Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: The Graphic Novel

Junie B. Jones Graphic Novel #1

by Colleen A.F. Venable (Adaptor), Barbara Park (original author), Honie Beam (illustrator)

A wonderful new book is coming from Random House Children’s Books.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Humor, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade, School Stories, Comics

160 pages, Paperback

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

You might know me from such films as "Colleen's Fourth Birthday Party" and "Colleen Falls Down Over and Over Again While Ice Skating."

Fun facts!
-I have a huge connect-the-dots tattoo.
-I accidentally started an international holiday.
(See National Pancake Day or Lumberjack Day, every Sept 26)
-I once sang back-up on an album nominated for the Polka Grammy.
-I can't sing.
-When I was 18, I broke a national coed jump-rope record.

My debut YA graphic novel Kiss Number 8 was a National Book Award Longlist title, an Eisner nominee, and a Prism award finalist.

My graphic novel series Guinea Pig, Pet Shop Private Eye (illustrated by Stephanie Yue) was nominated for an Eisner for Best Publication for Kids and awarded “Best Book” recognition from Kirkus Reviews, NYPL, Bank Street, and the Junior Library Guild.

I grew up in the trees of Walden, New York….well, not very high up the trees, since I always got scared, but I did carve my name in a lot of low hanging boughs. I had an older sister, a dog, a cat, a million fish, and an imaginary pet hamster named, yup you guessed it, Hamisher. Why have an imaginary friend when you can have an imaginary friend that can fit in your pocket!

I went to Wagner College and double majored in English and Studio Art, winning the award of “biggest dork” (aka first in my class)

I love graphic novels more than I love having feet and I really do love having feet. They keep my shoes on.

Pssst My name is actually spelled Colleen AF Venable. No punctuation. My birth name was Colleen Ann Venable, but in 1994 I asked to change my middle name to Felicity, because that's the sort of thing you do when you are 14. So I started to go by Colleen AF...mostly because I was bad at typing periods. The internet either ruined my name or made it SO MUCH COOLER. You can decide.

Reviews

[Ahmed Ridha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming off the disappointing treatment of Karen Brewer in her latest book, I knew I need a change of pace, I needed a protagonist who wouldn't take abuse, a protagonist who would assert herself and make her name known. I needed Junie B. And let it be clear, Junie B takes NO SHIT. Junie B does NOT BACK DOWN. Junie B KNOWS THINGS but except she doesn't feel like showing it right now. Junie B isn't going to be your friend if you laugh at her, and Junie B is going to make her feelings clear. and you know what? School Buses ARE smelly, they are STUPD, and yellow IS a bad colour. Her decision to hid in the school after hours to avoid the bus is not something I will comment on as a future teacher but if you know me you know whats up.

And while I would never pit two queens against each other, let it be know that Junie B would beat Karen in a fight without hesitation. Karen may have the feats and the trophies, but real ones know Junie B no diffs.

(Minus 1 star because I was unjustly yelled at by management while reading this 😔)

[Rod Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a few years since I did my last re-read of the first Junie B. Jones book to my daughter, but this graphic novel adaptation brought the energy and brashness and quickly had me waxing nostalgic for one of the most enjoyable series I've shared with my whole family. Junie is just as mischievous, charming, and hilarious in this new incarnation.

It did take me a second to warm up to the art since it is closer in style to, say, Raina Telgemeier than the original book artist, Denise Brunkus. But Honie Beam's expressive and lively characters were too cute to resist.

I look forward to re-reading the whole series in graphic novel form. But I'm also tempted to go back and re-read the original books right away.


FOR REFERENCE:

Contents: Chapter 1. Meeting Mrs. -- Chapter 2. Feeling Squeezy -- Chapter 3. The Stupid Smelly Bus -- Chapter 4. Me and Lucille and Some Other Kids -- Chapter 5. Principal -- Chapter 6. A Good Hider -- Chapter 7. Peeky Holes and Spying -- Chapter 8. The Dangerous Nurse's Office -- Chapter 9. Zooming Speedy Fast -- Chapter 10. Me and That Grace

[Jasz Jemison · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review, thank you NetGalley.
Junie B owned the 90’s book scene, and I was so excited to see this. These books got a lot of kids into reading over several decades and generations. I was so excited to see this being made into a graphic novel. This will appeal to a brand new generation of kids who wouldn’t normally pick the books up to them being older. Also being a graphic novel will appeal to kids who love graphic novels.
This is the same girl and story we love. It was beautifully done and I smiled the entire time while reading it.
Great read for younger kinds!

[Victor The Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading Park’s series back in school and they were just so different than others series I’ve read. Junie B. is a very spontaneous and outrageous kindergartener with bad grammar, likes to talk loudly, and gets in all types of trouble. There’s plenty of hilarity to be found in her books.

In this comic adaptation of her first book, it centers on Junie B. starting kindergarten which gives her very scaryish jitters as well as having to ride the big smelly bus. While her first day of school being fun, she still refuses to ride the bus home and finds misadventure in her school while hiding.

It’s definitely a great and colorful adaptation of Park’s series that younger kids will definitely love and giggle at. It really does nail the first book’s story as it practically follows the whole story line to line. One thing that’s noticeable is Junie B.’s character as she’s less obnoxious and more sweeter, which I really liked. She still has that relatable and rambunctious personality that’ll win you over. A- (91%/Excellent)

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was OK. If I had no knowledge of Junie B I would probably like this book, however I am a Junie B diehard who read every original book. The novels are better. You don’t get the precociousness and the annoyance of Junie B in the graphic novel. You don’t pick up her cadence and you do get that she doesn’t like Jim but not why. The translator did an OK job taking this from novel to graphic novel and while I enjoyed it it’s not a series, I would come back to in graphic novel format. I’m a diehard for the original novels.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

To quote miss Junie B. herself, "Books are my very favorite things in the whole world." This is largely due to Barbara Park, who wrote little me's very favorite books in the whole world, so it makes me immeasurably happy to see this series adapted for a newer generation of readers. I hope they love them as much as I did.
Yes, there are some changes, but they are very minor and done so thoughtfully that the story doesn't lose any of it's original charm (or sass!).
Thank you to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this gem early. I look forward to putting this in the hands of eager young readers.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever adaptation of a well-loved classic. This graphic novel version of June B. makes accessible a character that is beloved without losing the core of her personality. Fun and lighthearted read that will be a popular choice for young readers!

***received free copy from NetGalley for review***

[Dramapuppy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has many good qualities, but they’re all slightly less good versions of things from the source material. I don’t think the adaptation adds enough to justify what it takes away. But I guess if this allows more kids to get to know Junie B., it’s a worthwhile thing

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alina said this books gets 5 BIG BOOMS.

[Shana Bird · Rating 3 out of 5]

honestly I think I had some trauma reading this from my kinder teaching days

[♡Emma Brown♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guys I read this book in under an hour!

[Monica Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Junie B has always been a favorite of mine since I was super young..being able to read this adaptation was so much fun! I laughed on just about every page and the illustrations were absolutely GORGEOUS!! I cannot wait for the next one to come out in September! :)

[D.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Junie B Jones still holding up after all these years.

This is a fun way to reintroduce this series to a new generation. There are minor updates, like tablets and cellphones, but the charm and Junie's too-muchness are still very prevalent here. I think the art style also works well.

One thing that impresses me is how realistic Junie B's narrative is. It feels like an actual kid's narrative.

[Julesy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Junie B. (aka Beatrice) Jones quickly reminds you (and not using her inside voice) that she likes to be called Junie B., not just Junie. She is a precocious soon-to-be 6-year-old girl who attends her first day of kindergarten. She must ride the yellow school bus to school, which frightens her because it’s smelly and stupid. Junie B. wants to do whatever it takes to NOT ride that bus.

Her first day of school is turning out to be as bad as that smelly stupid school bus. She can’t remember her teacher’s name nor the principal’s name. One of her classmates is pushy and mean. But she finally makes friends with Lucille who stole her coveted red seat. The day goes swimmingly along when the entire kindergarten class visits other parts of the school such as the media center, nurse’s office, cafeteria, etc. As the day comes to a close, Junie B. is terrified to go on that yellow smelly stupid school bus again to go home. She takes it upon herself to not go the bus. But what how will she accomplish that?

I had never read these Junie B. Jones books but knew about them. When they were popular in the 1990s, my elementary-aged son wanted to read books that were male-centric, naturally. Therefore, I never had the opportunity to read these books but am very happy to do so now in graphic novel format. I see there will be another in the graphic novel series and am looking forward to reading more about Junie B.!

Even though I wasn’t particularly fond of the character (she was a bit bratty for my tastes), I did really love the artwork, color, fonts, and overall placement of the panels. It’s surely a winner in my “book”!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.

[Sarah Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a big Junie B. fan, I knew I had to snag this graphic novel adaptation from NetGalley! All of the whimsy and high jinks of the original Junie B. live on in this colorful, modernized (as needed) version. This is going to bring Junie B. to a new generation. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Melinda Keen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute kids book!!! June doesn’t like the bus!!! But is hiding the answer?

[Amber’s Book Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the paperback version of this last year, but the graphic novel definitely made the images a lot more cuter

[taylor hagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

junie b jones licks her shoes to make them shiny

a joy to read in graphic novel format <3

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes my 1st grade heart so happy!

[Lizzy Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Junie B., but less sassy.

[Dusti Falgoust · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I grew up reading the Junie B. Jones books, though I didn’t really like Junie B., at least I was always fairly certain we would not get along if we met in real life. Despite that, I was fascinated by her antics and the way she got away with them. It was so far removed from what I was used to, I couldn’t look away even if I had zero desire to do or say many of the things she did. Plus, there were certainly iconic elements to the books that just stick with you.

I am a huge fan of children’s graphic novels and have LOVED this march of children’s authors from my own childhood having their works remade in graphic novel form. The BSC graphic novels immediately come to mind: I absolutely love them for allowing me to feel the nostalgia and witness progress at the same time. I was very excited to give a Junie B. Jones graphic novel a shot.

I think I may actually like updated graphic novel Junie B. more than I did the original back when I was a child myself. Maybe it’s the illustrations, but she feels more real and relatable. Sure, she may be yelling or doing some other thing that may have baffled or frustrated me, but it’s easy to see why she may feel that is the only solution through these pages. I find myself empathizing with this small child with such little experience and understanding of the world in a situation that wasn’t fully explained (at first), something so ordinary when we look back, but in those moments when we were just young children ourselves, were likely daunting if not completely terrifying. Add in overstimulation for many of us and, yeah, let’s scream. I’m with you there, and I’m a grown adult.

In general, the illustrations were my favorite part. I love this style so much, and it’s perfect for both kids and adults alike. It’s vibrant and eye-catching, detailed but just simple enough. The story, with help from the art, really helps capture the world through the eyes of a Kindergartener, the simplicity of decision-making and deciding whether people are worthy of your time and the awe and terror with all of the new things that are consistently thrown your way.

Junie B. is certainly still Junie B. though, all these years later. This version felt more relatable across so many scenes, but there were still elements I remember disliking as a child and still didn’t enjoy now. I didn’t understand how she could possibly do the things she did as a kid, and now, though I perfectly well understand the why, I still can’t help but feel panicked for the adults. Thus is the life of an adult who reads works for all ages I guess!

This is a great option for many young graphic novel lovers and for fans of the original books, though Junie B.’s antics are certainly not for everyone. 3.5/5 Stars.

[Kelly Krienke · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Sakura · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was younger, I read the novels by Barbara Park. Although Junie B. was poorly behaved and the book was riddled with grammar and spelling errors (by intent) I loved reading the books anyway. So, this isn’t my FIRST time getting into this series, but as I haven’t read it in many years, I only remembered bits and pieces while reading, not the entire thing. And overall…

I was very, VERY surprised.
As someone who reads the Babysitter: Little Sister graphic novels, I expected Junie to be at least CLOSE to as annoying as Karen, but-
She was actually so cute!!
Barbara does a really good job narrating the voice of a young child. Junie B. FEELS like a kid. The way she thinks, and acts- it makes you remember how you felt at this age as well. She was sometimes yells and stomps, but I like how the story explains to you WHY she’s like this, like the one scene where her mother is just talking to the teacher about the bus Junie B. is going to ride, without explaining to her WHAT it even is. This makes the child upset and scared, and she acts out. But yes, both the dialogue and her actions are very well done. I’ll give you an example of how her voice is:
“I don’t like clowns. On account of clown lips they are very big. And their teeth are very yellow. Plus also, I do not enjoy their big feet.”
Okay, like do you see how realistic that is?!? ‘Plus also’ and ‘I do not enjoy’ are just such little kid things to say!!
I liked the artwork, too. It was expressive and the artist totally put a lot of effort into it.
I also think the overall adaptation was done well. Junie is nicer than she was in the books, and it does leave things out, but for the most part, the whole adventure is still present. I honestly think her hiding out in the school is so fun. I remember finding this part of the story kind of boring as a child, but I didn’t feel that way reading this.

Like I was saying, this is honestly a very decent book!! I’d recommend for fans of the series, or anyone who wants to feel like a kid again.

(This book contains a little girl sometimes throwing fits and yelling, as well as hiding out from the bus. She does get in trouble, however. She sometimes explains violent or scary things, but the art to go with it makes the scene much more light. Like in one instance, she says the bus doors could ‘cut you in half and you will make a squishy sound.’, but the art just shows a door with cartoon eyes and pointy teeth. Overall, I’d recommend this book for kids ages 6 and up, if they are mature enough to not copy her actions!)

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who devoured Barbara Park’s Junie B. Jones books back in the mid-1990s, I was thrilled when Penguin Random House Kids Graphic offered me the chance to review this fresh adaptation of Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus — now reimagined as a junior graphic novel. I vividly remember reading the original between 1994 and 1995, laughing at Junie B.’s sassy voice and wild adventures, and this graphic adaptation brought all those nostalgic feelings rushing back.

The story follows Junie B. on her very first day of kindergarten, where she faces a massive hurdle: the dreaded school bus. From the title alone, you know exactly how Junie B. feels about the bus — she’s convinced it’s dirty, smelly, and full of mean kids. Her stubbornness, quirky logic, and hilarious antics shine through as she tries to navigate this new experience. Whether it’s deciding she’s simply not going to ride the bus home or getting herself into a bit of trouble by hiding out at school, Junie B.’s larger-than-life personality makes for an engaging read.

What truly delighted me about this version was the art. Honie Beam’s illustrations burst with color and energy, perfectly capturing Junie B.’s dramatic expressions and the chaotic charm of her world. The graphic format makes the story more accessible to today’s young readers, especially those who may be a bit intimidated by chapter books. It also transported me right back to my own first-day jitters — I remembered the nerves I felt when I first caught the school bus after moving to the countryside, which added a personal layer to the reading experience.

Colleen AF Venable has done a fantastic job adapting Barbara Park’s beloved words into a new format while keeping Junie B.’s original voice intact. Longtime fans will appreciate the nostalgia, while a whole new generation of readers can fall in love with this unforgettable character. If you’re looking for a fun, brightly illustrated graphic novel to gift a young reader — or to relive some childhood memories yourself — this one is an absolute delight.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colleen A. F. Venable’s Junie B Jones graphic novel is sure to fly off the shelves in elementary school and public libraries and loved and reread often in libraries at home. Junie tells things like they are and often does and says things we all would like to, but won’t due to consequences that generally rain down on those who are so out-spoken and bold. Junie’s nerves about starting school will be highly relatable to readers and any who have experienced the noise, smell and discomfort of a school bus will absolutely understand her drastic measures to avoid riding one again. (But we probably wouldn’t do the same…just want to.) And isn’t that the appeal of the original, traditional format Junie B Jones? Yes, there was were always parents who protested her disrespect of authority and some of her rude announcements of not liking this person or that event, but most readers were using the series as the humorous relief and escapism it was intended to be and not a roadmap for future behavior. The graphic novel adaptation retains most of Junie’s spunk with a bit less of the mouthiness “those parents” have often opposed. Honie Beam’s illustrations are sure to please readers and lovers of the original series and will note some more modern elements like cell phones added to give a more contemporary feel. Libraries who have weeded the original series may need to purchase at least some of them (in their new and more current-looking covers) for those who want more of the little girl so many of us grew up loving.

Recommended for libraries serving preschool-grade 4.

Thanks, NetGalley for the electronic advance reader copy.

[JT Milam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this incredible adaptation of one of my favorite books from childhood. Thank you to Random House and NetGalley!

I remember the first time I was introduced to Junie B Jones. I was in the first grade and my teacher read the book aloud to us during story time. I instantly fell in love with Barbara Parks writing and the humor that she brought to Junie B. This was obviously the first book in the series and the first book I read, but I continued my love for the series for many years and reread the original Junie B Jones book in 2024 for fun.

This graphic adaptation of the legendary Barbara Park’s novel was just as hilarious as when I read the book over 25 years ago. The modern art is definitely going to draw children in and get them excited about reading Junie B Jones books, the way that I was when I was a kid. While I’m nostalgic for the original art, the art style of this graphic novel is adorable and the bright colors really help bring the story to life.

I’m so excited that Junie B Jones is being adapted into the graphic novel format because now an entirely new generation is going to get to discover these truly laugh out loud stories. And yes, reading a graphic novel is reading! And we should continue to encourage children to pick up books, no matter the format.

I just can’t say enough positive things. Five stars until the day I die!!

[Jennifer Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love it when popular children’s books are remade into graphic novels! In this case, Junie B. Jones has been around for quite awhile, so I think remaking it as a graphic novel gives it new life and helps make it more accessible for a whole new generation of readers.

When I originally read the chapter book with my oldest daughter, I really didn’t care for Junie B.’s personality, but she enjoyed the books so I let her continue the series on her own. I think one of the best parts about the graphic novel is that it helped me really understand Junie B.’s feelings better. I think many young readers will be able to relate to Junie B. because they either feel the same way or have felt the same way in the past.

Some older kindergartners (or more advanced readers) may be able to read this book, but more than likely it will be 1st and 2nd graders that are able to read it independently. However, with the chapter format and illustrations, I think this graphic novel would be a great one for teachers or parents to share with younger readers. It would definitely open the door to conversations about common experiences and fears that very young children have as they begin school. Overall, I highly recommend this graphic novel to young readers, their families, and school and classroom libraries.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for the opportunity to review an eARC of this title.

[Alli Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up reading the original Junie B Jones books. So there is definitely a lot of nostalgia attached to the series. I loved the graphic novel format. There were a few things in the book that were kind of modernized from the original books. It wasn’t anything that I think made any significant impact on the story but likely does make a difference in children today being able to relate. An example is a reference to ‘no more screen time’. Also, I noticed the way that the adults interact with Junie B had a slightly different feel to it. I remember in the original books that it sometimes felt like her teacher just really didn’t like her and seemed to be annoyed at everything she did. I was happy to see that I didn’t have this same feeling with this book. All in all I think they did a great job adapting a nostalgic series both to graphic novel format and to be more inline with the culture kids are currently living in without taking away any of the original humor and good feelings.

A thousand thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for giving me a chance to read an e-arc of this book.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Other popular series have made the transition over to graphic novel format - Magic Tree House, Bailey School Kids, I Survived - and now Junie B. is on the scene. All the plot essentials of the chapter book are there, as well as Junie B.'s personality in full color. While not directly copying the original illustration style of Denise Brunkus, this updated version is easily recognizable to fans. Favorite scenes such as Junie B. hiding in the classroom supply closet and making herself at home in the clinic are captured with the energy and humor so dear to readers over the years. Facial expressions capture her disgust of the "stupid smelly bus," her delight at finding a stash of band-aids to apply (whether needed or not), and her alarm when she finds herself balanced on top of a pair of crutches with no idea how to get down.

This new approach will be popular with those who were already enjoying the adventures in the traditional chapter books, but will also win over new admirers who prefer the graphic novel presentation. It's a win either way.

[Milly &#x1f40c; · Rating 3 out of 5]

Junie B. was the first full series I ever read as a kid, and I still have so much nostalgia for it. The art style was cute and definitely helped make the books approachable for young readers, but I really miss the days when kids were given short chapter books instead of everything being turned into graphic novels. Now it feels like everything is pictures.

The new art is adorable, but it shortens the story and doesn’t translate the same way. So much of Junie B.’s personality gets lost when the storytelling is limited. There were layers to her character that just don’t come through as strongly when the format changes.

I think the best approach is to start kids with the graphic novels, since they’re easier and more engaging for new readers, and then let them move up to the original chapter books as they get older. That way they get the fun visuals when they’re young, but they still come back to the full stories later. It lets them experience both versions without forgetting the depth and voice of the real author.