Junie B. Jones: Mushy Gushy Valentine
#1 in Skinnybones Series
on Goodreads (1,790)
What’s inside...
In 'Junie B. Jones: Mushy Gushy Valentine', Junie B. Jones, a kindergartner, is not thrilled about Valentine's Day as she finds it too mushy and is reluctant to give out cards. However, her perspective changes when she receives a special card from a secret admirer, leading her to investigate and discover that it is from a boy named Jim whom she often teases. Through this experience, Junie B. learns to appreciate the spirit of Valentine's Day and the importance of giving and receiving love and kindness.
Character compass
Junie B. Jones
Grace
Lucille
Mrs.
Jim
Alex Frankovitch
Discussion points
How do you think Junie B. felt when she received her mushy gushy valentime? Can you relate to her feelings?
Why is it important to show kindness to others, just like Junie B. does with her classmates?
What would you do if you were in Junie B.'s shoes and received a special valentine? How would you react?
How can giving or receiving a valentine make someone's day better?
Which character in the book would you like to be friends with and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own experiences with valentines to create a comforting environment for discussion.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite parts of the book, fostering a deeper connection to the story and its characters.
Use facial expressions and tone changes while discussing the story to keep your child interested and engaged.
Ask your child how they might apply Junie B.'s experiences in their own life, particularly in their interactions with friends.
End the conversation by planning a small valentine-related activity, such as crafting cards, to make the themes of the book more tangible.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Junie B. Jones navigates the complexities of receiving a special Valentine from a secret admirer, which teaches her about understanding others' feelings and intentions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of considering others' feelings in their interactions, helping them build stronger, empathetic relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, Junie B. tackles the mystery of her secret admirer. This plot encourages problem-solving and critical thinking as she gathers clues and tries to solve the puzzle.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to apply logical thinking and problem-solving strategies in their daily lives, whether in academic challenges or personal dilemmas.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: The book highlights how Junie B. values her friendships, especially when sorting through her emotions about the Valentine's gift, showcasing the importance of friends during confusing times.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to appreciate and rely on their friendships for support and happiness, fostering strong interpersonal skills from an early age.
Example Lesson: Expression of Feelings
Explanation: Junie B.'s experience with receiving a Valentine's gift demonstrates the importance of expressing one's feelings rather than keeping them bottled up.
Real-World Application: Children learn to communicate their emotions effectively, which is crucial for their emotional health and for maintaining healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face the Unknown
Explanation: Junie B. shows bravery as she confronts the mystery of her secret admirer, representing a broader theme of facing the unknown with courage.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face new challenges and unknown situations with bravery and a positive attitude, helping them grow and learn from new experiences.