Junie B., First Grader:

Aloha-ha-ha!

by
Barbara Park

illustrated by

Denise Brunkus

Random House, May 2006, 119 pp.
ISBN: 0-375-83403-6

Genre: Early Chapter
Subgenres: Fiction
Reviewed: 8/6/2006

Reviewed by: Conan Tigard

Book Cover

Excerpt

I skipped to the pool with my parrot ring.

And I tried to put it on. But it was way to tight to fit.

Daddy watched what I was doing.

"It looks like your mother was right, Junie B.," he said. "That swim ring is much too small."

"No, it isn't, Daddy. I know I can fit into this parrot," I said. "I am positive I can."

I thought for a second.

Then I walked to the edge of the pool. And I dropped my swim ring into the water.

And KERSPLASH!

I jumped through the middle!

And what do you know?

I squeezed right in!

I clapped and clapped real thrilled.

"SEE, MOTHER? SEE, DADDY?" I called. "I TOLD YOU I COULD FIT IN THIS THING! I TOLD YOU!"

I took a breath.

"IT'S JUST A LITTLE BIT TIGHTISH AROUND MY MIDDLE. BUT I THINK I CAN STILL BREATHE . . . POSSIBLY."

Synopsis

Junie B. Jones is very excited because she is going on vacation. On Sunday, she will be leaving for Hawaii with her parents. She is very thrilled and tells her entire class about it during Show and Tell. Junie B.'s teacher, Mr. Scary, gives her a disposable camera and a photo journal. She is to take pictures while she away that will tell them all about her trip to Hawaii.

When Junie B. finally gets on the airplane, she annoys not only the lady in front of her by putting her feet on the back of the lady's seat, but by also playing with the tray on the back of the seat. Then she sticks her doll between her seat and annoys the lady behind her also. So, her first picture shows Junie B. hunkering down between two grouchy ladies. That's not the best way to start her vacation.

In Hawaii, when she demands a parrot swim ring that is too tight for her, her daddy is forced to let the air out so she can breathe. So, her next picture shows her with a deflated parrot ring. Things sure aren't going to well for Junie B. Jones. And, guess what? Her trip doesn't get any better. Hopefully, sometime during her vacation she will take a picture where she can actually smile.

Junie B., First Grader: Aloha-Ha-Ha! is the 26th book in the Junie B. Jones series and is written by Barbara Park and illustrated by Denise Brunkus. This series is intended for young readers aged 7 to 10.

Review

My daughter used to read and love Junie B. Jones when she was in first and second grade. I used to watch her reading and enjoying those books. I never had the chance to pick one up, but now I have.

With Junie B., First Grader: Aloha-Ha-Ha!, I finally got a chance to see this precious little girl in action. Like all kids her age, she doesn't realize the consequences of her actions; like pushing on the seat in front of her on the airplane, wanting a toy that is intended for younger children, trying to run with flippers on, and things like that. Junie B. made me smile at all of her childish antics.

Early Readers will enjoy reading about this vivacious girl who gets to go to Hawaii for the first time and experience a real vacation. The print is large and the text is not difficult.

Overall, I quite enjoyed Junie B., First Grader: Aloha-Ha-Ha! and look forward to more adventures with this rascally and wild first grader.

I rated this book an 8 out of 10.