From Publishers Weekly
This sequel to Judy Moody handily matches the original in zip and wit, portraying the spunky Judy in her quest for recognition. Famous for her changeable moods, the third-grader wants to become just plain famous after her arch rival, Jessica, wins a spelling contest to earn the title of Queen Bee, an honor accompanied by a bejeweled tiara and a front-page headline in the local newspaper. In contrast, green-eyed Judy "felt about as famous as a pencil." When it becomes clear that her spelling prowess will not pave Judy's way to fame, the resourceful child tries to pass off a hammered cherry pit as one from George Washington's ill-fated tree a ruse that bombs when a boy mistakes it for an M&M and swallows it. Judy's cat, Mouse, makes another appearance, helping the heroine attract the spotlight when it wins second place in a pet contest; but the newspaper photo shows only her elbow, and her name appears as "Judy Muddy." McDonald provides an inventive conclusion to her tangy tale, as an altruistic undertaking on Judy's part garners her fame (hint: her medical school aspirations once again come into play) but anonymously. Even Judy could spell two words that describe both the plot and its heroine: f-r-e-s-h and f-u-n-n-y. Here's to her quick return. Ages 6-10. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal
Gr 2-4-Third-grader Judy Moody is back in her second adventure for the young chapter-book crowd. She has a mood for all seasons, and this time it is jealousy. She thinks everyone else is famous except for her-even her parents and brother all have claims to fame. Sure that she'll be a winner when her cat makes toast for the "Famous Pet Contest," she loses to a boy whose chicken plays "Three Blind Mice" on a toy piano. In the end, Judy becomes famous anonymously after she steals some broken dolls from the hospital, fixes and cleans them, and mails them back, and the local newspaper picks up the story. To her surprise, she finds her secret even more satisfying than having everyone know who did the good deed. Funny black-and-white cartoons appear throughout. Dialogue is right on target for the character's age and feelings. The child's self-centered attitude may be tiresome to some adult readers, but kids will relate to her every concern. Look for future adventures of this feisty heroine, and don't miss her time in the spotlight.Sharon R. Pearce, Geronimo Public School, OKCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


Card catalog description
When a third grade classmate gets her picture in the paper for winning a spelling bee, Judy is determined to find a way to become famous herself.

FROM OUR EDITORS

Judy Moody is well known for her legendary disposition, be it angry, annoyed, ecstatic, or just frustrated. This feisty third-grader is back, and this time, envy is her mood of choice. After Spelling Queen Bee Jessica Finch gets her picture in the paper, Judy feels the need to capture her 15 minutes of fame. But how can she compete? Lacking a pile of blue ribbons or certificates, Judy must conjure up a new way to be a star.

Judy attempts a variety of schemes to thrust herself into the spotlight. When a faux famous cherry pit, displayed as George Washington's very own, is eaten by a hungry youngster, her plans are foiled. She then enters a pet tricks contest in the hope that her beloved cat, Mouse, will secure her stardom. When she does win second place, her photo in the paper reveals only her elbow. Frustrated, she eventually decides that breaking the world record for the human centipede is where glory lies. But instead of breaking the record -- she breaks her friend's finger. While at the hospital, she befriends a young girl who just had heart surgery. When the little one complains that the hospital dolls are not up to par (most are limbless and have no hair) Judy sneaks them home for some makeovers. The result? A doll hospital, which she secretly sends back to the hospital, especially for her new friend. Little does Judy know that fame comes in all sorts of packages....

Author Megan McDonald uses a dynamic young lady and an assortment of amusing supporting characters to convey the dramatic life of Miss Judy. From her annoyingly "perfect" brother Stink (who ultimately redeems himself) to her supportive best friend Rocky, to the famous and pristine Jessica, McDonald creates a vivid landscape for the spirited Judy.

ANNOTATION

In this sequel to "Judy Moody, " jealousy rears its ugly head when classmate Jessica Finch gets her picture on the front page of the newspaper for winning a spelling bee. When Judy sets off on her own pursuit of fame, she might become infamous instead.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Judy Moody's in a jealous mood. Jealous of Jessica Finch, that is, who wins the spelling bee and gets her picture on the front page of the newspaper. But once Judy sets her mind on fame, there's no stopping her...

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

This sequel to Judy Moody handily matches the original in zip and wit, portraying the spunky Judy in her quest for recognition. Famous for her changeable moods, the third-grader wants to become just plain famous after her arch rival, Jessica, wins a spelling contest to earn the title of Queen Bee, an honor accompanied by a bejeweled tiara and a front-page headline in the local newspaper. In contrast, green-eyed Judy "felt about as famous as a pencil." When it becomes clear that her spelling prowess will not pave Judy's way to fame, the resourceful child tries to pass off a hammered cherry pit as one from George Washington's ill-fated tree a ruse that bombs when a boy mistakes it for an M&M and swallows it. Judy's cat, Mouse, makes another appearance, helping the heroine attract the spotlight when it wins second place in a pet contest; but the newspaper photo shows only her elbow, and her name appears as "Judy Muddy." McDonald provides an inventive conclusion to her tangy tale, as an altruistic undertaking on Judy's part garners her fame (hint: her medical school aspirations once again come into play) but anonymously. Even Judy could spell two words that describe both the plot and its heroine: f-r-e-s-h and f-u-n-n-y. Here's to her quick return. Ages 6-10. (Aug.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

In this sequel to Judy Moody, the spunky heroine has a quest to become famous when her rival wins a spelling contest. In a starred review, PW said, "Even Judy could spell two words that describe both the plot and its heroine: f-r-e-s-h and f-u-n-n-y." Ages 6-10. (Apr.)

Children's Literature

Just like most kids, Judy Moody has a secret dream of being famous for something. Her nemesis, Jessica Finch, won a local spelling bee and got her name in the newspaper. Her brother creates a "Moody Hall of Fame" on the refrigerator and features his own special famous moments. Judy seems to be the only one who hasn't done something really special. After a few very creative attempts to get some attention for herself, Judy realizes that she is still no closer to becoming famous. A trip to the emergency room with her friend leads Judy to discover a playroom with a problem—all of the dolls are broken and disheveled. One of the patients complains about the lack of good dolls to play with during her long hours in the hospital. Judy secretly takes the dolls home and refurbishes them so that they look like little patients, then returns them to the hospital. To her surprise, an article appears in the newspaper about the "Phantom Doll Doctor" who brought joy to the hospital playroom. Although Judy's secret identity is never revealed, she learns that fame is rewarding even if no one else knows about it. 2001, Candlewick Press, $15.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer:Carol Lynch

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-Third-grader Judy Moody is back in her second adventure for the young chapter-book crowd. She has a mood for all seasons, and this time it is jealousy. She thinks everyone else is famous except for her-even her parents and brother all have claims to fame. Sure that she'll be a winner when her cat makes toast for the "Famous Pet Contest," she loses to a boy whose chicken plays "Three Blind Mice" on a toy piano. In the end, Judy becomes famous anonymously after she steals some broken dolls from the hospital, fixes and cleans them, and mails them back, and the local newspaper picks up the story. To her surprise, she finds her secret even more satisfying than having everyone know who did the good deed. Funny black-and-white cartoons appear throughout. Dialogue is right on target for the character's age and feelings. The child's self-centered attitude may be tiresome to some adult readers, but kids will relate to her every concern. Look for future adventures of this feisty heroine, and don't miss her time in the spotlight.-Sharon R. Pearce, Geronimo Public School, OK Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews