If you’re looking for a new children’s book, Beezus and Ramona is a great option. This book can be enjoyed by children of all ages, but especially those who have seen the movie based on it.
This realistic fiction novel is written by Beverly Cleary, one of the most successful writers in the U.S. Cleary was born in McMinnville, Oregon, in 1916, but moved to Portland when she was six years old.
She found this transition difficult and was placed in a group of struggling readers in school. Cleary found reading boring and wondered why authors didn’t write about something more interesting.
But, after reading The Dutch Twins by Lucy Fitch Perkins, Cleary discovered her passion for reading and writing. Her sixth-grade teacher suggested she should become a children’s writer, which eventually came to pass.
Cleary earned two degrees: one in English and one in library science. The first book she published was Henry Huggins, which was, in fact, the first in a series of fictional chapter books. This book portrays Henry, his dog Ribsy, and the Quimby sisters, Beezus and Ramona.
Beverly Cleary’s books are mostly based on her own childhood experiences and portray the lives of ordinary people. William Grimes of The New York Times noted how Cleary used humor and wit to describe everyday problems, mysteries, and injustices that define the childhoods of middle-class children in America.
Cleary’s other notable work includes The Mouse and the Motorcycle (1965), Runaway Ralph (1970), and the Ramona series, which consists of eight titles.
What is Beezus and Ramona about?
Beezus and Ramona focuses on the relationship between two Quimby sisters, Beatrice Ann (Beezus) and Ramona. Nine-year-old Beezus wishes her younger sister wasn’t so noisy and annoying. Everything that four-year-old Ramona Quimby does is loud or messy and gets on her nerves.
One day, while Beezus is trying to make a present for her aunt, Ramona is louder than ever. In an attempt to calm her down, Beezus decides to read her a book. However, the plan doesn’t work because Ramona chooses a book about a steam shovel named Scoopy.
Beezus decides to take her younger sister to the library and find a new book. But, Ramona chooses another book about a steam shovel, which annoys her big sister even more.
After Ramona ruins the library book with crayons, Beezus is furious because she used her library card to borrow it.
We also read about the older sister Beezus attending an art class, wishing she was more creative like Ramona. Ramona interrupts the class, and the teacher invites her in. However, after a few incidents, Beezus decides Ramona is better off playing outside. The older sister then paints a dragon and is delighted to hear that the teacher loves it.
Besides the art class, Beezus loves playing checkers with her neighbor Henry. One afternoon, Henry and his dog Ribsy come to the Quimbys’ house. Ramona locks the dog in the bathroom after he tried to eat her cookie, which makes Beezus very angry.
Beezus sometimes feels guilty because she doesn’t always like her little sister and envies the relationship between her mother and her aunt.
One day, when Beezus is babysitting her 4-year-old sister, Ramona manages to go to the basement and eat a bite out of a bunch of apples. Worried that her mom will be angry, Beezus talks to her aunt Beatrice, who tells her to ignore Ramona’s behavior.
On Beezus’ 10th birthday, Ramona ruins her birthday cake by throwing a rubber doll in the oven, where it melts. Fortunately, Aunt Beatrice brings a new cake, and Ramona is sent to her room.
Mrs. Quimby and Beatrice tell Beezus stories about when they were kids and how they often had disagreements but eventually became best friends. This comforts Beezus, and she wishes every birthday was as happy as this one.
Beezus and Ramona – Our book review
Beezus and Romana is an excellent representation of sisterhood, family relationships, and authority. Although it’s a masterpiece of children’s literature, many adults enjoy reading it, especially if they liked it as children.
Why? Because this book allows the reader to follow events from different perspectives. Many younger children enjoy Ramona’s playful, dynamic, and sometimes overwhelming personality and love reading about her mischievous behavior. Older children and adults may prefer Beezus and her quiet, organized, and lovable spirit.
Another important theme of this excellent read is authority, or maybe the lack of it, depending on the viewpoint. Whatever Ramona does, she gets sent to her room without any other form of punishment. Some may call this a lack of authority, while others agree this is more than enough because Ramona is still very young.
What makes the story about Ramona and Beezus so popular is the fact that it’s relatable and timeless. Many older siblings sometimes feel like they can’t stand their younger brother or sister, and they often feel bad about it.
This novel doesn’t teach that this is wrong; instead, it deals with these emotions, describing them as perfectly natural. As we can see from the relationship between Mrs. Quimby and Beatrice, they outgrew their issues and are best friends now, which can be encouraging for many kids.
Many readers agree that Ramona’s spoiled and that her behavior is unacceptable. Since the parents don’t do much to stop it, some readers believe they only made it worse and that this book isn’t a good example for their children.
Beezus and Ramona is the first book of the Ramona series. The other titles are Ramona the Pest, Ramona the Brave, Ramona and Her Father, Ramona and Her Mother, Ramona Quimby, Age 8, Ramona Forever, and Ramona’s World.
Beezus and Ramona was originally illustrated by Louis Darling and published by
William Morrow (now HarperCollins).
Listen to Beezus and Ramona on Speechify Audiobooks
If you want to listen to the audio version of Beezus and Ramona, Speechify Audiobooks is the way to go. This platform features over 60,000 audiobooks from different genres.
In addition to the vast selection, the platform offers convenient features that can enhance your experience. Some of them are adjusting the playback speed, automatic sync between devices, and setting a timer.
FAQ
What age should you read Beezus and Ramona?
The book is intended for children over the age of six.
What time period does the story take place in?
The novel takes place in the 1950s.
Is Beezus and Ramona a good book?
Many agree that Beezus and Ramona is one of the best books of children’s literature.
