Junie B. Jones #14: Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime

This was absolutely adorable

Wow! I had no idea that Junie B. was so controversial. Our whole family loves the Junie B. Jones books. In less than a year, we have read every single one, both kindergarten and first grade, and are eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series. The Mushy Gushy Valentime was our introduction to Junie B., and we were hooked right away. My husband read it out loud to our 5-year-old, and he quickly decided that Barbara Park had written these books specifically to be enjoyable for adults to read out loud to kids. There were a few times when he couldn't read because he was laughing so hard. As a former teacher, I could relate with Mrs. as she rolled her eyes up to the ceiling or laid her head down on her desk as a result of the antics of her class. I have even taught a few Junie B.'s myself. Okay, so the grammar is horrible. But the books are written in first-person perspective, seen through the eyes of a child who is too busy exploring her world to bother with saying "ran" instead of "runned". Kids this age are still learning to speak properly. Some have just mastered it faster than others. So she uses phrases like "on account of..." and calls her classmates by names like "Meanie Jim", "Crybaby William", and "Richie Lucille". Some kids do that. The point of these books isn't to have a heroine who's a perfect angel. Junie B. is no angel. She's a spirited little girl with a mind of her own, and Park has captured this aspect of childhood completely. My daughter knows right from wrong. She knows Junie B. is naughty sometimes, and she doesn't try to emulate her behavior. And although our whole family now says "speedy-quick" and "wowie wow wow!", she has not learned any poor grammar from reading these books. I don't think Park intended for children to learn how to speak through her books. She just wrote something that is truly entertaining for young and old alike. The important thing is that Junie B. always learns a lesson by the end of the book, and it's usually about sharing the spotlight, showing respect for others, and being a good friend. These books are great for kids of any age, and grownups too!

The folks who are criticizing Junie B. books for improper grammar need to relax! Yes, Junie B. is rude. Yes, she uses improper grammar. Yes, she is a handfull at school! I think it is important to remember what these books really do -- encourage children to read! I would rather my kids read Junie B. than watch any TV, even PBS kid shows. Reading is the MOST IMPORTANT skill that our children can learn. Give your kids some credit... they know what's real and what's entertainment. Kids used to read comic books... oh my! And Dennis the Menace! These books are hilarious for adults and it makes me want to read to my kids all the time. I feel sorry for people who think Junie B. books are the biggest threat to their child.

This is a great book.Junie B jones talks like that because she is a little girl.If you don't want your 5-7 year old kids reading this then don't give it to them.Even though you kids will be missing out on a lot of fun.

My little brother is a Junie B. Jones fanatic! My mother doesn't like to buy me books or take me to the library because the books I read 'mess up' my mind. So I decided to snatch some of my brother's books. This book was so cute. It reminded me of myself when I was Junie B's age. Junie B. gets a Valentine, the biggest and fanciest of all in her class, but it was signed anonymously. When I found out at the end who it was, I was in a fit of giggles and couldn't believe it. This book is a must-read for Junie B. Jones fans although I think some parents wouldn't like it...

I bought the first Junie B. book for my 6 year old daughter in August. It's now June and she's waiting for the next book in the series to come out! I couldn't buy them fast enough for her! We began by reading the books "together", I read to her mostly. Now she can finish a book in an hour or two. Not only is she completing the book, but she's comprehending what she's read. This collection is an excellent tool for getting kids interested and keeping them interested in reading. I have started my own personal collection to use in my classroom. I highly recommend this series to any young reader. I enjoy Park's writing and this is just another great character that she's created. The books are easy to read and are written in "kid" language. Get ready to laugh!!!