Families who loved And the Stupid Smelly Bus / And a Little Monkey Business by Barbara Park often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as the first day of kindergarten or the arrival of a new baby, and is expressing their anxiety through humor or defiance. This bindup follows the unfiltered and hilarious Junie B. Jones as she navigates the scary unknowns of the school bus and the complicated feelings of no longer being the only child in the house. While Junie B. is known for her boisterous personality and grammatically creative speech, her stories provide a safe space for children to see their own big fears reflected and normalized. Parents will find this an excellent tool for opening conversations about school rules, social boundaries, and sibling jealousy. It is ideal for ages 5 to 8 as a bridge between picture books and longer chapter books, offering plenty of laughs to ease the tension of growing up.
