"Judy is independent, feisty, and full of energy, a delightful new character for beginning chapter-book readers. Reynolds has captured her personality in his humorous illustrations done in watercolor, tea, and pen and ink."

-School Library Journal, July 2000

"...this beginning chapter book features large type; simple, expressive prose and dialogue; and plenty of child-appealing humor. Children will enjoy lively Judy and her diverse hobbies and adventures with best-friend Rocky. They'll also like the witty, detailed drawings (especially the picture of Judy's unique collage, a nice activity idea) . . . An entertaining story that portrays challenges and pleasures from a kid's perspective, and shows how making the best of things can have surprising rewards."

-Booklist, July 2000

"Judy is just, well, intense, in that at-odds-with-the- whole-world way typical of third graders. . . . this large-type chapter book is immensely funny. . . . Fuming all the way, Judy Moody rules."

-Family Fun, June/July 2000

"Judy Moody is a third-grader with plenty of personality. . . . McDonald's hilarious narrative and deadpan delivery bring her characters to life. Her insight into family dynamics, the tricky nature of friendship and the joys of self-discovery give the book an unexpected depth. Reynolds' quirky, appealing black and white illustrations match the book's offbeat tone perfectly. Like the text, the pictures appear deceptively simple, but look closer. With subtle shading, Reynolds reveals character, mood and action. He captures perfectly the bouncy energy and mysterious logic of children. And he extends McDonald's humor into laugh-out-loud fun."

-Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 21, 2000

"The book itself has a look as fresh as its heroine... The book opens ... with a hilarious spread in pen-and-ink wash... the dialogue is spot-on... It's hard to imagine a mood Judy couldn't improve."

-Publishers Weekly Starred Review, April 17, 2000

"...Judy navigates the moody muddy waters of third grade with a fair amount of grace. The humor is third-grade funny... and Judy... is a character with sass and style. [The art] extends the friendly feeling of the humorous text. The catchy cutout cover and overall book design... will appeal to young readers, and adults will welcome Judy to the readaloud shelf."

-The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, May 2000

"Changeable skies arch over a third-grader's moodscape in this easy-reading chapter book... Reynolds's black and white washes are perfectly placed to track Judy's ups and downs... Surefire fare for Cleary, Kline, and Hurwitz fans."

-Kirkus, April 15, 2000