Yahoo Lifestyle Junie B. Jones Arrives for a New Generation in Upcoming Graphic Novel Series (Exclusive)
The beloved children’s book series was originally written by Barbara Park and illustrated by Denise Brunkus
Mindy Tucker; Random House Books for Young Readers; K.L. Beam
Colleen Af Venable (L), Honie Beam and the graphic novel cover of 'Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus'Those of us who were kids in the 90s and ‘00s likely remember the beloved children’s book character Junie B. Jones — now, the famous kindergartner is coming to a whole new generation!
A new graphic novel series based on the books is on its way, PEOPLE can exclusively reveal. The series will kick off in spring 2025 with Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus, adapted by Colleen AF Venable and illustrated by Honie Beam.
The original children’s book series was authored by Park, who died in 2013, and illustrated by Denise Brunkus. It debuted in 1992 with the novel Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus. The book details its spunky titular character’s first day of kindergarten, and her “less than enthusiastic” feelings about taking the bus to school.
Random House Books for Young Readers
The graphic novel cover of 'Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus'Venable and Beam both have their own connections with Junie B. Jones, who was the main protagonist over the series’ 28 books.
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“I grew up reading Junie B.,” Beam said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “It’s one of the first book series I remember reading with my parents for fun. This project has been extra exciting for that reason.”
“I was Junie B. I don’t think any character in the history of literature connects with me as much," Venable added. "I’m still in shock I am part of a team bringing Junie B. to the next generation."
The original book series sold over 75 million copies globally, according to a press release shared with PEOPLE. The franchise has since expanded to include three activity books, as well as various stage adaptations of books in the series.
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus original book cover by Barbara Park
The original 1992 cover of 'Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus'The new graphic novel series ensures that Junie B. will continue to delight readers, says Park’s longtime editor, Shana Corey.
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“I am absolutely thrilled to bring Junie B. Jones to a whole new generation of readers and in a format that illustrates the series’ humor and heart,” Corey says in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “Colleen and Honie have truly captured the magic of the books and Junie B’s spirit — they do Barbara Park proud.”
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Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus will hit shelves on April 29, 2025 and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.
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