Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: The Graphic Novel to be published April 29, 2025
Random House Children’s Books will publish Barbara Park’s beloved Junie B. Jones series as graphic novels, it was announced last week by Michelle Nagler, SVP & Publisher, Brands. JUNIE B. JONES AND THE STUPID SMELLY BUS: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL will be published on April 29, 2025, as the series debut, bringing the feisty heroine to a new crop of readers and fans of graphic novels. Park’s original stories will be adapted for the format by Katie the Catsitter author Colleen AF Venable and will be illustrated by newcomer Honie Beam. Nagler and Shana Corey, Editorial Director, RH Graphic/Brands, brokered the deal with the Park Estate (Amy Berkower at Writers House) and with Colleen AF Venable (Holly Root at Root Literary). April Ward, Executive Director, Art/Design, Chapter Books, MG, and YA, brokered the deal with Honie Beam (Alex Gehringer at Bright Agency) and colorist Kiwi Byrd (Kiwi represented herself). Corey, Park’s longtime editor, will edit the series, and Senior Designer Sylvia Bi is the designer. The book will have a first printing of 150,000 copies and will be supported by a major marketing and publicity plan.
Said Corey: “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. Colleen and Honie have truly captured the magic of the books and Junie B’s spirit—they do Barbara Park proud.”
The New York Times bestselling Junie B. Jones series, originally illustrated by Denise Brunkus, has been entertaining young readers for over 30 years. With global sales of well over 75 million copies, the series has been translated into multiple languages, has been adapted for the stage as a musical that continues to tour across the country, and is a time-honored staple in elementary school classrooms. Park died in 2013, but her legacy lives on in the laughter her books give to readers all over the world. In JUNIE B. JONES AND THE STUPID SMELLY BUS, readers are introduced to the lovable and hilarious Junie B., a little girl starting kindergarten and feeling less than enthusiastic about riding the school bus for the first time. From her favorite stuffed elephant named Philip Johnny Bob, to her shoes named Pat and Leather (licking them helps keep them shiny) to her dog named Tickle, Park’s memorable story shines in this new graphic novel format that will entertain young readers, as well as nostalgic millennial fans.
“I grew up reading Junie B. 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,” said Beam. Venable added, “I was Junie B. I don’t think any character in the history of literature connects with me as much. I’m still in shock I am part of a team bringing Junie B. to the next generation.”
BARBARA PARK (1947–2013) was beloved by millions as the author of the wildly popular Junie B. Jones series. She left a legacy of laughter and reading.
COLLEEN AF VENABLE is the author of many kids’ books, including the bestselling Katie the Catsitter graphic novel series. Colleen discovered Junie B. as a young babysitter and says, “I instantly fell in love.
HONIE BEAM is making her graphic novel debut with Junie B. Jones. Honie grew up reading Junie B., and when she’s not illustrating, Honie can be found playing the mandolin and doodling dragons on important tax documents.
