Junie B. (Mrs. Gutzman)

Mrs. Gutzman! I am so glad to see you!

Junie B Jones, I’m glad to see you too!

Hey, now that you’ve found me, when can you bring the cookies to our classroom, Gladys?

Don’t call me Gladys, dear. And first graders don’t get cookies like kindergartners do. First graders get cookies when they buy their school lunches.

And so pardon me for asking… but what are kids like me supposed to do?

Hmmm. How would you, Junie B. Jones, like to help me in the kitchen?

Are you kidding? Is this some kind of a joke?

Nope, no joke. If it’s ok with your teacher, I’ll give you a permission slip to take home to your parents.

Really?

Really.

I clapped and danced and twirled. Because I knew what this would mean. I could work my way up, day after day, meal after meal, until one glorious day, the spoon would be passed and I, Junie B. Jones, would be crowned the boss of lunch!

Now Junie B, your first job today will be to keep napkins stacked up right here on the countertop. Do you think you can do that for me, Junie B?

I know I can do that Mrs. Gutzman! Cause I am already familiar with napkins! I use napkins at my very own house. I use them to wipe my mouth after dinner. Plus sometimes, I use my sleeve.

Oh my. Well, your second job will be to keep this big counter wiped off. You don’t have to clean up any big messes, Junie B. Just take this sponge and wipe up any little spills or crumbs you see.

Sponges are another job I am good at, Mrs. Gutzman. Cause one time in kindergarten, I practiced throwing sponges in my toilet.

Your toilet?

That’s right! And I didn’t even miss the pot, hardly!

Well, uh- there’s one more job I want to tell you about. Do you see that door over there? That’s where the children come in to get their lunches.

Yes. I see it.

Well, when you’re not busy with your other jobs, I’d like you to be our lunch greeter. Do you know what a lunch greeter is? A greeter smiles at people and says, “Hello, children. My name is Junie B, and on today’s menu, we are proud to present, tuna noodle casserole!” Do you think you could do that?

I don’t know. Maybe I could.

Lovely, because here come the children now!

Hello, Clarence somebody or other elementary school kids. My name is Junie B Jones, and on today’s menu, we are proud to present tuna… noodle… stinkle! What the heck is that smell?

What you’re smelling is our lunch today, Junie B.

AHHHHHH!!!!!!

Junie B Jones?

Mrs. Gutzman! Mrs. Gutzman! Junie B Jones is trying to hide from you! She is sliding down in her chair so you can’t see her. But I am keeping track of her movements!

Junie B? Why are you sitting on the floor? I brought something for your class. Don’t you want to see what it is?

No, thank you. I don’t want to see it. And so you can be on your way now, please. Mrs. Gutzman! What are you doing down here?

I brought a little something for your class today, but there’s no one up there to help me pass it out.

There are lots of people to help you.

But I need someone with experience.

Alright. But some of these children are still very mad at me, you know.

Yes, well, I think maybe I can fix that.

Sugar cookies?

Sugar cookies!

SUGAR COOKIES! Thank you, Mrs. Gutzman! Thank you!

Don’t thank me, class. Junie B. Jones is the one who reminded me to pay you a visit this year. She’s the one you need to thank.

Thank you, Junie B. Jones!

Ready to go, helper?