Junie B. Jones and That Meanie Jim's Birthday
#6 of 28 in Junie B. Jones Series
What’s inside...
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! That meanie Jim has invited everyone in Room Nine to his birthday party on Saturday—except Junie B.! Should she have her own birthday party six months early and not invite Jim? Or should she move to It’s a Small World After All in Disneyland? 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.”
Character compass
Junie B. Jones
Lucille
Grace
Mrs.
Jim
Discussion points
How did Junie B. feel when she wasn't invited to Jim's birthday party, and have you ever felt the same way?
What are some kind ways Junie B. could have responded to not being invited?
What do you think about the way Junie B. handled her feelings? What would you have done differently?
Why is it important to be kind to everyone, even if they hurt your feelings?
How can we show kindness to our friends and classmates every day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Junie B.'s shoes and explore their feelings about exclusion and friendship. Use positive reinforcement to appreciate their perspectives and guide them to understand the importance of empathy and kindness. Discuss personal experiences relating to the themes in the book to deepen the connection and make the conversation more relatable. Lastly, focus on solutions and positive actions that can be taken when faced with similar situations as Junie B.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Junie B. experiences feelings of exclusion and jealousy which are common amongst children. Through various interactions, she starts to understand other perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and consider the feelings of their peers, promoting compassion and community in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Disappointment
Explanation: When Junie B. is not invited to Jim's birthday party, she must cope with the disappointment and feelings of rejection. The narrative helps children see that these feelings are manageable.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to handle disappointments in life constructively, teaching resilience and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Junie B. tries various methods to cope with not being invited to the party. Through trial and error, she learns which behaviors are appropriate.
Real-World Application: Children learn that not every initial idea will work out as planned, fostering flexibility and critical thinking in their day-to-day problem solving.
Example Lesson: Importance of Apologies
Explanation: The story highlights how Junie B. learns to apologize for her mistakes, demonstrating the importance of admitting faults and making amends.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of apologies as a step towards mending relationships and building trust with others.