BOOKS: Newest Junie B. Jones series book published

• 'Junie B., First Grader: Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten'

Thankful for Junie B. Jones

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Junie B. Jones fans will be thankful for “Turkeys We have Loved and Eaten (and other Thankful Stuff).” It’s the first original Junie B. series book to be published in more than five years.

Junie B.’s class is competing in the school’s Thankful List contest. There’s just one problem. They aren’t thrilled about the prize. It’s a homemade pumpkin pie.

The first-graders do not like pumpkin pie. They agree that it makes them vomit.

But with encouragement from Mr. Scary, their long-suffering teacher, they begin to make their class Thankful List: cranberries in a can, exploding biscuits, Nipsy Doodles, rainbow sparkles, toilet paper, etc.

When the first-graders bring items from home, the Thankful List gets more interesting, especially when Junie B. and May (who do not get along) bring their stuffed elephants (who also do not get along).

Besides the problems with pie and May, Junie also dreads dressing up in her Pilgrim costume. Just thinking about it makes her feel “hottish” and “sweetish.”

But when it’s time for the classroom feast, author Barbara Park ties all the story lines together with a satisfying conclusion.

As usial, Junie B. Jones rides the fine line between sassy disrespect and innocent (albeit blatant) honesty. But sometimes, she’s just first-grade funny. When the class attempts to name the roast turkey that Lucille’s Richie nana brings, Junie B. names it “Mr. Turkey Pants.” She adds: “Names are always funnier if you add the word ‘pants’ at the end of them.” How true!

However, Mr. Scary is not as funny in this book, especially when Roger brings an empty thankful sack to school. On the other hand, students discover the human side of Mr. Scary when he brings Nipsy Doodles to share at the Thanksgiving feast.

“Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten (and other Thankful Stuff)” is the 28th book in the Junie B. Jones series.

“Junie B., First Grader: Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten (and other Thankful Stuff).” By Barbara Park. Illustrated by Denise Brunkus. Random House 2012. 144 pp.

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