Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday



Last updated Thursday, December 8, 2011

Author: Megan McDonald
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Date of Publication: 2008
ISBN: 0763632376
Grade Level: 5th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Dec. 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon.com:
Judy Moody is making a list and checking it twice, but all her brother, Stink, wants this year is snow. It hasn’t snowed on Christmas in Virginia in more than a hundred years, however, so what are the chances that that will change? Enter the new mailman, Mr. Jack Frost, who not only looks like a jolly old elf but also seems to know a lot about weather patterns, has a fondness for the cold, and works looooooong hours during the holiday season. Plus it’s the best time of the year, when strange packages and lots of surprises are swirling around, so isn’t it possible that Stink might get his wish? Fans who curl up with this new Moody comedy can be sure that their bellies will shake like a bowl full of jelly.

Note to readers:
•  This book with specially selected to be easier to read since December reading clubs come with a lot of distractions. Remember, too, that the kids read at different levels. This could be the perfect book for a budding chapter reader!

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you think this book is about?
•  What is on your Christmas or holiday list?
•  If it snowed, what would you want to do?
•  What are some Christmas traditions you know from different cultures?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What are the differences between the Christmas Judy wants and Stink wants?
•  What are your family traditions for the holidays?

Craft ideas:
•  Make paper snowflakes
•  Decorate a cutout Christmas tree with Hawaiian-themed decorations
•  Create a Christmas tree decoration with construction paper and yarn to hang it on the tree

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!