Those stories were originally published in the New Yorker, and subsequently turned into a Broadway play which ran for two years and then was transformed into a movie, radio series and tv show, as well as being the inspiration for Junior Mints candy. All this would lead one to believe that Junior MIss will be a light, cheerful book all about the magic of being a young lady. This illusion is destroyed 4 pages in, when Judy, the heroine, is described as "tall for her age and heavily built...entirely shapeless...her face had a ghastly yellow tinge...her dress was supposed to hang gracefully but instead looked as if she had been stuffed into it."
I'm not saying I couldn't identify with Judy on the basis of her appearance. But when a writer goes out of her way to point out that her main character is unattractive, and then has the main character constantly obsess about nail polish, facials, beauty tips from magazines, and growing up as quickly as possible so she can wear stockings, perfume and "perfectly stunning" cruise clothes, the effect is a little depressing.
Did sophisticated New Yorker readers in 1940 find this soothing? Did they think Judy and Lois amusing creations just like their own daughters? Did the irritatingly mournful comedy of the stories make them chuckle? I can't really answer that, any more than I can decide if this is a book you're supposed to enjoy or one to send a chill up your spine.
Reviewed on my blog The Paris Hat: http://theparishat.blogspot.com/2010/06/little-monsters.html