Happy 20th Anniversary, Junie B. Jones!

Summary: She's spunky, she's sassy, she's one-of-a-kind! Now, for the first time ever, the book that started it all, Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus, is available in a full-color, hardcover edition with original, never before seen material—including an interview with Barbara Park conducted by the world's funniest first grader herself! -- Random House

If you've ever had a beginner reader in you life, then I'm sure you're familiar with the Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park. This bestselling series has sold over 52 million copies in all formats! My daughter loved these books when she was in first grade, and Booking Son has even been know to pick one up when he wants a good laugh.

Believe it or not, it's been twenty years since JUNIE B. JONES AND THE STUPID SMELLY BUS was first published. (Does time fly or what?)  To celebrate this milestone, Random House has issued a 20th Anniversary Full-Color Edition of JUNIE B. JONES AND THE STUPID SMELLY BUS. This book has adorable illustrations by Denise Brunkus along with fourteen pages of never-before-seen material.

JUNIE B. JONES AND THE STUPID SMELLY BUS is one (if not the first) chapter book that both of my kids read so it holds a special place in my heart. In fact, it's actually one that I can say I've read a few times. Booking Son still talks about the scene on the bus when Junie B. has to go to the bathroom and he laughs like a nut!

When I showed this new version to Booking Son, his eyes lit up. He has yet to read it again, but I pointed out that there are some colorful pictures; and he did take a peek. I also showed him the special material in the back of the book. There is a brief biography of Barbara Park and a very cute interview where Junie B. asks Ms. Park some questions. In addition, there is a section with some of Ms. Brunkus's sketches of Junie B.

In celebration of the 20^th Anniversary edition of JUNIE B. JONES AND THE STUPID SMELLY BUS, there is a brand new website JunieBJones.com that you won't want to miss. Some of the highlights include:

• Junie B. Jones Jokes (where kids can share their favorite funnies)
• A Photo Activity with Junie B. ( where grownups can upload a photo of their favorite child and put them next to Junie!)
• Food Fight Game with Junie B. (be careful.. It's addicting! You can actually have a Food Fight with Junie B and friends)
• A special 20th anniversary page with printables and sneak peeks of all our favorite  Junie B Jones books  and more.
• A scrapbook where you can meet all of Junie B.’s friends!

In addition, there is a new Junie B Jones Facebook page at Facebook.com/juniebjonesbooks where fans will learn news about the series and access exclusive printables.

There is no doubt that Junie B. and her stories have been a huge part of early readers' lives for the past twenty years, and I'm sure kids will continue to read these books for many years in the future. Ms. Parks has created an extremely entertaining character that keeps kids coming back for more; and as a mom, I just appreciate that she gets kids (even the reluctant ones) reading!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this classic book!