Product Description

Falling in Love . . .

Shelly fells as if she's living in a fantasyland. She's spending the school year in southern California, where flowers bloom in November, oranges grow on trees, and lawns are mowed in winter. When the star of the basketball team smiles at her, Shelly feels as if she's been touch by magic. Now she's about to discover the magic of falling in love!

Customer Reviews (35)

not just for girls
Interestingly enough I was working at a local boys and girls club last summer as a reading room supervisor. I ended up picking this book up one day while bored and actually asked to take it home! I think I read it in like a day! To me it was very well written for a YA book, the character's had a lot of demention, it wasn't totally predictable, and Shelley was a really nostalgic character for me. Even though She wasn't much younger than me, I could relate well to her self discovery, new experiences growing up, and fascination when she moved. I'm sure any 12, 13, 14 year old would feel the same way! Good read :D

Great book
Received this book way ahead of time and in good condition, although it is a used library book. But worth having as a first edition.

Luckiest Girl
This product was shipped the day I placed the order.I received it two days later and it was in perfect condition.The seller was great.

=D
i havent read this book on my kindle but i have read it in a first edition hard copy my school library was selling and was ONLY 10 cents! it is a heart warming story that every teenage girl my age should read.its a really good read.~danielle

the luckiest girl
the luckiest girl was one of the best books ive ever read i just didnt want to put it down the end had a thrilling twist and i give it five stars no doubt about it. this book is good for girls from 11 to 16 ... Read more

Product Description

For Henry Huggins and his friends Robert and Murph, a clubhouse is a place where they can do as they please, without being bothered by girls. The sign that says NO GIRLS ALLOWED -- THIS MEANS YOU especially means Ramona Quimby. Lately Ramona has been following Henry on his newspaper route, embarrassing him in front of Henry's customers. The day Ramona follows Henry to the clubhouse, she wants to teach him girls aren't so bad, but she almost puts an end to his newspaper career forever.

Customer Reviews (16)

Henry and the club house
I really think that this a great book because first Henry starts of selfish but later he turns out nice.
from an eight year old :-)

An Incredible Book
This book was very inspirational and I want to keep on reading Beverly Cleary's books. I liked this one and Ribsy and sort of Ramona's World the best. These books are great.

the capstone of the Henry books
I'm glad we saved this one for last.It is so wonderful to see Henry grow more thoughtful and responsible in this series.He still has some madcap adventures and funny scrapes, but he is becoming such a nice gentlemanly kid.And that little Ramona is right on.What a wonderful series of books.

Definite children's classic
I remember reading all of the Beverly Cleary books as a child, and now I've bought these to read to my children.All of Cleary's books are literary gems, easy to read, and keep kids entertained with plots that they can relate to.

I clearly recall the 1950's style illustrations by Louis Darling in the books I used to read, which have since been replaced in these modern editions.At first I was dubious about the change because the Darling illustrations were so charming, but upon seeing these new illustrations and relating them to the content (which has NOT changed), it's clear that the new illustrator made a real effort to stay close to the original drawings.Additionally, Cleary's words in relation to the new, 'modern' illustrations, suprisingly still apply very well (aside from the 1950's prices and brand names).Regardless, it's easy to envision Henry, Beezus, and Ramona as children living in 2008 or 1950.What does that tell me about Beverly Cleary's books?They're absolutely timeless, and I hope that future generations continue to read and enjoy them as I have.

Another Beverly Cleary classic
This is the second-to-last book in the "Henry Huggins" series (if you count "Ribsy," the solo story of his dog, and set aside the Ramona and Beezus books...)

In this volume, once again Henry shows his determination and pluck as he sets a goal and works hard, very hard, to attain it.Actually, he pursues two goals: to save enough money from his new paper route so that he can buy a sleeping bag, and to build a clubhouse with his friends Robert and Murph. Henry learns to balance work and play, and wins the respect of the adults in his world.He also has to contend with the ever-annoying Ramona, as well as her sister Beezus (whose feelings he hurts when he agrees to make the clubhouse a "no girls allowed" zone).

Once again, Beverly Cleary gives a glimpse into the world of children that is both entertaining and emotionally honest.The innocent, white-picket fence world of the Kennedy-era early '60s may be a far cry from what life is like now, but these stories are still fun to read and pleasantly free of a lot of the violence and other baggage that define more modern kid's fiction. Wholesome and all-American, also funny and human, these are timeless stories that can help open the world of literature to inquiring young minds. (ReadThatAgain children's book reviews) ... Read more

Product Description

Beverly Cleary has given books to each member of the Quimby household except Mrs. Quimby. Now she gets her turn at last in a story that hits the high and low points of a working mother's life as seen from Ramona's seven-and-a-half-year-old viewpoint.

Inevitably domestic tensions, not without their amusing side, occasionally arise. Mr. and Mrs. Quimby sometimes forget who is to do what, as when the Crock-Pot is not plugged in and dinner remains uncooked. Beezus acquires a ludicrous teased hairdo at the student body shop while Ramona gets a becoming pixie haircut. Ramona, who feels unloved, takes to twitching her nose like a rabbit in a cozy picture book until her teacher becomes concerned that something is making her nervous.

Yet Ramona is wrong. She is loved, and readers will rejoice with her when she discovers the wonderful truth. Few writers today are as skilled as Mrs. Cleary at showing families in the round, and here she is at the peak of her powers.

Beverly Cleary's gift for understanding the tangle of thoughts and emotionsin a child's mind and heart is remarkable. Luckily, in addition to beingempathic, witty, and astute, Cleary is also prolific. She hascreated over two dozen children's books, and been presented with manyawards, including the Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw, as wellas the Newbery Honor for Ramona and Her Father andfor Ramona Quimby, Age8. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

Super Fast Shipping!!!!
I just ordered this and my daughter has already received and read it several time....Super Fast Shipping!!!!

A GREAT BOOK!
I thought it was excellent and I would recommend it to a lot of people. I have read a lot of books about Ramona.

Another winner from Beverly Cleary
"Ramona And Her Mother" is a later entry in the Ramona & Beezus series, and yet it is also one of the finest books of its kind, another in a long line of great books by the masterful Beverly Cleary.

First pubished in 1979, the book finds the gauzy comfort of the Eisenhower era (when the first Henry Huggins and Beezus books were written) replaced by the strain and worry of the recessionary 'Seventies. Ramona's dad, who recently lost his job, has found new work at a local supermarket, but he doesn't like the position, and having both parents out working full-time places new strains on the family.Ramona, who is now seven years old, is no longer an overt brat, but there's a lot going on in her little head, as she struggles with the demands that come with growing up.She is envious of her teenage older sister, who she sees as a goodie-goodie and as her parent's favorite.Her relationship with her mom seems to be up in the air as well, and her parents, both tired from long days at work, have started to argue, which worries the kids.Of course, Cleary finds the silver lining, and while young readers may both recognize their own families (and become anxious for exactly the same reasons as Ramona does) Cleary magically produces happy endings that still do not deny the hardships and imperfections of life.If you've enjoyed Ramona's earlier adventures, you will not be disappointed with this funny, quick volume.(ReadThatAgain children's book reviews)

Spirited but sped-up
I loved Ramona Quimby as a child and discovered that as an adult, I still love her! I bought three audio books narrated by Stockard Channing, who performs mostly fantastic voices for each of the characters and reads with great spirit, but my chief complaint is:

Did it have to be so fast? Sometimes it sounds as if the producers sped up the tapes to fit all the narration onto two CDs. Sometimes Channing gulps and swallows her words, and if I didn't know the text so well, I would have no idea what she was saying. I still enjoy the recording, but it is really vexing to be unable to understand her!

Otherwise, this reading is spirited, warm and brings you closer to Ramona! Cleary's depiction of a child's psyche is absolutely accurate. Kids should enjoy Ramona's rambunctious, totally rational (to her eyes) behavior, and Channing's enthusiastic (if speedy) reading.

Ramona Quimby overcomes her jealousy
The book Ramona and her mother is about a 7 year old little girl who is jealous of her big sister Beatrice and she wants to spend time with her mommy as mommy's little girl but Beezus has already taken on that role.In the end, Ramona Quimby gets her wish...To spend time with her mother.You'll need to read this book and find out how it all actually ends.Though this book does have some boring parts, I would recommend this book to any elementary or beginning middle school girl who loves Beverly Cleary books or any girl who might be experiencing what Ramona is going through.I myself can relate because I go through this almost on a daily basis.Sometimes I'm jealous of my baby cousin who gets most of all the attention but in the end (just like Ramona), I get my mommy all to myself.

G.B.M. Sanders - 6th grade - Hammond Middle
Alexandria, VA ... Read more

Product Description

All Henry Huggins wants is his very own bicycle, a shiny red one to ride up and down Klickitat Street. But no matter how Henry tries to raise money for the bike of his dreams -- from selling bubble gum to delivering newspapers -- he always ends up with too much trouble and not enough money. But Henry's old friend Beezus has an idea that may turn Henry's worst trouble yet into a real business success!

Customer Reviews (9)

Henry and Beezus
My children read this when they were small and I bought it for my grandson.

Family Favorite
This is one of those children's books that grownups love to read to children and children love to read over and over again. We're into a third generation of Beverly Cleary fans. This book is especially great if you've been struggling to find something to read to a six year old boy!

Another Classic Adventure!Wonderfuly Timeless Reading!
Oh how we love Henry Huggins!My daughter (age 8) just adores these books!Our most recent read, Henry and Beezus didn't disappoint.Told in the same chapter style as the previous books, we start out with Henry and is dog getting into more trouble...this time with the neighbors and their roast and where Henry swears to his friends that he'll have a bike as nice as Scooter's.From there we follow Henry on a raccous, fun-filled set of adventures which involve him striking gum gold, untraining Ribsy to fetch the paper (hileraious), a dog and his parking ticket, an awesome and funny bike auction, and finally the boy who ate dog food!In this group of stories, Ramona and her sister are also key players in each adventure and they lend a nice touch to this particular set of stories.Will Henry get that spiffy red bike he's got his eye on?Will he ever save enough money...or will Ribsy and Ramona "help" him right out of his chance to get it?Since this story, like others in the series, was written in the 1950's, it has a dated "leave it to beaver" feel...but that's also a great deal of the charm.They are clean cut, the kid's respet their parents and take their problems to them...and whey they get in trouble, even though they somtiems lie...there is always discussion and rational solving of the issues.I like that and apparently so does my daughter.I give it an A+, another classic that is sure to keep right on pleasing kids for years to come!

A humorous book.
Are you bored of mystery books?Well, get Henry and Beezus.It's the most funny book ever.It's about Henry wanting a bike and earning it.Henry finds lots of bubble gum packages and sells them.But a lot of kids at school are tired of them.Then Scooter goes to camp while Henry is taking his route to deliver Journals on the neighbors' front door step.Then Henry is dared to eat Woofy Dog Food.After that Henry has won beauty tickets, so Henry sold his beauty tickets and got his bike.--Andrea Arauza, Aimee Lopez, Shelly Newman and Diana Ruiz in Ms. Marik's 6th grade class

The Best Book I Have Ever Read!
On a scale of one to ten Henry and Beezus by Beverly Cleary is a twenty. That is why I am going to try to persuade you to read this wonderful book. The first reason you should read this book is because once you pick it up you just cannot put it down. It has so many funny things that happen to Henry, Beezus, and Ramona that you cannot wait to read what happens next. Now I am going to tell you a little about this book. It is about a boy, Henry, who wants a new bicycle. His parents cannot afford to buy him one so he decides to find a way to get the money himself. If you want to know how he gets the money you will have to read the book. But don't think that reading a book about a boy that gets money to get a bike is boring. In this book Beverly Cleary makes it so much more interesting. So if you want a book that you can read that will bring the kid side out of you again, read Henry and Beezus by Beverly Cleary. ... Read more

Product Description
The New Yorker called Beverly Cleary's first volume of memoirs, A Girl From Yamhill, a warm, honest book, as interesting as any novel. Now the creator of the classic children's stories millions grew up with continues her own fascination story. Here is Beverly Cleary, from college years to the publication of her first book. It is a fascinating look at her life and a writing career that spans three generations, continuing to capture the hearts and imaginations of children of all ages throughout the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

A nice read
This story continues where "A GIrl From Yamhill" left off.It's an interesting continuation of Beverly Cleary's autobiography.

I enjoyed it, but not quite as much as "A Girl From Yamhill"; this one just seemed to jump around a bit more.Still, like I said, it's a nice read.Enjoy!

My favourite author when I was a child
Beverly Cleary was my favourite author when I was a child. I was introduced to her fiction when my grade four teacher, Mrs. Burnett, read Ramona the Pest to the class. I then read every book Cleary wrote, up until the mid-eighties. I was by then sixteen or seventeen years old yet still in love with her tales of Ramona Quimby. Beverly Cleary occupies a special place in my heart as I have such fond memories of laughing with her stories and identifying with her characters and the messes they often found themselves in.

Cleary has written two memoirs, the first, A Girl from Yamhill (1988) and the second, My Own Two Feet (1995).

A constant throughout Cleary's life is her dominating, oppressive, restrictive and very unhappy mother. Cleary's fictional mother figures certainly belie the upbringing she had under her own mother's thumb. Cleary's mother discouraged her from everything she wanted to do, whether it was a major or minor life event. Mrs. Cleary disapproved of her daughter's choice of college education, of all her boyfriends and especially her husband, of her decision even to have children, and of her decision to become a children's author. One might expect Cleary, an only daughter, to rebel or become disillusioned with life and develop addictions or insecurities. As Cleary grew up she simply learned to ignore her mother and do what she wanted anyway, which was in her own way a quiet rebellion.

Each memoir is written in the Cleary style that places the author herself into the lead role. I felt as though I could substitute ten-year-old Beverly Bunn for Ellen Tebbits or Henry Huggins and I would be none the wiser. As I read these memoirs, I was transported back to the mid-seventies when I was reading a new Cleary book every few days, only this time I was laughing along with little Beverly Bunn's schooltime antics and then cringing and laughing as she faces the public as Mrs. Beverly Cleary, 1940's librarian.

Cleary tells of some eccentric characters she had to work with while working as a children's librarian in California in the 1940's. World War II meant rationing and money and materials were tight. While Cleary worked at a bookstore during busy Christmas seasons, she wrote about a certain Mrs. Herbert:

> This was the same woman who wrote the date on every light bulb installed so the store could be reimbursed if bulbs did not live up to their guarantees.

A Girl from Yamhill tells of Cleary's life up until she enters college in 1934; My Own Two Feet ends after the publication of her first children's novel, the enormously successful Henry Huggins in 1950.

Other than a great book...
I was really looking forward to reading this book.First of all, all of the reviews were so strong.Secondly, becauseI grew up in Pomona, I knew I would recognize many of the places that she would be writing about.
I just felt that this was such a simple story...no depth to the tale at all.It almost reminded me of something that might be written by a high school student.
I wonder why I feel so differently about the book?

A remarkable lady
I ran across this fascinating autobiography in a library. I enjoyed Mrs. Cleary's books ever since I was a second grade boy introduced to Henry Huggins, Beatrice ("Beezus") Quimby and Beatrice's little brat of a sister Ramona Quimby, but I had forgotten about those stories until finding this book.

This autobiography describes her life from working her way through junior college in Ontario, California, to working her way through the University of California at Berkeley, to meeting her future and now late husband, to working as a librarian, to becoming a children's book author, and all of this during the difficult times of the Great Depression and the Second World War. While it is apparent that that author was not from a dirt poor background, she was not from a wealthy background either, and it was a struggle for her to finish school. Especially with a mother who was less than supportive and neurotic about getting Miss Beverly Bunn married off (but only to the "right" kind of man, apparently the man she ultimately chose was disliked because he was raised Catholic of all things). Her vain mother even objected to Beverly's wearing needed reading glasses! Yet surprisingly the author retains some compassion for her late mother and is not overly resentful, and has a sense of humor about it all.

Her experience of Berkeley in the late 1930s is worlds apart from my own experience there half a century later, even as she mentions the very same landmarks on the campus. In spite of the privations of the Great Depression, it was clearly a more pleasant place then. The idea of coming to California to find a job and an inexpensive place to live and study strikes me as bizarre today, but the 1930's were obviously different.

Apparently, the author is still alive and living in Carmel, California. I would like to seek her out before she passes away, as I live nearby, but I wouldn't want to be seen as a stalker or a crazy person. At age 93, is she still lucid enough to have speaking engagements? I hope so. She apparently did have speaking engagements back in 2006.

A wonderful autobiography!
This was an interesting and thoroughly enjoyable memoir about Beverly Cleary, nee Bunn, as ayoung woman during the Depression and World War II. The previous reviewers were on target concerning Beverly's easy writing style and vivid recollections of her family and college years: traveling alone by bus from Oregon to California to attend Chaffey Junior College for two years, matriculating to U Cal Berkeley, studying at the U of Washington after graduating from Berkeley to become a librarian, marrying Clarence Cleary (her strained relationship with her mother because of it) and working as a librarian at the US Army's Camp Knight and Oakland Regional Hospital during WWII, writing and publishing her first children's book. Many B&W photos of family and friends are included. I highly recommend MY OWN TWO FEET. ... Read more

Product Description

Ramona Quimby is sure fourth grade will be "the best year of her life, so far." She can show off her calluses from swinging on the rings in the park, sit across the aisle from the boy she calls Yard Ape, and enjoy her cheerful new teacher, Mrs. Meacham. Most exciting of all, Ramona has a new best friend, Daisy.

Fourth grade doesn't turn out quite the way Ramona has hoped. Mrs. Meacham wants her to improve her spelling. Ramona also must be a good role model for her baby sister, Roberta. And Mrs. Quimby wants her to spend more time with, the super-perfect Susan. Fourth-grade life isn't always easy, but it's full of adventure, and at the end of it all- a "zeroteenth" birthday to celebrate!

01 AZ Young Reader Award Masterlist (Intermed. cat.), 01 Colorado Children's Book Award (Jr. Novel Cat.), 00-01 Young Reader's Choice Award Program Masterlist, and 00-01 Keystone to Reading Book Award Masterlist

00 Children's Choices (IRA/CBC)

Customer Reviews (61)

Ramona's World Rocks!
I am 12 years old and have read all the Ramona books. They are all very, very funny, but this on is definitely the best! Some people said they didn't like that Ramona was more mature and made less mistakes, but I think that just makes her more enjoyable! She never really outgrows her mischief, and her trying to be better just makes it more funny! Believe me, this is great!
Ramona becomes best friends with Daisy, a girl whose blond "princess" hair Ramona admires. I like Yard Ape. He just amuses me! He's also in "Ramona Quimby, Age 8."
I wish Beverly Cleary would write more Ramona books. Ramona would be so interesting as a tween and a teenager!
"Ramona's World" is a great story everyone should enjoy! I would give it ten stars but there's only five, so THUMBS UP, BEVERLY CLEARY!

"Ramona's World": I loved it
I listened to this book on audiocassette when I went with my sister to Alabama, and then read the book in its printed form. I loved the book so much that I decided to eventually purchase a copy of it for myself. To me, this book is still as good as it was when I read it in Alabama, and it will stand as one of my most favorite books of all-time.

CGE Student Review
Beverly Cleary writes a lot of great books such as Ramona the Pest, Ramona the Brave and Ramona and Her Father, but my personal favorite is Ramona's World. This fictional book is about a girl named Ramona who has to fight her way out of 4th grade. Ramona is a very smart girl but when it comes to spelling she is stumped. Ramona tries her hardest to get all of her weekly spelling words right. Ramona also has a new baby sister at home and she has to help her mom out to practice becoming a babysitter. Ramona's big sister Beezus is always conceited and getting all the calls for a babysitter in need. Beezus gets such good grades on her report card and brags about them all the time.
This book is very entertaining and funny. Ramona makes her life so interesting. The main characters in this story are Ramona, Daisy (Ramona's new best friend), Susan (Ramona's worst enemy) and Beezus. My favorite character in this story is Beezus. Beezus is so conceited it's funny. Sometimes Ramona feels like Beezus is so much more important then she is.
The part of the story I think is exciting is when Ramona goes to the bus stop on the first day of school and tells everyone about her new baby sister Roberta. Ramona is anxious to tell EVERYONE about Roberta, even the teachers. Ramona is just so excited she can't stop talking about her.
I would recommend this book to people who like to read funny, entertaining, fiction books. I chose this book because I like reading about her life and how she is jealous of Roberta because she gets so much attention. This book is AMAZING!!!
If you think this is a good book so far you will have to read the end, it's just as great!!

Ramona's World
Oh, how I missed Ramona!I wish Cleary would write a teen Ramona series, it would be interesting to see how her life has turned out.It's odd, but I remember loving Ramona as a child, and in this book more than anything, I was really interested in Beezus's life (hence the Teen Ramona idea).As always, Ramona is relatable to any child, and even more so now with the addition of a lovable best friend, Daisy Kidd.The ending is sweet, but as always leaves you wanting more, and more will sadly not be appearing.Amazing book, should be read by everyone no matter the age.

Ramonas World by Beverly Cleary
I love the book Ramonas World because thers a lot of action the book has always been my favorite book since ive been in third grade I have at least read the book 5 or 6 times I hope Beverly Cleary comes out with another book. ... Read more

Product Description

Ramona is back! New and old friends alike will rejoice in Beverly Cleary's latest book about spunky Ramona and the whole Quimby family.

From the minute that Howie Kemp's "rich" Uncle Hobart arrives from Saudi Arabia, things are off to a rousing start. There are new beginnings and discoveries and two very special surprises - one surprise is big and one is very little.

It's a time of change for all the Quimbys; a time of new joys and little sadnesses, too. There are new worries - Mr Quimby is worried about finding a teaching job, Ramona is worried they may have to move if he does, and Beezus is worried about her teenage complexion.

And through it all Ramona, a grown up third-grader, remains a sometimes pesty, sometimes brave, sometimes blunderful, but always wonderful Ramona - forever!

Beverly Cleary has somehow managed to remember the intricate workings of ayoung girl's mind and heart. With several dozen children's books and manyawards under her belt, she is one of America's most beloved authors. Winnerof the Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw, as wellas the Newbery Honor for Ramona and Her Father andRamona Quimby, Age8, Cleary balances raucously funny childhood adventures withpoignantly real circumstances and emotions. Alan Tiegreen's clever linedrawings have faithfully accompanied many of Cleary's books over the years. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Ramona Saves the Day!!!
Ramona Forever was a story about part of Ramona's life. The main characters were Ramona, Beezus (her real name is Beatrice), Mr. and Mrs. Quimby, Aunt Beatrice, Uncle Hobart, Pamela, Howie, Willa Jean, and Mrs. Kemp.
I can relate to Ramona because she had a really bad time at someplace, and I have bad times at places too. I felt the same way Howie did when he fell off his unicycle.
My favorite part of Ramona Forever was when Uncle Hobart told Ramona that he and Aunt Beatrice were going to get married, because it was surprising. If I could change Algie's name, I would change it to Howard.
I recommend this book to people who like Fiction.

Ramona Forever
I read all of Beverly Cleary's books as a child. I bought them for use in my clinic. They a great read for children of all ages.

A Good Book , not as good as the best book read (by me)
I like this book because when I was 2,3,4,5,6,7 (that is how old I am now) I always had an interest in pregnancy. I like animals and I always wish in books that the author will follow the birth closely. When I grow up, I will write a book that does follow the birth closely. I hope someday, my book will be made. I hope I will become famous. Then, I will be happy.

Jenna, 7 years, 5803 Killarney circle,San Jose,Ca

Ramona Forever
Ramona is a regular girl until she finds out something her mom wants to keep from her. A Beverly Cleary book, Ramona Forever is based on the troubles Ramona goes through to be considered a good girl. How hard it is to get your place taken is one of Ramona's troubles. The book is just right for children that want something entertaining, because Ramona's life can be compared to others.
Ramona Forever was written for Elementary School kids. In the grades forth and over.The book has proper language for the age group. It has easy vocabulary too, and it also contains a lot of illustrations for being a chapter book.
Since this part of Ramona's life is seems so real, this book is serious, anxious, and concerned. It gives much information to know how Ramona and her family are like. "Mother will you phone Mrs. Kemp know?" "Won't that upset mother?" "Ramona do you want to go to your room?"
This book is filled with plenty dialogue, narrative. The book is well-organized because it's in chronological order that it's good enough to understand. It has many sad points as Ramona's life goes. This book also has illustrations that are very artistic and some fancy ones too.
Young readers will love Ramona Forever. The way the book tells the hard times Ramona has is not boring. After all readers will find it fun, and interesting.

Enjoyable For All Kids
Ramona Quimby and her sister, Beezus, stay at a neighbors' house after school.But when their neighbors' rich uncle comes for a visit, embarassing and irritating both girls, they beg their parents to stay home alone.Their parents agree, but a lot can happen when you're home alone, especially when one of the most fiesty, trouble-making eight-year-olds has to try to be obedient!And as if that isn't enough to keep Ramona busy, many more problems arise.Her father is having trouble finding a job, and her mother, who Ramona and Beezus notice is becoming unusually tired and concerned about gaining too much weight, seems to be keeping a big secret for someone, one she refuses to tell the girls.How will Ramona manage?

This book was so interesting that I read it twice.I just finished my second reading, and though it became boring in some parts because I had already read it a previous time, it was entertaining and enjoyable.Ramona is a fun character that will enchant children young and old, as well as a few children-at-heart.If you like Junie B. Jones, or have enjoyed previous Ramona books, then I guarentee you will like this book!It's a good one! ... Read more

Product Description

Dear Mr. Henshaw,

I wish somebody would stop stealing the good stuff out of my lunchbag. I guess I wish a lot of other things, too. I wish someday Dad and Bandit would pull up in front in the rig ... Dad would yell out of the cab, "Come on, Leigh. Hop in and I'll give you a lift to school."

Leigh Botts has been author Boyd Henshaw's number one fan ever since he was in second grade. Now in sixth grade, Leigh lives with his mother and is the new kid at school. He's lonely, troubled by the absence of his father, a cross-country trucker, and angry because a mysterious thief steals from his lunchbag. Then Leigh's teacher assigns a letter-writing project. Naturally Leigh chooses to write to Mr. Henshaw, whose surprising answer changes Leigh's life.

This Newbery Medal-winning book, by the terrifically popular and prolificBeverly Cleary (RamonaQuimby, Age 8 and Runaway Ralph), exhibits asubtlety and sensitivity that will be appreciated by any youngster whofeels lonely and troubled during the transition into adolescence. Winner ofnumerous other awards, including two Newbery Honors, Cleary teams up withCaldecott winner Paul O. Zelinsky, who creates a quiet backdrop for therealistic characters. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (159)

if you have troble falling asleep at night this book wiil do the trick
This was the absoluteWORST book i have EVER read. I advise that you not waste your money on this book. it is so boring! i could hardly finish it because ever time i started to read i would half fall asleep!

Amazing
I read this as a kid and it's still to this day one of my favorite books of all time

A book to definately be read!
Dear Mr Henshaw is a good book. It is about a boy who writes to his favorite author telling him about what happens in his life and asking him questions about how he should handle things that are happening in his life. Leigh Botts (the boy in the story) is having a hard time at school because of a mysterious theif stealing from his lunch bag, and he asks Mr. Henshaw to help him solve his problems.

I liked this book because it tells me that when I have problems, that I should talk to someone about it. That asking for help is ok. I think every kid with a problem should read this book.

this book is a wonder
my child read and loved this book.she read it while she was sick with the fever and could not put it down.

What you need to know about Dear Mr. Henshaw
The first thing to know about this book is that it is not at all similar to Beverly Cleary's other books -- Beezus, Ramona, Henry, that whole gang are not here. This book is truly poignant. The tone, the subject matter, the style, everything about this book is more serious and thoughtful than the other books which are delightful, lighthearted, fun.

Now that you know that, it's also good to know that this book is beautifully written and tells a moving story of a boy coming to grips with his parents' relationship and how it has and will affect his life. There is humor in the book, and it's not all doom and gloom, but the boy's feelings are vividly expressed, and often he's isolated, confused, and sad. If you are a parent, I'd recommend that you read the book too so that your child can talk to you about it. For kids who've experienced divorce or an adult who has seriously disappointed them, this book may bring up strong feelings. For kids who haven't experienced any of this (yet), it will help them to understand that the story is something that really could happen, and maybe to help them feel grateful for the family life they have. ... Read more

Product Description

Ralph es un ratoncito aburrido de vivir siempre con su famalia en la habitacion de un viejo hotel. Un dia, descubre que la habitacion esta ocupada por un chico mut aficionado a todo aquello que tenga que ver con al motor y que ademas posee una buena coleccion de coches y motos de juguete. Cuando nadie lo ve, Ralph sube a la mesita de noche donde se encuentra estacionada la moto que le tiene robado el corazon. . .

Y encima de la moto, ¿de que no va a ser capaz un ratoncito motorizado?Amazon.com Review
"Pb-pb-b-b-b. Pb-pb-b-b-b." With these magic vocables, Ralph the mouse revsup a dream come true--his very own motorcycle. Living in a knothole in ahotel room, young Ralph has seen plenty of families come and go, some moregenerous with their crumbs than others. But when young Keith and hisparents check in to the hotel, Ralph gets his first chance to check out. Hehas always fantasized about venturing beyond the second floor, maybe evenoutside. Curiosity overcomes caution, and Ralph must have a go at Keith'stoy motorcycle. Soon, the headstrong mouse finds himself in a pickle, whenall he wanted was to ride a motorcycle. Lucky for him, the boy understandshow it is. When he discovers Ralph in his thwarted attempt to abscond withthe toy bike, Keith generously encourages the rodent to ride. He eventeaches him the simple trick of starting the motorcycle: "You have to makea noise... pb-pb-b-b-b." The subsequent situations Ralph motors intorequire quick thinking and grownup-sized courage. The team of BeverlyCleary and Louis Darling has been a great favorite for decades, introducingyoung chapter readers to Ramona, Beezus, Henry, and of course Ralph themouse. (Ages 8 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (94)

Great story. Whiny narration.
My son loves this series. The story, of course, is wonderful, but B.D. Wong's narration is grating. The characters voices are all some version of whiny. Not even close to how I imagine these characters sounding. If you don't find that annoying, you'll be well pleased with your purchase. I wish there were another version with a different narrator. I would buy the whole set.

4th Grade Student Reviews
Ralph to the rescue!In the book Beveey cleary creates a lovable mouse to save the day for Keith. This crazy mouse rides Keith's motorcycle all around the hotel and right into trouble. Believe it or not Keith is a little boy who becomes friends with the mouse. The book had lots of excitement and lots of adventure. ~N

I give this book 3 stars. This book is about a mouse named Ralph who gets a motorcycle from a boy named Keith. But then he drives into something all the same color. He did not know where he was going and he ends up in the in the basement he must ditch the motorcycle. Then Keith gets sick and Ralph must find a pill to save Keith. Keith asks Ralph to come home with him. I thought the story could have used more than one mouse as a main character but it was still a fun read. ~Mad Dad

I liked the book Mouse and the Motorcycle because it was funny. I liked the part when the maid was singing in front of the mirror it had me laughing. The maid also had a secret crush on the bus boy. My favorite part was when Ralph got the aspirin tablet to Keith and saved the day. I gave this book 5 stars. ~Stardust

Beverly Cleary hasdone it again with another great book for me to read. I would recomendthis book to anyone because it is funny. When Ralph went wh-e-e wh-e-e that moved the ambulance and phpbbbb that moved the motorcycle but I can't tell you any more of the book you have to read the book and find out your self. ~Ray

Mouse and the Motorcycle is a great book for children of all ages. It has some funny parts and some sad parts in it. My favorite part is when Ralph finds an asprin. Mouse and the Motorcycle is about a boy that meets a mouse and he finds out that he can talk. I think this isa great book. ~Arnold Snortzagnator

My 8-year-old son says "This book is one of the best book that I've read!"
I'm showing my son how reviews on Amazon work, and he was very excited to comment on this book:

"It's good for a person of any age, and it is very imaginative.It's fun and funny."

Great books for kids.
I remember reading these books when I was a kid. I bought them for my grandson to enjoy as well.He likes them and is enjoying them, as I suspected he would. I reccomend these adventures for every child to read. Its good clean fun. The price is right too, unlike some of the trendy books.

Engaging the Young Reader of Spanish
My wife has been teaching our boy, 6 years old, to
read and write (but mostly to read) Spanish, which
is her first language. It is tough to keep a native
language alive in an English-dominant environment,
and it takes desire and perseverance. They have a
Spanish study session of about an hour or so every
weekday in the afternoon at home. For part of the
time, he reads out loud from books in Spanish for
little children (pre-school), and for another
part--and at bedtime--she reads to him from
more advanced texts. She has tried Harry Potter
in Spanish, but he doesn't get into that just
yet. However, the Spanish translation of The
Mouse and the Motorcycle was a real hit. My
boy didn't want her to stop reading, because
of course at the end of each chapter there is
a "cliffhanger" situation still to be resolved.
This book has engaged the interest of our son,
and played an important role in his development
of his Spanish language literacy. I highly
recommend this title. ... Read more

Product Description
Ramona feels quite grown-up taking the bus by herself, helping big sister Beezus make dinner, and trying hard to be nice to pesky Willa Jean after school. Turning eight years old and entering the first grade can do that to a girl. So how can her teacher call her a nuisance?Amazon.com Review
From the first day of third grade, when Ramona Quimby meets her eventualnemesis Yard Ape, life moves on at its usual wild pace--usual for theboisterous Ramona, that is. Soon she is accidentally squashing araw egg into her hair at the school cafeteria, being forced to play UncleRat with her annoying young neighbor, and, worst of all, throwing up in herclassroom. The responsibilities of an 8-year-old are sometimes daunting,especially in a family that is trying to squeak by while the father goesback to school. But Ramona is full of too much vim and vigor to ever bedown for long.

In her second Newbery Honor Book about Ramona (the first was Ramona and Her Father),Beverly Cleary presents another slice of the Quimby family life. Author ofmore than two dozen children's books, Cleary has a true knack forunderstanding the tangle of thoughts and emotions in a child's mind andheart. Empathic, witty, and astute, she has earned many other awards,including the Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw. AlanTiegreen's clever line drawings have charmed countless readers of Cleary'sbooks over the years, and his style is now inextricably tied to hers. (Ages8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (54)

Ramona Quimby, Age 8
The book, Ramona Quimby,Age 8, is about Ramona's third grade school life.The main character, Ramona, had a terrible first day of school.She lost her pink eraser and fought with a boy named Danny.Her teacher Mrs. Whaley thought she was a nuisance. Ramona had many problems in third grade.I had a similar experience like Ramona because I am 8 years old and she is 8 years old. We are also both in third grade. We both had our first day of third grade but mine was better! When I read this story, I felt that I needed to be polite to adults because Ramona always got in trouble and Mrs. Whaley thinks she is a nuisance.Also, my favorite part is when Ramona presents her book report to the class and when she sings "Meow, meow, meow, meow" while she does her book report.I like it when she sings because I like that song!I would recommend this book to a girl that is 8 years old and in third grade.I think they will like it because this book is perfect for them.I think a girl that is 8 years old will like it because it will be fun for her to read.SP

Ramona Quimby age 8

I am a 9 years old boy in fourth grade.

This story is about a girl named Ramona 8 years old.Ramona goes to a new scool and tries to make it the best day.But everything got worse when this boy steals Ramona's new pink eraser.She then calls him Yard ape.When Yard ape see's Ramona squeaking her shoes he calls her bigfoot then Ramona says,"super foot to you."I like this story because it was funny,unusual,gross and weird.When you read this book you will get grossed out like i did.Well at the end Ramona findes out she has to be nice when the stranger buys the food for what the Quimbys had. THE END

Ramona Quimby, Age 8
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, in my opinion, is a book about life and how hard it is to be the youngest child in a relatively poor family. I find it pretty funny when Ramona can't remember what comes next in her book report and says, "I can't believe I read the whole thing!" or when Howie and Ramona walk on tin can stilts and sing, "Ninety nine bottles of beer on the wall!" When Ramona gets mad at someone, she shows it, which is good, because you can express yourself. My favorite part in Ramona Quimby, Age 8, is when Ramona cracks raw egg in her hair and is mad for a few days. My second favorite part is when Ramona and Beezus have to cook dinner.

Ramona Strikes Again!
I loved Beverly Cleary books when I was younger.I remember this one in particular.Ramona and smashing the egg in her hair because she thought it was hard-boiled....only it wasn't, the Yard-Ape, the umm dinner that could taste you back.I remember it being a reassurance to read about Ramona's life and to know that all of that stuff was normal. Families fought, parent's were annoying, school was tough, but in the end, everything was okay.

I loved sharing it with my daughters this time around.My oldest is eight, which makes her a "young adult" according to her.She could totally relate with Ramona.I think the mind of an eight-year-old was clearly captured by Cleary.Ramona is a bit more trouble that my daughter, but I'm pretty sure she feels the same way, she just doesn't act on it!

This is my first post relating to my `official' Newbery Challenge I am hosting.Please feel free to join in!

Please come and visit me at my blog, Between the Lines, at [...].I'd love to hear from you!

Reading is Fundamental
My 7 year old daughter is a huge fan of Beverly Cleary.She enjoys the tales Ramona.I recommend this book and all Beverly Cleary books to young readers. ... Read more

Product Description
Beezus and Ramona
Beezus Quimby tries very hard to be patient with her littler sister, but four-year-old Ramona has the habit of doing the most unpredictable, annoying, embarrassing things in the world. Sometimes Beezus doesn’t like Ramona very much, and that makes her feel very guilty. Sisters are supposed to love each other but pesky little Ramona just doesn’t seem very lovable to Beezus.

Ramona and Her Father
Ramona just wants everyone to be happy. But Ramona’s father has lost his job and nobody in the Quimby household is in a very good mood. Ramona tries to cheer up the family but her best efforts only make things worse. But when her father admits he wouldn’t trade her for a million dollars, Ramona knows everything is going to work out fine in the end. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Maybe your kids should be older than Ramona
Our 4-year old loved the first Ramona cd we got her for long car rides.Ramona was going into 4th grade and everything the previous reviews said was true:the kids and situations were cute, Stockard Channing was perfect, simpler times, etc.In this book, however, Ramona is 4 years old and simply an annoying brat without any redeeming cuteness.Very disappointing, but worse was the fact that after listening to part of this our 5-year old started acting out what she heard Ramona saying and doing.This was definitely not cute!Maybe when the book is being read by a parent to a child it is clear to the listener-child that this is not good behavior, or maybe the child needs to be older than 5.

A Classic Enters My Life Again!
I LOVED Beezus and Ramona books when I was growing up - and now I have the pleasure of introducing my daughter to them. We've read several of the books together, and I decided to get this audiobook set for her as a gift (she's 4-1/2, so she's not reading at this level yet). We listen to this in the car wherever we go - whether it's just to school (a short 5-minute drive from home), or going to visit my parents (a 5-hour drive). She is thoroughly entertained!(And Stockard Channing does a WONDERFUL job bringing the characters to life!)

Beezus and Ramona/Ramona and her Father
My six year old loves the Ramona Audio Books.She listens to them while she is playing or drawing in her room and she listens to them every night when she goes to sleep.She is really developing her listening skills and I think it is reinforcing her reading.Now, turning off the TV or computer is not such a bad thing because she has her audio books.Ramona is such a funny quirky girl, you can't help but be drawn into the stories.I even find myself hanging out in her room listening.

A great listen for all ages
I loved the Beverly Cleary books when I was growing up, but I discovered another great way to enjoy them when I came across this audiotape of her classic, Beezus and Ramona.

Stockard Channing is a fabulous reader who creates distinctive voices for all the characters, especially the little sister Ramona.I have three boys, but they could all relate to the trials and tribulations of having a little sister who consistently annoys, embarrasses and then appears to outwit you.

A great story to enjoy on road trips or even just on the way to the grocery store.

Delightful!
Is there *anyone* on the planet who doesn't like Beverly Cleary's books and the wonderful characters she created?

Beezus and Ramona (along with Henry Huggins and the rest of the gang on Klikitak Street) were part of my childhood. 40 years later, they were just as appealing to my own son. And don't tell anyone -- although we bought these audiobooks when he was about 8, at 12 he still likes to put these on ocassionally and listen. Why? In large part because of Stockard Channing's masterful performance here. Her rendition of Ramona is EXACTLY how we imagine this impish little creature would talk.

I highly recommend these books, both because of the delightful stories and characters that Mrs. Clearly created for us, and because Stockard Channing has brought them to life so perfectly here. The stories are reminiscent of simpler times and will take parents back to their own childhoods while providing toddlers to tweens with good, wholesome entertainment.

We listened on road trips, and unlike certain kids entertainment (a certain purple dinosaur comes to mind), you won't want the kids to wear headphones to preserve your sanity. You'll want it on the main speakers for everyone in the car to enjoy.

Five stars!
... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

A wild imagination leads to trouble!
Reviewed by Matthew Feliciano (age 8) for Reader Views (1/09)

"Emily's Runaway Imagination" is about a young girl named Emily who lives in Pitchfork, Oregon.Pitchfork is a small town with not that many people.Only a few people have cars, which is strange, and they uses horses to get around.Emily has a very active imagination which she uses when she is bored, with a lot of nothing to do.The worst thing about Pitchfork is that there is no library.Emily's cousin Muriel read "Black Beauty" from her library and that made Emily jealous.So Emily and her imagination started to find ways to bring a library to pitchfork.

One of the crazy things Emily does is she tries to Chlorox her father's horse to make it white instead of black.I think it is strange that a kid was able to get her hands on bleach and do all of that without her parents knowing.

Thanks to her mom's help, Emily is able to get a library in her town after they write a letter to the mayor. But nobody brings "Black Beauty," so Emily uses money she won to buy it herself.I liked Emily a lot because she was very real, but I didn't understand a lot of her imagination.Plus, there were too many people in the book and I got lost sometimes trying to keep up.Either way, it was fun to read "Emily's Runaway Imagination" by Beverly Cleary, about a kid with a crazy imagination and to see what life was like before television.I don't know what I would do if there was no library where I lived and I think it's cool that Emily got one.

Emily's Runaway Imagination
Overall, not nearly as enjoyable as all the other books.While Emily is still a relatable character, this book is dated; such as references to most people not having cars, or the fact that back then, a dollar was a LOT to a kid.I did like how she handled Fong's character--added some much-needed life & diversity to the book, as well as giving Emily a very interesting relationship with another character, while I felt for the most of the book, she was a really 2D character.She's just a gossipy little girl in a gossipy little town, making for a slightly repetitive, boring story.Also, a word of warning to parents, there are references to drunkenness, not sure many parents would like their kids reading about that. Quite a disappointment...

Rating: 2.5/5

Pretty Good.......but needs improvement
Emily's Runaway Imagination is about Emily wanting to have a library in her community, so she could read Black Beauty. Her mother decides to write a letter to the mayor so he could get a library for her community. The mayor said yes to the question as a situation. The library starts, People donated books, no Black Beauty. People donate money, still no Black Beauty. During a hard times party, Emily wins second prize, so she gets one dollar. Adding the amount her grandpa gave her for sitting on the chair still she bought a mixer for her mother and also.........Black Beauty!
I gave it a minus star because Beverly Cleary used too many characters. It is a very confusing that way.
I gave her four stars because :
1. She explained things pretty much well.
2. She used lots of onimonipia.
3. She described things well.
4. She wrote it in a child friendly way.

Emily's Runaway Imagination
Emily's Runaway Imagination by Bevery Cleary is a good story.Emily is a girl who lives on a farm. She had some wild ideas.She wanted her father's horse to turn into a snow-white steed so, she tried to bleach it with Clorox.One of her good ideas was to set up a library in her town.I liked this story because it made me laugh.It's fun to read about crazy things kids do.The author wrote a realistic fiction to show us how to have crazy ideas.She also wanted us to see that we should not always do the crazy things that pop into our head!

A lively book, about a spunky girl!
Emily Bartlett just wants a library. So, her mother writes in for one, and guess what! Pitchfork is going to have a library! While waiting for the books to arrive from Salem, Emily feeds the hogs a treat, bleeches a horse, and scares her cousin half to death. Mama doesn't really know how Emily can get into so much trouble, she just says "Emily, don't let your imagination run away with you!" Emily does try, but hey, if you live in the west, during a time when cars are new, airplanes are hardley ever seen, and no one has dreamed up the TV yet, what are you supposed to do? ... Read more

Product Description

"The rousing notes of the bugle and the laughter and shouting increased the feeling of rebellion within Ralph. As the last strains of the bugle call hovered in the clear mountain air, Ralph made up his mind. He knew now what he was going to do. He was going to run away.

Fed up with his timid mother and uncle and his squirmy little cousins, Ralph hops onto his toy motorcycle and zooms down the road to summer camp. It turns out camp is not all peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and fun. A strict watchdog, a mouse-hungry cat, and a troubled boy named Garf lead Ralph on some fur-raising escapades. Perhaps home isn't such a bad place to be, if only Ralph can find a way to get there again.

Customer Reviews (28)

fantastically read!
This is soooo much better than B.D Wong's reading, which is on CD.This reader has wonderful voices, fully animates the characters hilariously.We have been listening to this for years, and still love it.I am buying another copy because of course one of the old cassettes is no longer usable (I bought the CD with the different reader, and none of us can stand it).The story itself is as engaging and charming and wonderfully told as all of Beverly Cleary's stories, and completely captures how children really are.

Runaway Ralph
This is a great book & was shipped to me in great condition the next day. I am extremely pleased with the speed and ease of using Amazon.

Runaway Ralph
My son is 10 years old and loves this series of books.I normally have hard time getting him to read.He has read each of these books at least 3 times or more.

GORalphgo!
THIS BOOKHASAGOODENOUGH STORY & IT DOES END WELL BUTITHINK THESTORY SHOULD HAVE HAD VISUAL PICTURESSOMETHINGTOADDTOTHE TALEOF RALPH & HISMOTORCYCLE-ING!IREALLYDONT ENJOY BOOKS WITH
OUT PICTURESTOHELPHOLDONTOA YOUNG KIDSATTENTION!
I ALSODONTLIKEBOOKSTHATJUSTGOON&ON WITH PRINT THATS JUST TOO SMALL FOR YOUNG READERS TO KEEP THEIR PLACE EASILY! IT MAKES YOUR EYES TIRED & MAKESYOUREACHFORANOTHER BOOK INSTEAD!
ALL GOOD STORY BOOKSWOULDBECOME GREAT STORY BOOKS IF THEY HAD THE ARTISTRY TO GO THAT EXTRA MILE!

Loved it
When I was little (40+ now) I read this book. One of the first books i ever read. I still remember how much i loved this story, series of stories. I was 7, or 8 at the time. Was very wrapped up in the book. A very fond childhood memory. I would relate the story to a childhood friend as my own story, with my own embellishments. When i remember that i remember how, like most kids, i was just plain silly. I recommend this as reading for any young reader! ... Read more

Product Description

"Look, Ryan," he said. "I'm in trouble and I don't have time to tell you about it. Just take me and my motorcycle with you, and don't ask questions."

"To school?" Ryan was surprised.

Ralph's pesky cousins are wrecking his motorcycle, and his janitor friend, Matt, is in trouble because there seem to be mice in the hotel. All in all things are not going well at the Mountain View Inn. So Ralph persuades his young pal Ryan to take him to school. Ralph is an instant hit with Ryan's classmates. But he doesn't like being forced to run through a maze or the threat of an exterminator coming to the school. Worst of all, Ryan gets into a fight with a classmate, and Ralph's precious motorcycle is broken. Is Ralph S. Mouse smart enough to steer this sad situation to a happy ending?

Customer Reviews (29)

a kid review
The characters are Ralph, Ryan and Brad.Ralph has a motorcycle but his relatives want to ride it.But Ralph thinks the relatives will get their tails stuck in the wheels and brake the motorcycle.

Ryan lived at a hotel and brought Ralph the mouse to school in his pocket.

Ralph had problems with lots of stuff, a maze that Brad wanted to be harder with trap doors and tunnels.Ralph was mad at Brad.

My favorite part was everything.I would recommend this book to people that like motorcycles and cars and mice.

A mad little mouse goes to school...
Ralph is tired of his relatives trying to make him share his beloved motorcycle. And he's afraid zooming through the mud puddles in the lobby of the inn where he lives has gotten his friend Matt in trouble. So with the help of his human friend Ralph runs away, to Irwin J. Sneed Elementary School, where there are long halls without carpet to ride on and plenty of good things to eat.
Except that the students of Room 5 turns Ralph into a class project and an article in the town paper accuses the school of being infested with mice! And worst of all now Ralph's motorcycle is broken and he has no way to get back home.
Ralph S. Mouse is a classic kid's chapter book. While amusing at times I found Ralph to be pouty and selfish, not exactly a hero. Cleary does mention the reality of mice (being vermin and all), but doesn't quite manage to set Ralph apart, other than his intelligence and his abilities to ride a motorcycle and speak (but only to certain, lonely children).
My son enjoyed being read chapters of Ralph at night, but didn't connect with Ralph's pouting or anger. He was most interested in the beginning and the end, with a lull of interest in the surly middle parts.
Ralph would probably most interest children who are also feeling surly, angry, and like the world is against them. Its strength is in showing kids that they're not alone in those feelings and teaching them to look for ways to solve their problems, because they might not be as bad as it seems.

I like talking mouse books
When I was much younger I read:Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos It was pretty much historically correct and give a unique twist to a biography.
This book is meant for young readers, but is pretty interesting for an adult
to see the world from the point of view of a mouse.
This mouse talks , has a motor cycle and later a sports car.
He goes to school with his friend Ryan and learns as well as teaches
the children. A book for you four or five year old to read to them and
for your six and seven year to read for themselves maybe?
It is good because it doesn't offend the parents, much, ha, ha...

A Teacher's Opinion
The product arrived in a timely fashion. My 3rd graders needed a break from the basal series our school uses. They loved the Ralph S. Mouse story. The activities from the guide were beneficial and enticing for the students.
The vocabulary development was particularly good.

WHIMSY AND LIFE IN THIS READING

Many children have grown up reading books by Beverly Cleary.They couldn't have better companions as this author's stories are warm, entertaining, and filled with ideas that young readers can wrap their minds around.

Some of our favorites are in the Ramona series, which were named Newbery Honor books and also adapted for television.So great is this author's popularity that her stories appear in 14 languages and her characters often become a part of our language.A case in point is Ralph S. Mouse whose adventures have been shown on ABC-TV.

In this particular story there is no longer peace and quiet at the Mountain View Inn where Ralph lives.His pal, the handyman, is in trouble because there are mice at the Inn, so Ralph thinks he'd best skedaddle.

Fortunately for Ralph he has some young friends, children who understand him.One of these is Ryan who agrees to take Ralph and his motorcycle to school with him.Just think of those polished floors on which Ralph can ride his motorcycle!

Unfortunately, his motorcycle is broken when Ryan and a classmate get into a shoving match.Further, Ralph is put on display.School isn't so great after all.What's a mouse, even one as smart as Ralph to do?

Actor B. D. Wong made his Broadway debut in M. Butterfly.For this performance he received the Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Clarence Derwent Award, and Theater World Award.He is the only actor to be so honored.He merits another shelf of awards for his narration of Ralph S. Mouse.He brings whimsy and life to his reading.For fans of Ralph, Mr. Wong also reads Mouse and the Motorcycle and Runaway Ralph.

All are highly recommended!

- Gail Cooke
... Read more

Product Description

Ramona just wants everyone to be happy. If only her father would smile and joke again, her mother would look less worried, her sister would be cheerful, and Picky-picky would eat his cat-food. But Ramona's father has lost his job, and nobody in the Quimby household is in a very good mood.

Ramona tries to cheer up the family as only Ramona can -- by rehearsing for life as a rich and famous star of television commercials, for instance -- but her best efforts only make things worse. Her sister, Beezus, calls her a, pest, her parents lose patience with her, and her teacher claims she's forgotten her- manners. But when her father admits he wouldn't trade her for a million dollars, Ramona knows everything is going to work out fine in the end.

Once again, Beverly Cleary proves her own mettle in this touching andhilarious Newbery Honor Book. Beloved author of over two dozen children'sbooks, and recipient of many awards, including another Newbery Honor forRamona Quimby, Age 8and a Newbery Medal for DearMr. Henshaw, Cleary's instinct for children's jumbled emotions isflawless. Alan Tiegreen's adroit line drawings perfectly complementCleary's style; it's hard to imagine one without the other. (Ages 8to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

Wonderful Entertaining Book!
Beverly Cleary does it once again with this astonishing book Ramona and Her Father. If you are dealing with a situation that you don't quite know how to explain to children, I think this book does just that. Living in todays world is tough enough for an adult to handle let alone a child. This book deals with the ecomical challenges of life from the perspective of a child. Beverly Cleary turns challenge into humor,and compassion. In this book Ramona, a second grader faces many challenges and wants to do what is best for her family. What will Ramona do? How will she deal with these challenges? Ramona and Her Father is a Newberry Honor Award recipient and a truly delightful book for all.

Ramona and the breadline
"Ramona And Her Father"
by Beverly Cleary
(Harper Collins, 1977)
------------------------------------
This is one of the later entries in Beverly Cleary's Klickitat Street books, the series that introduced us to Henry Huggins and Ramona and Beezus, and it has a slightly harsher tone than the earlier volumes. Here, Cleary addresses the economic stagnation of the 1970s, as Ramona Quimby's dad loses his job and her entire family gets stressed out by his unemployment. The situation is told from Ramona's seven-year old, second grade point of view, and it is a fairly upsetting story (perhaps not so good for littler readers, or those prone to anxiety...)There is plenty of Cleary's humor and whimsy here as well, but the tone of the book is dominated by more serious concerns, including Ramona's health-conscious campaign to get her dad to quit smoking. Although Cleary handles all this with her characteristic subtlety and sympathy, it definitely doesn't have the same feel as the earlier books.

Also, as with 1975's "Ramona The Brave," Cleary injects Christian religious themes into the narrative, mostly in an Art Linklatter-ish "kids say the darndest things" way (Ramona repeating what she's heard in Sunday school, and trying to figure out how those messages fit into the everyday world, outside of church... There is also a closing chapter with Ramona in her school nativity play, feeling close to God...) Depending on your point of view, these passages may be welcome, or not. More secular readers who enjoyed the religion-free earlier books may find themselves turned off by these parts of the book. In either case, parents may want to be aware that this particular book has a much different feel than earlier books in this series, with less overt humor and more realism and social commentary.(Axton)

A Book to Span Generations
"To start off I need to just say, I'm a huge fan of Beverly Cleary. Her book, Socks was the book that started my reading journey when I was very little. Somehow Cleary manages to capture the heart and mind of whomever she is speaking for in her characters. It's truly astounding! This, I feel, is exactly why in her years of writing she has accumulated numerous awards (Newbery, Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in '84, and many more) and a devoted following of all ages. Cleary also participates in National Drop Everything And Read Day on April 12th, which also happens to be her birthday. She encourages reading every day, but this event is focused on getting individuals and families to take time and sit down to read together. An amazing author with wonderful books and an ability to reach readers of all ages!

"Now, on to Ramona and Her Father...It was awarded the Newbery Honor in 1978, which also happens to be the year I was born, but I guess that's besides the point. Even with the book being originally printed in 1978 I found it highly relevant for today's audience, especially considering our current economic climate. In the very beginning of the book Ramona's father loses his job, unfortunately something many families are dealing with now. The story consists of Ramona's reaction to all that occurs because of this dramatic event in her families life. Ramona goes from trying to make a million dollars, to just trying to make everyone in her family happy, to trying to help her father quit smoking, and eventually just trying to keep a positive attitude herself.

"What I most loved about the story was how well it was told from the perspective of an eight year old. As a parent sometimes it can be difficult to step outside of yourself and actually truly see how your child might feel about something. Cleary understands how the impact of the main 'bread-winner' losing their job could affect even the youngest member of a family. It opened my eyes to all sorts of situations and points of view. Ramona was kind and concerned for everyone in the family, but obviously still had very 'typical' child-like moments. A very well written and playful story told from the viewpoint of an eight year old. A must read, especially in these difficult times."

Ramona and her Father by Beverly Cleary
Ramona and her Father is a good book about little Ramona Quimby and how she tries to get her dad to stop smoking. She makes signs and puts them in places where her dad goes everyday. Like, his shirt pocket, robe pocket, ect. But when her dad loses his job, the Quimby family has to cut back on doing some fun stuff. But Ramona's father still has money to smoke. This really makes Ramona mad. But what cana little girl make such a big difference? Read this super awesome book to find out.

Ramona and her Father
Beverly Cleary is a very talented and gifted children's book author and her technique of the use funny adventures in them help to engage the reader in her books. However, in "Ramona and Her Father," she brings up a more serious issue for the characters in her book along with the many silly adventures of Ramona. This book talks about the serious situation of Ramona's father losing his job. Ramona is a typical kid, she is always getting herself into sticky situations, but like everyone else she worries about her family. When Ramona's father loses his job, it turns Ramona and her family's life upside down. Ramona's mother ends up getting a full time job while Ramona's father is at home and ends up becoming depressed. Because Ramona's father is depressed Ramona and her sister, Beezus, must not do anything that could further shake up their father. Ramona with her silly self gets into different scrapes and situations that are hilarious and many children could relate to.

This book is very funny and really puts a spin on the situation of her father losing his job. It can be a very relatable book nowadays because of the downturn of the economy. We liked the style of the writing because it tells the situation from a child's perspective. One is able to see how Ramona views the adults in her life. We get to see how her thought process is behind some of her crazy antics. One of the best parts of the book was when Beverly Cleary wanted to become an Actress in commercials because that would end up fixing all their problems.

Beverly Cleary most likely based this book off her childhood experience of when her father lost his job during the Depression. We believe that it was a good topic to touch on and that Beverly Cleary did a wonderful job doing so. Carol mentions how it reminds her of when her father lost his job when she was in high school. She realizes that it is a little different for the fact that he was able to find a job within a couple months after but she remembers feeling very concerned and wondering what was going to happen.

We loved the book and enjoyed reading it. Ramona's Father brings up a serious topic that is put into a child's perspective which makes it easier to understand and realize that there is always an upside to all situations. As education majors, we highly recommend this book to be read/on the bookshelves of most 4th-5th grade classrooms.
... Read more

Product Description

Kids everywhere feel connected to Ramona's unique way of looking at the world as she tries to adjust to new teachers, feels jealous about Susan's curls, and is secretly pleased by Yard Ape's teasing. The scrapes she gets herself into—like wearing pajamas to school or accidentally making egg yolk shampoo—are funny and heartwarming, and sometimes embarrassing. No matter what—Ramona's lively, curious spirit shines through.

Customer Reviews (16)

book review
Bought for my 7 & 8 year old grand daughters because I read these as a kid - they love them.Good quality.I actually want to try and read them again if I get to where they live and get a chance.Would like to see if I can still enjoy them

What books are included?
I was thinking about ordering this set, but it doesn't give the books that are included?!Can someone list the books that are included?

Great collection
My daughter loves the books.Great collection. Very pleased with the product and service.

Ramona is still a favorite of little girls
My granddaughter has reached the age of reading chapter books, and the Ramona series immediately came to mind.I started looking for individual books and when I ran across this series through Amazon I found the price for new books to be the best one going.They arrived in a nice heavy cardboard sleeve, the cover art is terrific, and most importantly my granddaughter loves them!Some things never go out of style, and Beverly Cleary is one of them.

Ramona book set
slow shipping, my fault for not looking how it would be shipped, but received in a timely manner for media mail. ... Read more

Product Description

Barbara can hardly believe her older sister is getting married. With all the excitement of wedding plans going on, Barbara can't help dreaming of the day she will be the bride. She can't wait to fall in love.

But as the big day gets closer, wedding planning often turns into family arguments. Even the bride and groom are bickering over details, and Barbara's fun-loving sister is turning into a very practical, grown-up person. Weddings are fun, but all this serious stuff is scary enough to make Barbara think she's not going to be rushing into a serious romance any time soon.

Customer Reviews (17)

Pleasant read
Pleasant story of a late fifties-early sixties family preparing for daughter's wedding.Appealing especially in a time when weddings have become a bloated industry.

Innocent and enjoyable
Such a nice innocent book. It takes the reader back to a simpler life, where youths weren't pressured like they are now. My only concern was thinking my daughter would think it was okay to date at 15 or so. But I explained how there was a time when people married very young. It was such a good book, I ordered the rest written by the same author, so as to have the entire collection.

Will charm the socks off you!
Sixteen-year-old Barbara MacLane is a junior in high school, and believes that it is time for her to have a boyfriend. A boy who calls on her for weekend dates to the movies and the bowling alley. Who walks her home from school, and chats with her parents. After all, her older sister, Rosemary, had already had a slew of boyfriends by the time she was Barbara's age, and it's just not fair. Sure there's Tootie, but Barbara can't see herself falling for the six-foot-four boy who follows her around like a puppy, and refuses to take everyone's advice to be a basketball player. Barbara wants something cool and sophisticated, not to mention handsome. And that's exactly what she gets when she encounters Bill Cunningham. Bill is a senior, and a handsome one at that. He rides a vespa all over town, and after giving Barbara a ride home one rainy day, begins stopping by her house at all different times to share Snickerdoodles and milk on the porch. However, all of Barbara's self-centered fantasies and notions of a boyfriend of her own are thrown out the window when Rosemary arrives home from college with some big news: she's getting married! Rosemary is a mere two years older than Barbara, and she's already planning on exchanging wedding vows. Suddenly, Barbara is obsessed with the wedding. After all, in just two years, she too, will be saying "I do" and should get a head start on all things that scream wedding. However, her parents don't feel quite the same way as she does. They regard Rosemary's wedding to be a mistake, and claim that she is too young, but must succumb to wedding planning when Rosemary insists on going through with the impromptu nuptials. While everyone in the family begins making lists, baking foods, sewing dresses, and booking chapels, Barbara's younger brother, Gordy, however, spends all of his time playing folk music, eating the family out of house and home, and getting underfoot. All Barbara can think of, on the other hand, is meeting a handsome groomsman at the wedding, and falling head over heels in love. But with each passing day, as Rosemary matures a bit more, Barbara begins to question whether she is truly ready for a wedding of her own, or if she would prefer to play the field a bit with a variety of boys, before settling down for eternity.

As with FIFTEEN, JEAN AND JOHNNY, and THE LUCKIEST GIRL, Beverly Cleary has, once again, penned a substantial novel that captures the nostalgia and innocence of a time when girls wed at very young ages, women spent hours in the kitchen, evenings were filled with newspaper-reading and watching TV, and romance was dominated by sweet-tooths and shy kisses. SISTER OF THE BRIDE, while featuring many chapters about the preparations of Rosemary's wedding, is still, predominantly about Barbara and her quest for romance in a time when girls met boys in the school hallways, and rarely had the ability to interact with males on a personal level at any other time - save for receptions, get-togethers, and parties. Barbara is a wonderful character, whose insecurities about everything from her pudgy waistline to her inability to find a boy who truly tickles her fancy is charming; while her oft-times awkward interactions with boys and adults, alike, is easy to identify with even for girls of today's day and age. Her ability to see-through the motives of many of the minor characters, from the bossy groom's mother, even to the handsome Bill Cunningham is remarkable; while her confidence in standing up for herself is truly an inspiration. From page one Barbara's bubbly personality sucks you in, and refuses to release you until the last page is turned. Will charm the socks off you!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Sister of the Bride
It was a great book I didn't want to leave my seat. I loved it.

A Beverly Clearly Book
This book is OK. It is not the best, not the worst but it is an enjoyable read. I reccomend it for 4th or 5th graders. ... Read more

Product Description

In this touching and funny story, the ebullient Ramona, feeling brave and grown-up, enters first grade. Quickly she finds that her new teacher, Mrs. Griggs, appears perplexed by pupils who like to be different. Since Ramona cannot help being different, clearly the two are incompatible.

Nevertheless, Ramona can be counted on to keep things lively. Enraged when Susan copies her wise old owl prepared for Parents' Night and receives praise for it, Ramona rebels. Overcome by guilt and no longer brave, she tries mightily thereafter to please her teacher, but still Mrs. Griggs infuriatingly reports home that Ramona lacks self-control. Only because she is a girl with spunk, to use her father's word, does Ramona's courage return, earning her at last an uneasy truce with the teacher.

Beverly Cleary draws here a portrait of a little girl discovering with astonishment that the way others see her is not always the way she sees herself. In the contrast lie moments of emerging self-knowledge for Ramona and of delicious hilarity for the reader.

Beverly Cleary has a real knack for the subtle emotional complexities ofyoung children. Never condescending, she sees children as real people withreal feelings. For this, and for her hilarious tales of an imaginative and"spunky gal," Cleary's countless fans adore her. Winner of many awards,including the Newbery Medal, Cleary has written over two dozen books foryoung people. Two titles in her beloved Ramona series, Ramona and Her Father andRamona Quimby, Age 8,were named Newbery Honor Books. Alan Tiegreen's witty and lively linedrawings have graced many of Cleary's books over the decades, capturing theexuberant spirit of one of literature's favorite heroines. (Ages 8 to 12)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Ramona the Brave (Avon Camelot Books)
The yellowing pages tell the age of a book that is otherwise in top condition - no tears or writing. I am pleased with the purchase and timely delivery.

Love the Ramona books
Beverly Cleary has a real gift. Although her books span a period of decades, they all read as though they were written today. There's a few odd details in some of them, but mostly they rely on good storytelling and... well, very real-seeming children.

This is the story of Ramona's first grade year. Her struggles sound authentically, well, first grade. She has to deal with a copycat neighbor... and then she has to deal with the fallout of acting without thinking. She doesn't think her teacher LIKES her (and we all know how important that is when you're six)! Her room is too dark and she's alone.

It's a good book, very real. I especially love the final chapter, where poor Ramona lost her shoe on her way to school. She'd just spent the chapter BEFORE detailing that she KNEW her teacher didn't like her because she never got to lead the Pledge, and now... well... I almost couldn't read it to my nieces, we were all laughing so hard *knowing* she was going to be called on this time, with one shoe off and one shoe on.

Two thumbs up for 'Ramona the Brave'!
If there's one thing no one wants to be called, it's a baby. Especially when you're about to make the transition from being a lowly kindergartener to a high and mighty first grader. It's at this time that you want to spread your wings and prove to the world that you're a big girl, and can do all sorts of big girl things. But one of the biggest big girl things there is to do is being brave, and Ramona Quimby is about to prove to everyone that she's one of the bravest people there is.

Ramona Quimby doesn't mean to embarrass her older sister Beezus; but when a group of boys begin making fun of her name on the playground, Ramona can't help but stick up for her older sister. So kicks off Ramona's bought with being brave. Soon she's doing all sorts of brave things, such as fending off monstrous dogs, and avoiding ghosts. But one of the bravest things that Ramona can possibly do is begin first grade. While Ramona loves her kindergarten teacher, she can't help but feel thrilled that she's finally leaving the Pre-K behind, and embarking on the world of first grade. Everything is so new and fresh - including the teacher. But upon arrival, Ramona can't help but feel apprehension, aggravation, and annoyance with the first grade. Beezus seems so content with her new teacher, and does nothing but brag about how wonderful he is, and the exciting things he allows his students to do. Ramona feels the opposite. Sure, her teacher is nice enough; but her dreams of being the coolest kid in the first grade are dashed when her supposed best friend Howie refuses to back up the story of there being a hole chopped in the side of her house. And pretty soon the curly-haired Susan is copying her very own artistic creations. Now, everyone thinks Ramona is a bad girl, and a liar, and she has no clue how to prove her classmates wrong. The only thing she can possibly do is act brave. But sometimes, being brave is more difficult than you can imagine.

I think that RAMONA THE BRAVE was my very first foray into the world of Ramona Quimby over ten years ago. And, even now, I find myself loving every moment of the six-year-olds adventures into the first grade and beyond. Ramona is such an appealing character. Her constant attempts to behave and act demurely like her older sister Beezus are humorous; while the constant mischief she's always finding herself in is quite similar to that of fellow six-year-olds. Beezus, on the other hand, is a much more proper young lady who is always scolding Ramona. In RAMONA THE BRAVE, however, Beezus actually sympathizes with Ramona at times, showcasing a growing bond between the siblings, which is always nice to see. While RAMONA THE BRAVE contains very little of Beezus, the scenes where she does appear are exciting, as it's always fun to see the little exchanges between her and Ramona. Yet, even with the lack of Beezus' character, Ramona's antics are enough to carry the story on their own. Two thumbs up for RAMONA THE BRAVE!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

It's hard to be brave when you're six and not a baby anymore...
Now that she's six, Ramona Quimby knows she's got to grow up. Like her teacher always says, they aren't in kindergarten anymore, so the students should act like it.

Yet as hard as Ramona tries to be brave, it's really difficult sometimes. Both she and her older sister Beezus were thrilled to learn the family would be adding another bedroom to the house, so the girls could finally have their own rooms. But, lying alone in the dark, imagining all sorts of terrible things lurking in the shadows, Ramona isn't so sure it was all that good an idea.

There's also Ramona's first-grade teacher, which isn't nearly as nice and understanding as Miss Binney in kindergarten; and a scary dog that snarls at Ramona when she takes a new route to school.

As always, Ramona is a realistic heroine, full of fun, adventure and the same worries that plague children in all places and times. Readers are guaranteed to want more Ramona stories once they start!

A very good book.
Ramona was a brave girl.She tried to be perfect.She got her a new bedroom.She got attacked by a dog and went to school with out a shoe on.And a guy brings back her shoe at school.Also she got mad at her friend.And i liked it when the workers put a hole in the wall. ... Read more

Product Description

Genuinely funny books for children are few and far between. So when a story like Henry Huggins comes along, it comes to stay. In this irresistible boy's adventures, children everywhere see themselves.

During one unforgettable year that begins when Henry discovers a lost, hungry dog he calls Ribsy, readers will have a grand time. Before the suspenseful conclusion, they'll meet Henry's friends on Klickitat Street--including Beezus and her little sister, Ramona--and enjoy lots of funny happenings. No wonder this continuously engaging and heartwarming book is a classic!

Beverly Cleary's lively, award-winning books virtually shout "good,old-fashioned fun!" Since 1950, Henry and his friends (found in Beezus and Ramona andNewbery Honor Book Ramona and HerFather, among others) have displayed all the mixed-up emotionsand tricky jams kids everywhere seem to experience. Henry'saction-packed days are captured in droll line drawings by LouisDarling. Luckily for young readers, there are dozens of Cleary booksto explore as soon as this one is devoured. (Ages 8 to 12) --EmilieCoulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (47)

Beware of Manufacturing Error! Adult material on first disc!
I ordered this Henry Huggins CD for a long car ride with my children. If you did, too, make sure you preview the first disc! The copy I received was appropriately labeled "Henry Huggins," but the material on disc one was NOT FOR CHILDREN. I listened to enough of it to research the source. It begins with the chapter titled "That's Amore" from the book "When You Are Engulfed by Flames" by David Sedaris.The themes and language in this book are adult.Amazon kindly exchanged my defective CD set with a new one .... AND IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM!Buyer beware.

Your mind is so much better than a movie!
Looking back into the world of my own childhood I realize that the children of today are lacking sadly in the delight and creativity that only their own minds can create.No movie can do justice to the antics of Henry and Ribsy, a duo with amazing talent for mischief, mayhem and madness!

Almost from the moment you crack the paqes in this great work you are swept into the unpredictable world of Beverly Cleary.This author manages to convey lessons in life without overburdening them with importance.She uses her tale to leave us laughing and wishing we could look up and see tat funny do and Henry Huggins fast behind him trying to fix whatever craziness he has started.

If there are any kids in your life, or if you want to slip away and hide in your own childhood for a little while - pick up Henry Huggins and settle in for some serious fun.

Wonderful introduction to Cleary's world
Cleary's first novel introduces her most popular boy protagonist and his mischievous pet dog, Ribsy. Immediately after adopting the lovable mutt, Henry experiences a variety of adventures: bedlam on a bus ride; mass guppy breeding and the consequences thereof; nocturnal worm collecting as a means to replace a friend's lost football; the messy resolution of an unwanted role in a school operetta; disastrous participation in a local dog show. In the book's final chapter, Ribsy's former owner comes calling for him, and what ensues is enough to make even the youngest readers cheer for Henry.

Even after six decades, the ingenuity of Cleary's scenarios and the enthusiasm of her characters still impart an enduring freshness to the proceedings in spite of the novel's dated attributes and vernacular. Louis Darling's illustrations are notably cruder than those of subsequent Cleary books, but they're no less charming or evocative of their innocent age for being so much less detailed.

Great Book
My 4 and 2 year old sons listen to Henry Huggins all the time.They love the story and pretend to be Henry from time to time.The CD format is perfect for my kids.You can't go wrong with any Beverly Cleary book.

Henry Huggins, great children's book!!
In Beverly Cleary's book, Henry Huggins, she tells a story about the life of a little boy. This book is definitely an adventure book. Henry Huggins is a seven year old 3rd grader. He lives on Klickitat Street, which is Beverly Cleary's childhood street in Portland, Oregon. The story is set in the 1950s and Henry lives in a small, peaceful town in the suburbs.

Henry Huggins is the main character. The book takes the reader through Henry's everyday excitement as a curious, adventurous young boy. He is a very likable boy and has a big heart. As a reader, it is easy to get into the book and try to figure out what Henry will do next. Ribsy is Henry's dog that he finds at the local drug store one day. He names him Ribsy due to the fact that he is really skinny, therefore making it very easy to see his ribs. The book also briefly mentions a few of Henry's classmates, including Robert, Beezus, and Mary Jane and a fifth grader named Scooter.

This chapter book has several different storylines. It contains six chapters that are unrelated to each other. In the first chapter, Henry finds Ribsy and begs his parents to let him keep him. The adventure is trying to figure out exactly how Henry will get Ribsy home. The second chapter is about Henry wanting guppies but then a few guppies' turns into a hundred guppies. The third chapter deals with Henry wanting to save money for a nice football like the one his friend Scooter has. But certain events lead him to have to spend his money on a football for Scooter. The fourth chapter deals with Henry having to perform in a school Christmas play. The fifth chapter is about Henry entering Ribsy in a dog show. The last chapter is about Ribsy's former owner trying to take Ribsy back. Does he get him back or will Henry be able to keep his beloved dog?

Beverly Cleary does a good job of showing the action of the book. She uses sound words such as, "Thump, thump, thump" and "Crackle, crackle, crackle" to describe the actions of the characters. I think this is a great book for younger kids. It tells them about adventures of little kids around their own age that they can relate to.

... Read more