’s books. She was a beloved figure in the children’s literature community and received numerous awards for her work, including the Children’s Choice Award and the Parent’s Choice Award.
The first Junie B. Jones’s book, Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus, was published in 1992. The final book in the series, Junie B. Jones Is a Graduation Girl, was published posthumously in 2017.
Sadly, Park passed away in 2013, but her legacy lives on through her beloved characters and imaginative stories.
Exploring the literary world of Barbara Park
Barbara Park was a prolific writer and, in addition to the Junie B. Jones books she wrote several other books for children, including Mick Harte Was Here; Maxie, Rosie, and Earl—Partners in Grime; and The Kid in the Red Jacket. She was also an accomplished playwright, and her plays have been performed in theaters nationwide. Her work has been widely recognized, with many of her books winning awards and appearing on bestseller lists.
The Junie B. Jones series
The Junie B. The Jones series consists of 28 chapter books published between 1992 and 2013. The books are primarily targeted at children in first grade but are also enjoyed by older children and adults alike. The series follows the adventures of Junie B. Jones as she navigates the ups and downs of life as a kindergartner and a first-grader.
The Junie B. Jones books are aimed at children in early elementary school, typically in the first or second grade. They are chapter books, but the language and themes are appropriate for young readers just starting to develop their literacy skills.
While it is not necessary to read Junie B. Jones books in order, it is recommended, as the readers do follow a chronological order.
While the Junie B. Jones books are often marketed toward girls, they can be enjoyed by children of all genders. The series features universal themes and relatable characters that can appeal to a wide range of young readers.
Junie B., First Grader
The first book in the Junie B. Jones series is Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus. This book introduces readers to Junie B. Jones and her family follow her on her first day of school, and it deals with the challenges of riding the bus for the first time, making new friends and getting into all sorts of adventures along the way.
Don’t Make Me Smile
One of the most beloved books in the series is Don’t Make Me Smile, which sees Junie B. getting her school picture taken. She’s not thrilled about the prospect, and things only get worse when her classmate Lucille steals her best friend. With a bit of help from her family and her spunky attitude, Junie B. turns things around.
Skinnybones
Skinnybones is another book by Barbara Park that is not part of Junie B. Jones series. It tells the story of a boy named Alex Frankovitch, who dreams of being a famous baseball player despite not being very good at the sport. With a bit of help from his friend Katie, Alex learns to believe in himself and pursue his dreams.
Geek Chronicles
Geek Chronicles is another book not part of Junie B. Jones series. It follows the misadventures of a boy named Roy Lump, who struggles to fit in at school. With the help of his friends and his love of comics, Roy learns to embrace his unique qualities and become the hero of his own story.
Publication order of the Junie B. Jones book series
- Junie B. Jones and theStupid 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)
Publication order of Junie B., First Grader
- Junie B., First Grader (at Last!) (2001)
- Junie B., First Grader: Boss of Lunch (2002)
- Junie B., First Grader: Toothless Wonder (2002)
- Junie B., First Grader: Cheater Pants (2003)
- Junie B., First Grader: One-Man Band (2003)
- Junie B., First Grader: Shipwrecked (2004)
- Junie B., First Grader: Boo…and I Mean it! (2004)
- Junie B., First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May) (2005)
- Junie B., First Grader: Aloha-ha-ha!(2006)
- Junie B., First Grader: Dumb Bunny (2007)
- Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School (2009)
- Junie B. First Grader: Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten (and Other Thankful Stuff) (2012)
Publication order of Junie B. Jones non-fiction books
- Top-Secret Personal Beeswax (2003)
- Junie B.’s These Puzzles Hurt My Brain! Book (2011)
- Junie B. My Valentine (2013)
Junie B. Jones audiobooks
Many of the Junie B. Jones books have been adapted into audiobooks and read by actress Lana Quintal. These audiobooks offer a fun and engaging way for young readers to enjoy the series and can be an excellent option for children who are auditory learners or struggle with reading independently.
Speechify
Speechify audiobooks are a great place to get your children into reading by bringing books to life with sound. If your kids love Junie B. Jones, then they’re sure to love the fun antics and relatable stories from audiobooks like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid or the Dork Diaries children’s book series.
Try Speechify audiobooks today, and make reading fun for the whole family.