Junie B Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth
#3 of 28 in Junie B. Jones Series
What’s inside...
This book follows the story of Junie B Jones, a young, energetic girl with a 'big fat mouth'. When she uses her 'big fat mouth' to express her opinion during a job week at school, hilarity ensues. She learns valuable lessons about speaking her mind and the consequences she must face for it. Sometimes life is P.U. Junie B.'s having a rough week. First she got punishment for shooting off her mouth in kindergarten. And now she's in big trouble again! 'Cause Monday is Job Day, and Junie B. told her class that she's got the bestest job of all. Only, what the heck is it?
Discussion points
What do you think Junie B. felt when her words got her into trouble?
How do you think the characters in the book felt when Junie B. said something she shouldn’t have?
How would you handle a situation where someone says something hurtful or inappropriate?
What did Junie B. learn by the end of the story?
Can you think of a time when you could have used different words to express yourself? What could you have said?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to those of Junie B., which helps deepen their understanding of the story’s themes.
Discuss the importance of thinking before speaking, using Junie B.’s experiences as a reference point.
Ask your child how they might feel in similar situations as Junie B., fostering empathy and reflection.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and insights, which reinforces positive engagement and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of thinking before speaking
Explanation: Junie B. Jones often speaks without thinking, which leads to humorous but tricky situations. She learns that her words can affect others around her.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the impact of their words and think about what they say before they speak, to avoid misunderstandings and hurting others.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences of actions
Explanation: Throughout the book, Junie B. encounters various consequences due to her outspoken nature and learns to take responsibility for her actions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to connect their actions with outcomes and encourages responsible behavior in social settings.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: As Junie B. navigates her misadventures, she begins to understand and empathize with her classmates and their feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize emotions in others, leading to more empathetic interactions and stronger friendships.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: Junie B. learns several lessons about being honest, even when it's difficult, and the problems that can arise from making up stories or lying.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the importance of truthfulness in building trust in relationships at home and school.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Through various episodes, Junie B. reflects on her mistakes, leading to personal growth and better decision-making.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to view mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures, promoting resilience and perseverance.