23. Junie B. Jones Is a Beauty Shop Guy (Junie B. Jones, No. 11)

Kindergarten-Grade 2-This exuberant kindergartner's newest adventure begins with a visit to the local beauty shop. Fascinated with sitting in the "spinny" chair and helping the beautician give her dad a haircut, Junie decides that her hopes and dreams are wrapped up in scissors, smelly hair gel, and fluffy towels. When her father warns her that it takes years of hard work to learn how to cut hair, the girl takes his advice and starts practicing...on her bunny slippers, on the dog, and eventually on herself. When she goes to school wearing three hats to cover her unfortunate "sprigs," only her teacher and a session with the real beautician can save her. Parks does an excellent job of keeping her adult characters real, in charge, yet not overbearing. Junie's teacher's sympathy and understanding are heartwarming, and her dad's exasperation is completely believable. Junie is always the focus and the one who solves the dilemma, this time by confessing to her teacher and admitting that she might need some help. Brunkus's illustrations complete the child's exploits. The honesty and inventiveness of this savvy kindergartner make the Junie B. books accessible and completely enjoyable