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Junie B. Jones #14
Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime
Barbara Park’s New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, is a classroom favorite and has been keeping kids laughing—and reading—for more than twenty years. Over 60 million copies in print and now with a bright new look for a new generation!
Meet the World’s Funniest Kindergartner—Junie B. Jones! February 14—Valentime’s Day, as Junie B. calls it—is just around the corner. Junie B. can’t wait to see all the valentimes she’ll get. But she never expected a big, mushy card from a secret admirer! Who is this secret mystery guy, anyway? Junie B. is determined to find out.
USA Today :
“Junie B. is the darling of the young-reader set.”
Publishers Weekly :
“Park convinces beginning readers that Junie B.—and reading—are lots of fun.”
Kirkus Reviews :
“Junie’s swarms of young fans will continue to delight in her unique take on the world. . . . A hilarious, first-rate read-aloud.”
Time :
“Junie B. Jones is a feisty six-year-old with an endearing penchant for honesty.”
Meet the World’s Funniest Kindergartner—Junie B. Jones! February 14—Valentime’s Day, as Junie B. calls it—is just around the corner. Junie B. can’t wait to see all the valentimes she’ll get. But she never expected a big, mushy card from a secret admirer! Who is this secret mystery guy, anyway? Junie B. is determined to find out.
USA Today :
“Junie B. is the darling of the young-reader set.”
Publishers Weekly :
“Park convinces beginning readers that Junie B.—and reading—are lots of fun.”
Kirkus Reviews :
“Junie’s swarms of young fans will continue to delight in her unique take on the world. . . . A hilarious, first-rate read-aloud.”
Time :
“Junie B. Jones is a feisty six-year-old with an endearing penchant for honesty.”
80 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 1999
555 people are currently reading
3451 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Park
380 books1,084 followersBarbara Lynne Park was an American author of children's books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 570 reviews
February 14, 2020
I think this is my first Junie B. Jones book I’ve read and it’s quite funny. It reminds me of Superfudge and the like. Junie is a bit annoying and a lot funny. She made me laugh out loud, but it was her teacher’s reaction to Junie that got me.
It’s Valentine’s and her class is making cards for each other. There is a lot of drama over this whole ordeal.
This is a beginning middle grade book for new readers.
I read this with my niece. She read it and then I read it and we talked about it. She thought Junie was quite funny. She felt like Junie was a sort of silly. She said she doesn’t do things like that. I said, she has matured. When Junie is winking at the boys to find her secret admirer, that had us both laughing. We went around the house saying, “wink, wink”. She gave this 3 stars. Maybe I can find more things to read and discuss with my niece.
It’s Valentine’s and her class is making cards for each other. There is a lot of drama over this whole ordeal.
This is a beginning middle grade book for new readers.
I read this with my niece. She read it and then I read it and we talked about it. She thought Junie was quite funny. She felt like Junie was a sort of silly. She said she doesn’t do things like that. I said, she has matured. When Junie is winking at the boys to find her secret admirer, that had us both laughing. We went around the house saying, “wink, wink”. She gave this 3 stars. Maybe I can find more things to read and discuss with my niece.
September 5, 2011
One of the little girls who I brought to the zoo on Saturday had two Junie B. Jones books with her, and asked if I'd like to read one. I eagerly accepted, having heard good things about them and wanting to know what all the fuss was about.
This was a really cute book, I'll admit. I of course knew the ending well before the end, but that's probably because I'm 28 and not 7. Junie gets a fancy mushy valentine from a secret admirer and then sets out to solve the mystery of who sent it. Along the way we get a lot of cute antics from the independent and talkative five year old.
But I must say, I'm surprised/impressed kids can read this and do well with it. Or either that, the particular 7 year old I am with is a better reader than most. The author tries to write as if Junie is talking/thinking, so it jumps around quite a bit, as an easily distracted five-year-old would. Not only that, but many of the words are spelled wrong (valentime, nouncement) and the sentence grammar is wrong and the sentences go on and on (like, well, a five-year old). I think it would be a great, funny book to read aloud to a small child, but I would think these intentional errors would make it more difficult for someone who is just getting to the chapter book stage of reading.
This was a really cute book, I'll admit. I of course knew the ending well before the end, but that's probably because I'm 28 and not 7. Junie gets a fancy mushy valentine from a secret admirer and then sets out to solve the mystery of who sent it. Along the way we get a lot of cute antics from the independent and talkative five year old.
But I must say, I'm surprised/impressed kids can read this and do well with it. Or either that, the particular 7 year old I am with is a better reader than most. The author tries to write as if Junie is talking/thinking, so it jumps around quite a bit, as an easily distracted five-year-old would. Not only that, but many of the words are spelled wrong (valentime, nouncement) and the sentence grammar is wrong and the sentences go on and on (like, well, a five-year old). I think it would be a great, funny book to read aloud to a small child, but I would think these intentional errors would make it more difficult for someone who is just getting to the chapter book stage of reading.
March 12, 2025
Junie B and her class are making Valentines. And of course hijinks ensue! Some hilarious moments.
July 6, 2015
I really enjoyed this book even thought it was a very short book. This book is told in first person perspective and is very funny. This book is about a girl named Junie B. Jones and it is valentines day! WOOHOO! So Junie B.'s class is celebrating valentines day by giving away cards to children in their class. Junie B. gets a secret admirer card and is trying to find out who it is. Who is it? Read the book to find out!
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May 7, 2025I got bored and this was the only reading material at work😭
January 17, 2025
this bad ass little girl is what made me fall in love with reading, no notes
February 14, 2014
Confession: I've never read a Junie B. Jones book. I know...bad teacher, bad. On the bright side, I think I know why I haven't. It's because I have never had the opportunity to read a Junie B. aloud to students. It's the best thing. Go try it. Find children and read. Now. It's just the most fun read aloud ever.
Alright, fangirling over.
Seriously, though, this Valentine's Day edition of the series is predictable, but the kids eat it up. We had a comprehension guide to go along with each chapter, which deepened the experience. Recommended for teachers and students alike.
Alright, fangirling over.
Seriously, though, this Valentine's Day edition of the series is predictable, but the kids eat it up. We had a comprehension guide to go along with each chapter, which deepened the experience. Recommended for teachers and students alike.
February 14, 2025
Hehe had to take it back to my elementary days and read this for valentimes day. Junie B. is always funny to read
July 25, 2023
i probably read this book 20+ times in elementary school and rereading it as a 23 year old made me wants to sob. in a good way. hit with a wave of nostalgia. junie b jones is striking, beats to her own drum, is unapologetically herself, and embodies the little girl i want to be again. 11/10
December 9, 2008
Sometimes books just find me. It seems that the books that find me end up being the most enjoyable reads. My most recent read of a book like this is Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime by Barbara Park. This one is a book that Sean picked out at the last BookCrossing meeting by pulling it off the Dublin Friends of the Library shelf.
The title and the cover illustration told me it would be a quick read but I had the feeling I wouldn't enjoy it. It just seemed too cute. I decided to give it a read when I was stuck on a much harder book and needed a little fluff for my brain. By the bottom of the first page, I was in love with the book: "A 'nouncement is the school word for listen to me... and I MEAN it."
Barbara Park clearly understands how kids that age (four to six) think. So many of things that Junie B. says and thinks are things that could have come out of Sean's mouth or the mouths of his friends. I was laughing on almost every page.
As a parent of a child who is almost ready for kindergarten, I found this book about a Valentine's Day party very funny. Junie B's narration with all of the types of mistakes I've heard my son and his friends make made me laugh. The teacher's exasperation at some of the children's antics rings true too.
The title and the cover illustration told me it would be a quick read but I had the feeling I wouldn't enjoy it. It just seemed too cute. I decided to give it a read when I was stuck on a much harder book and needed a little fluff for my brain. By the bottom of the first page, I was in love with the book: "A 'nouncement is the school word for listen to me... and I MEAN it."
Barbara Park clearly understands how kids that age (four to six) think. So many of things that Junie B. says and thinks are things that could have come out of Sean's mouth or the mouths of his friends. I was laughing on almost every page.
As a parent of a child who is almost ready for kindergarten, I found this book about a Valentine's Day party very funny. Junie B's narration with all of the types of mistakes I've heard my son and his friends make made me laugh. The teacher's exasperation at some of the children's antics rings true too.
February 26, 2015
These are so ridiculously funny to read aloud. Highly recommended for ages 5-8.
February 7, 2023
My students thought this book was hilarious so it was a joy to read with them! Perfect for next week as we celebrate Valentine’s Day!
February 7, 2025
Read this while I was bored at work/school today. Honestly just as funny as I remember and gave me so much nostalgia. Loved the plot twist at the end!
May 16, 2025
Junie d Jones has a fan but who is Lucille grace find out in book Junie d Jones and the mushy gushy valentin
May 22, 2015
Plot:
In this book Junies' class is celebrating Valentines Day which is one of Junies favorite holidays. When Junies teacher tells the class they are going to have a party, she gets very excited and starts making her cards. When Valentines Day finally comes, Junie is very excited until she only gets 16 cards from her class when she should have gotten 17. Junie can not figure out who did not give her one, and she goes crazy trying to figure who it is but she does not figure it out. The next day when she is still trying to figure it out, a boy named Jim came up to her and gave her a "mushy gushy" card, and she thought it was some sort of joke. Jim was one of those kids who always made fun of Junie so that is why she did not get it. After Jim explained that if he did not make fun of her, all the kids in their class would know that he liked her. Junie is really happy that a boy likes her, so Junie, and Jim become friends.
Characterization:
The main character in this book is a Kindergarten girl named Junie B., Jones. Junie is a sassy little girl who thinks the world basically revolves around her. In this book Junies mood goes back and fourth between excited, anxious, and angry.
Audience:
I would recommend this book to anyone in Middle School or any grade level below. This is a funny book, and I am positive that any Elementary school kid could relate to the excitement of getting candy on Valentines Day.
Personal Response:
I would give this book a four out of five stars because I thought it was a funny book and I could relate to it well. I also thought that it was cute how Junie had a secret admirer when she was only in Kindergarten.
In this book Junies' class is celebrating Valentines Day which is one of Junies favorite holidays. When Junies teacher tells the class they are going to have a party, she gets very excited and starts making her cards. When Valentines Day finally comes, Junie is very excited until she only gets 16 cards from her class when she should have gotten 17. Junie can not figure out who did not give her one, and she goes crazy trying to figure who it is but she does not figure it out. The next day when she is still trying to figure it out, a boy named Jim came up to her and gave her a "mushy gushy" card, and she thought it was some sort of joke. Jim was one of those kids who always made fun of Junie so that is why she did not get it. After Jim explained that if he did not make fun of her, all the kids in their class would know that he liked her. Junie is really happy that a boy likes her, so Junie, and Jim become friends.
Characterization:
The main character in this book is a Kindergarten girl named Junie B., Jones. Junie is a sassy little girl who thinks the world basically revolves around her. In this book Junies mood goes back and fourth between excited, anxious, and angry.
Audience:
I would recommend this book to anyone in Middle School or any grade level below. This is a funny book, and I am positive that any Elementary school kid could relate to the excitement of getting candy on Valentines Day.
Personal Response:
I would give this book a four out of five stars because I thought it was a funny book and I could relate to it well. I also thought that it was cute how Junie had a secret admirer when she was only in Kindergarten.
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February 2, 2024so perfect!
January 8, 2013
I personally love Junie B. Jones books. They're awesome. They're easy to read in a short period of time. In this book, Junie is excited to go to school for Valentines Day to share valentines and candy with her classmates. Junie gets a mushy gushy valentine from her secret admirer but doesn't know who it is! She finds out in the end but I'm not going to ruin the book for you so you must read it! I recommend this book to third to fourth graders and above. Even an older adult would enjoy this book. Why not? You only live once.
October 18, 2015
Junie's kdgtn class will be celebrating Valentine's Day and they have been asked to bring in a card for everyone. Junie gets the biggest and nicest Valentine, but from her Secret Admirer. She finds out that her admirer is Mean Jim and that the reason he likes her is because she is spunky, but he doesn't want anyone to know that he likes her and that he spent a whole month's allowance on the card for her. She keeps his secret and the two of them are friends.
December 7, 2019
These books take me right back to elementary school. In a wonderful way, that is. I highly recommend the audio version by Lana Quintal. My daughter and I love listening and laughing together in the car.
August 12, 2008
sometimes your lovely valentine can be your worst enemy
January 24, 2010
OMG!Meanie Jim LIKE'S Junie B.!Anyway it was a great book.
January 31, 2011
I think this book is funny!
July 27, 2020
junie b jones is the reason for my personality today
February 12, 2017
This book was not as good as the other Junie B's I have read. But I guess I should have expected that with Junie B. being Mushy Gushy! Most of these I would give 4 stars.
April 23, 2017
If I could give this book 6 stars I would go crazy!
March 10, 2019
Another great story with a surprising twist!!
January 18, 2021
I am all over the place with my Junie B reviews. A lot of them I'm loving but there are a few I hate. This one I absolutely hated.
Basic premise in a nutshell: It's Valentine's Day. Junie's class is having a party. One of the Valentine's she gets is extra beautiful and special and is signed "from your secret admirer". Who could Junie's secret admirer be?
Spoiler alert: It's Meanie Jim. Because OF COURSE it's Meanie Jim and OF COURSE were going to perpetuate the dangerous lie that when boys are mean to girls it means they like them and that makes it okay. In the end, Junie and Jim decide to not let the fact that he likes her change their relationship and that they'll continue being mean to each other. I don't think I need to explain any further why this was just the absolute worst.
Parents and care givers reading these books to your little girls: skip this one. Also consider skipping Junie B Loves Handsome Warren. As a kindergarten teacher and mom of a Kindergartener I always tell kids that they are too young for boyfriends and girlfriends. I'm not a fan of these 2 books encouraging that. I'm also not a fan of how both of these books involve the 3 best friends fighting with each other over who is more appealing to the opposite sex.
Basic premise in a nutshell: It's Valentine's Day. Junie's class is having a party. One of the Valentine's she gets is extra beautiful and special and is signed "from your secret admirer". Who could Junie's secret admirer be?
Spoiler alert: It's Meanie Jim. Because OF COURSE it's Meanie Jim and OF COURSE were going to perpetuate the dangerous lie that when boys are mean to girls it means they like them and that makes it okay. In the end, Junie and Jim decide to not let the fact that he likes her change their relationship and that they'll continue being mean to each other. I don't think I need to explain any further why this was just the absolute worst.
Parents and care givers reading these books to your little girls: skip this one. Also consider skipping Junie B Loves Handsome Warren. As a kindergarten teacher and mom of a Kindergartener I always tell kids that they are too young for boyfriends and girlfriends. I'm not a fan of these 2 books encouraging that. I'm also not a fan of how both of these books involve the 3 best friends fighting with each other over who is more appealing to the opposite sex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2020
This is the first Junie B Jones book I have ever read. I don't remember if they came after my time or not, but for whatever reason I just didn't pick them up as a kid.
As an adult, it's a trick to get into these. It's written from the perspective of a kindergartner in that type of speech impediment and babyish speak. The chapter book seems a bit advanced for Kindergartners and I find it hard to believe that an older kid would enjoy reading misspelled words like that.
Overall the format is okay. I don't find Junie particularly likeable and you can tell that this book was written for another time. Teachers don't take the kind of disrespect Junie doles out, and now that it's 2020 can we stop making 5 year olds think that they need significant others and that teasing each other is flirting? Please and thanks.
As an adult, it's a trick to get into these. It's written from the perspective of a kindergartner in that type of speech impediment and babyish speak. The chapter book seems a bit advanced for Kindergartners and I find it hard to believe that an older kid would enjoy reading misspelled words like that.
Overall the format is okay. I don't find Junie particularly likeable and you can tell that this book was written for another time. Teachers don't take the kind of disrespect Junie doles out, and now that it's 2020 can we stop making 5 year olds think that they need significant others and that teasing each other is flirting? Please and thanks.
January 31, 2024
I LOVE THIS BOOK! It had a secret admirer and you'd never guess who it was! IT WAS MEANIE JIM!
>=O
I thought it'd be RICARDO. Sadly, it was Jim. I also thought it might've been the teacher pretending to make Junie feel better, but nope. I also though Lucille would get more cards - also nope.
It's a really, really good book and you should read it! I can't wait to read the next one!
(HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!)
BOOM BOOM BOOM!!!
>=O
I thought it'd be RICARDO. Sadly, it was Jim. I also thought it might've been the teacher pretending to make Junie feel better, but nope. I also though Lucille would get more cards - also nope.
It's a really, really good book and you should read it! I can't wait to read the next one!
(HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!)
BOOM BOOM BOOM!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2023
It didn't take me long to finish this book, less that 30 minutes❤️ The nostalgia is real with this book. Junie B. Jones was the first book series I ever read when I was 4❤️ cute and easy read❤️ more Junie B in my future😍❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 570 reviews