Junie B. Jones Arrives for a New Generation in Upcoming Graphic Novel Series (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Colleen Af Venable (L), Honie Beam and the graphic novel cover of ‘Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus’.Photo:Mindy Tucker; Random House Books for Young Readers; K.L. Beam

Mindy Tucker; Random House Books for Young Readers; K.L. Beam

The graphic novel cover of ‘Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus’.Random House Books for Young Readers

Random House Books for Young Readers

Venable and Beam both have their own connections with Junie B. Jones, who was the main protagonist over the series’ 28 books.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!“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.”“IwasJunie 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.

The new graphic novel series ensures that Junie B. will continue to delight readers, says Park’s longtime editor, Shana 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,” 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.”Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Buswill hit shelves on April 29, 2025 and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.

source: people.com