Judy Moody: Sunny-Side Up

I grew up riding the highs and lows of Judy Moody like she was my moody middle-grade spirit animal. I was there for the Me Collage. The infamous “I Ate a Shark” shirt. The school project on Elizabeth Blackwell, first woman doctor. The Scab Club. Even the Great TTPC (The Toad Pee Club). So when Sunny-Side Up rolled in, I thought — yes! Classic Judy chaos, right?

Well… not quite.

She’s still got her sass, Stink is still Stink (bless his encyclopedia loving-heart), and Mr Todd remains the most patient teacher in fictional history. But this time around, the drama felt a bit dialled down. Less "Judy Moody Declares Independence!" and more "Judy Moody Sorta finds good news.

It’s warm, nostalgic, and has its moments — but where’s the girl who turned her mood ring jet black over summer holiday envy? The one who bought her man killing plant to school??

I smiled, I reminisced, but I didn’t feel it. Maybe Judy’s growing up. Maybe I am too. Either way, I’ll always save her a seat at the band-aid collector table.

AND...Megan McDonald will ALWAYS have my heart — her books shaped my childhood, and meeting her in real life? Pure magic. I’ll cherish that moment forever.

Mood ring reads: light blue – calm, with a tinge of wistful and nostalgia...