A triumphant new entryway into the evergreen world of a spunky young girl.
In this graphic novel adaptation of a popular ’90s series starter, a kindergartner who knows what she likes must contend with a school bus she does not.
Junie Beatrice Jones (Junie B. by choice, thank you very much) volunteers a lot of information about herself with an earnest energy appropriate for her age (“almost six”). The first day of kindergarten goes smoothly, but Junie B. loathes the bus, with its loud noises and unpleasant smells. When school is over, rather than board the dreaded bus, she remains in the empty building. Shenanigans ensue, but Junie B. also learns to take responsibility for her actions. With her big, open-book expressions and squat frame, Junie B. is an adorable friend to all readers, as well as her teacher and some classmates. Beyond the humor, the book soars with its empathetic, developmentally accurate depictions of a child venturing from the secure trappings of home into unfamiliar territory as she learns to socialize and trust others. Beam’s bouncy cartoon images set a sunny tone but also capably capture Junie B.’s angst—for instance, when the panels around her turn redder and spikier as she frets about riding the bus. A couple of contemporary changes include Junie B. playing on a tablet and talking on her mom’s cell phone; otherwise, this is the classic tale done justice in a new format. Junie B. and her family are pale-skinned; their community is diverse.
A triumphant new entryway into the evergreen world of a spunky young girl. (Graphic fiction. 6-9)Pub Date: April 29, 2025
ISBN: 9780593706701
Page Count: 160
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: April 19, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2025
This outing lacks the sophistication of such category standards as Clementine; here’s hoping English amps things up for...
A gentle voice and familiar pitfalls characterize this tale of a boy navigating the risky road to responsibility.
Gavin is new to his neighborhood and Carver Elementary. He likes his new friend, Richard, and has a typically contentious relationship with his older sister, Danielle. When Gavin’s desire to impress Richard sets off a disastrous chain of events, the boy struggles to evade responsibility for his actions. “After all, it isn’t his fault that Danielle’s snow globe got broken. Sure, he shouldn’t have been in her room—but then, she shouldn’t be keeping candy in her room to tempt him. Anybody would be tempted. Anybody!” opines Gavin once he learns the punishment for his crime. While Gavin has a charming Everyboy quality, and his aversion to Aunt Myrtle’s yapping little dog rings true, little about Gavin distinguishes him from other trouble-prone protagonists. He is, regrettably, forgettable. Coretta Scott King Honor winner English (Francie, 1999) is a teacher whose storytelling usually benefits from her day job. Unfortunately, the pizzazz of classroom chaos is largely absent from this series opener.
This outing lacks the sophistication of such category standards as Clementine; here’s hoping English amps things up for subsequent volumes. (Fiction. 6-9)Pub Date: Dec. 17, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-547-97044-8
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: Oct. 1, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
What a wag.
What do you get from sewing the head of a smart dog onto the body of a tough police officer? A new superhero from the incorrigible creator of Captain Underpants.
Finding a stack of old Dog Mancomics that got them in trouble back in first grade, George and Harold decide to craft a set of new(ish) adventures with (more or less) improved art and spelling. These begin with an origin tale (“A Hero Is Unleashed”), go on to a fiendish attempt to replace the chief of police with a “Robo Chief” and then a temporarily successful scheme to make everyone stupid by erasing all the words from every book (“Book ’Em, Dog Man”), and finish off with a sort of attempted alien invasion evocatively titled “Weenie Wars: The Franks Awaken.” In each, Dog Man squares off against baddies (including superinventor/archnemesis Petey the cat) and saves the day with a clever notion. With occasional pauses for Flip-O-Rama featurettes, the tales are all framed in brightly colored sequential panels with hand-lettered dialogue (“How do you feel, old friend?” “Ruff!”) and narrative. The figures are studiously diverse, with police officers of both genders on view and George, the chief, and several other members of the supporting cast colored in various shades of brown. Pilkey closes as customary with drawing exercises, plus a promise that the canine crusader will be further unleashed in a sequel.
What a wag. (Graphic fantasy. 7-9)Pub Date: Aug. 30, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-545-58160-8
Page Count: 240
Publisher: Graphix/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 31, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2016
SEEN & HEARD
BOOK TO SCREEN
BOOK TO SCREEN
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
