JUDY MOODY: IN A MONDAY MOOD, by Megan McDonald and Peter H. Reynolds, Candlewick, Sept. 14, 2021, Hardcover, $15.99 (ages 6-9)
Every day has the potential for becoming a holiday in Judy Moody: In a Monday Mood, by Megan McDonald and Peter H. Reynolds.
Crumbs! Why can’t every day be Saturday?
Judy Moody is Monday-morning mopey. Another week in her same-old seat at her same-old desk in her same-old school. Even worse, there aren’t any days off from school for ages. But when she steps into Class 3T, Judy’s Monday frown turns upside down. Pop! Pop! Pop-pop-pop! Mr. Todd is making Monday special by celebrating Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day (no lie)! This gives Judy an idea that just-might-maybe turn her week around: why not make every day of the week a holiday? But after she and her friends come up with a week’s worth of wacky celebrations, from feeding ninja squirrels to honoring National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day, will the weekend be one big letdown? —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
My 7-year-old began reading the Judy Moody books when she was in kindergarten, and she was immediately impressed. She really connected with this spunky girl who honestly expressed herself and wasn’t afraid to fail.
Though my daughter is moving into harder books, she was still excited when Judy Moody: In a Monday Mood arrived. She begged me to read it, and here are her stream-of-consciousness thoughts:
“It’s as good as the other Judy Moody books. It’s also good to know about different kinds of cultures to help with all the different holidays. The best part is that there are different cultures in the world, and we all should have peace. Also, I like about the zucchini ninja agency. It’s cool because Judy and Stink write funny notes to their friends with a bundle of zucchini at night.”
We’ve really come to enjoy this series at our house, and when people ask for recommendations, I always suggest Judy over Junie B. Jones.
