Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Wednesdays with David: Junie B Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket

Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket
By Barbara Park
Illustrated by Denise Brunkus
Random House 2000
66 pages
From our shelves

Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket (Junie B. Jones, #15)


The story: It's the end of the school year and Junie's kindergarten class is taking a field trip. They are going to a farm, which should be exciting. But Junie is terrified. The babysitter once let her watch a show called "When Ponies Attack!" and June is sure she will be trampled by a horse. Or she might be attacked by a mean rooster. Will Junie get over her fears and enjoy the trip?

Mama opines: Parents and teachers are heavily divided about Junie B. Jones. Firstly, she is an extremely precocious and often naughty child. Girl has a bit of an attitude, if you know what I mean (and I know you do if you have kids!).  
She also speaks exactly like a five or six year old, which means that you get passages like this: "Only I couldn't even swallow that good. 'Cause I was still upset about the field trip, that's why." and "I singed that song a jillion times, I think." Apparently Junie's incorrect grammar, although perfectly normal for a kid of her age, will forever confuse young readers. But I don't think that reasoning holds up. Our kids speak like this and so do their peers. I'm pretty sure no one is going to college saying twoth instead of second. (Yup, that's one of David's - I sort of hate correcting him on that one...) Junie B. Jones is the Ramona Quimby of this generation and I rather love her. 

Thoughts from David: At the end, Junie B. Jones meets a baby chick named Spike and they learn that school will end for summer vacation.
Favorite part: When the chick named Spike is holded by Junie B. Jones.


Happy Reading!

2 comments:

  1. I used to LOVE reading these books with my youngest kidlet. They seriously made me laugh out loud :)

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    Replies
    1. They are so funny. Although once in a while I find myself reading while silently pleading, "Please never do that. Please never do that." :)

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