Watch Out For Joel Books in Order

Joel and Ricky accompany old Mr. Jones to a concert at their mother's request. What should be a straightforward outing becomes another comic mishap as Joel's talent for getting into trouble unsettles the plans of those around him.

Joel, Ricky and Lisa build an enormous slingshot despite Joel's warning that trying it may be a bad idea. When their experiment goes wrong, the children face a choice about admitting their mistake and telling the truth.

Joel already fears the camp outhouse when a bully prepares a cruel surprise for him. With help from his older brother Ricky, he must decide how to confront the trouble without allowing anger to become revenge.

Joel and his brother prepare birthday surprises for their mother, but Joel chooses unusual materials: Popsicle sticks and frozen flies. His attempt to make a special gift sets up a comic family story about showing love in an unexpected way.

Joel happily takes over newspaper deliveries for his older brother Ricky, unaware that he is being underpaid. His enthusiasm and plans for the money leave Ricky facing the difference between brotherly affection and taking advantage of someone who trusts him.

Joel likes Mrs. Strunk but dreads the terrible meals she serves when he visits her house. Faced with another dinner of onion soup, he tries to avoid the food without hurting the feelings of a kind host.