It’s been sometime since I last read a Judy Moody book. I had almost forgotten how moody Judy can get. Reading the latest in the series, Judy Moody and the Bucket List, it all came back and I found myself enjoying it, despite having gotten a bit older to care for the moods of a third grader.

The book sees Judy as moody as before, but eventually learning to get over the moods to look at things with more depth and understanding. When Judy finds a list of things that her grandmother wants to do, she is surprised at the discovery.

Then grandma explains that it’s her ‘bucket list’ — list of things she wants to do before she ‘hits the bucket’ or dies — Judy is dismayed at the significance but gets over it soon and sets about to make her own list of goals she wants to accomplish before fourth grade starts.

She sets about to learn a musical instrument, ride a horse, do cartwheel, invent something cool, earn three stickers on a homework assignment, go on a trip to Antarctica, and a few other things. Some of these things aren’t so difficult, while others test all her wits. All along, her grandmother is a constant encouraging presence who also explains to her that more than accomplishing these goals, it is enjoying the journey that is important.

Judy doesn’t get it at first, but she does when she realises what one of the last things on her grandma’s list, making a difference, is all about. She has saved some money for the Antarctica trip — by doing things like scooping pet poop for neighbours — and her grandmother is trying to raise some money for books for the local children’s library. Judy learns that doing good for others is an important goal so she gives grandma her trip money to buy the books.

The best part of the story was Judy’s connection and interaction with her grandmother, and all of us who have shared such a bond with our own grandparents can easily relate to it and enjoy.

The illustrations add to the narration as the book is for readers under ten and they need some visuals to keep their interest alive. Somehow, I didn’t find myself enjoying this book as much as I remember having enjoyed my last Judy Moody book, but I guess it’s because I am older now and stories of third graders are for third graders probably.

Published in Dawn, Young World, December 23rd, 2017