Junie B. Jones goes to kindergarten in Junie B. Jones and the Stupid, Smelly Bus by Barbara Park. The early reader chapter book has sixty-nine pages. Barbara Park's Junie B. Jones and the Stupid, Smelly Bus is great for the preschool or elementary child entering school. It is an entertaining book for kids making the transition from picture to chapter books.

Junie B. Jones is ready for school. She visits the elementary school and meets the kindergarten teacher; our new student has a new outfit. Everything and everyone is great except the yellow school bus. It poses a fear to her. She does not want to ride in a vehicle unlike the family car. The bus door opens strangely and one must board the bus via stairs. On the bus, she views no friendly faces. It is awful. What is a new student to do? Will Junie B. Jones return on the smelly, yellow school bus?

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid, Smelly Bus by Barbara Park is a good adventure story to prepare new preschool and elementary kids for school. Barbara Park writes about the typical things that children experience in preparation for starting school. However, the story book goes further. It prepares young students for riding the school bus. This is a subject many early chapter books do not tackle. It opens discussion on the screeching brakes, the double doors and saving-a-seat etiquette. Many parents forget their early days on the yellow school bus. This early chapter book will remind parents and teachers to start an open talk about kids' school bus apprehensions.

Children need a regular routine. A set bedtime and place to sleep are part of the daily routine. Read a bedtime story as part of the nightly ritual. Read quiet, soothing books to children in their warm, comfortable bed. This allows a child to associate reading with comfort and security. The association will continue a lifetime.

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Note: Junie B. Jones and the Stupid, Smelly Bus by Barbara Park is from the public library. Random House Books for Young Readers publishes the popular book series.