This probably could have been one of Barbara Park’s titles for her lovable character Junie B. Jones. Junie, in kindergarten and before, could never shut her mouth about anything. The title sounds like something May her book series long nemesis would say in anger. May angered Junie for refusing to acknowledge the B. in her name. What a mistake in Junie’s mind!!! The B. stood for Beatrice, but Junie just liked the B. to stand alone.
Barbara Park, the author of Junie B. Jones’ books…and more…has died at age 66 from ovarian cancer. Mrs. Park developed an ageless character and left a sweeping birthright that 55 million readers grew up with and then shared with their children. Junie was the image of a younger Barbara. She always had something to immediately say about everything. “In their minds and out their mouths” put both author and book favorite, Junie, in constant trouble.
Junie’s kindergarten antics ruled eighteen of Barbara Park’s first books. Book nineteen had Junie graduating to first grade. First graders came screaming into the library with delight to learn the whole ‘getting into first grade’ graduation story. They knew of her promotion before their somewhat ‘trusty on book type things’ librarian. Years of kindergarten classes had followed Junie through their kindergarten teacher’s presentations. No one expected little Ms. Jones to graduate as they all did. Junie and Barbara Park really fooled everyone.
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In addition to her 45 picture, children’s, and middle grade book legacy, Barbara Park saw Junie B Jones turned into a play rivaling You Are A Good Man Charley Brown. Barbara’s interactive website (www.juniebjones.com) merits exploration as her life, projects, helpful hints, and 40 book awards are introduced. Barbara, also, answers questions about her writing from her readers in the author section. Pick up one of her books, laugh and remember her, please!
Let's Talk by award winning author, Tom Palumbo, is about to begin its 20th year. The weekly column is filled with book, movie, television, travel, and school activity reviews and suggestions. You can sign up by placing your email in the follow box at: thomasjpalumbo.wordpress.com. Then, with your down key on your computer, you can read 110 of this year's issues at your leisure.
