Families who loved Junie B. Jones 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 grappling with the confusing and sometimes jealous feelings that come with a new sibling, or when they just need a good laugh to relieve school-day stress. Junie B. Jones is a famously spirited kindergartner who hears her grandmother say the new baby is a 'cute little monkey.' Taking this literally, Junie B. tells her entire class she has a real monkey at home, leading to a comedic spiral of expectations and misunderstandings. While Junie B. is often 'mouthy' and uses unconventional grammar, she provides a safe space for children to see their own impulsive thoughts and big emotions reflected on the page. The story is ideal for early elementary students (ages 6-9) who are transitioning to chapter books. It normalizes the fear of being replaced by a new baby while using humor to bridge the gap between a child's imagination and reality.
