Audiobook, E-book ( )

The summer before first grade sure isn't an easy one for Ramona. There are a lot of changes going on at the Quimby house and Ramona's not sure she likes them one bit. She has a new bedroom that terrifies her, and she's positive that something is hiding under her bed. And to make matters worse, her mother gets a job to help pay for the new bedroom. Ramona sure misses her and the cookies she used to bake. School finally starts and Ramona realizes the first grade is not for cowards.

Oh my goodness, the things this little girl does...I don't know if Beverly Clearly followed a kid around for weeks, observed her own children, or remembered her own childhood for these books, but man, I'm constantly amazed by the real insight she puts into these stories. Ramona has such a rough time in first grade, I almost wish she was a real kid that I could put my arms around and tell that she is seen and she is understood. The owl episode, especially, made me wish for her sake that she could really explain her thoughts and decisions. I knew the moment that new room was announced, it would be a source of contention between sisters as to who would get it—it's 100% accurate. And then Ramona's unhappiness building up until she just had to get it out has hilarious, and then very touching, consequences.

Stockard Channing's narration is pretty great, too, and I recommend it for anyone who might be interested, young or old. ( )

Honestly, I can't remember when I read this book the first time. Or the last time--i read it to my nephew and nieces. The book is perfect for children (obviously) and is great for bedtime stories and family quality time. ( )

Given what I just named my new baby goat, and that I came across this paperback in one of those little free libraries just a few weeks after she was born, it seemed it was meant to be: time for a re-read after 40 long years.

Yes, Beverly Cleary deserves to be remembered and read and re-read after all these years. Her Ramona is so very real, it was kind of a difficult read. After all, it's largely about her frustrations.

Real things:
- What it's like having a sibling 5 years older (yup)
- The details, like the kindergarten being in a 'temporary building'
- The little (used to be called normal-sized) house where everyone can hear everything; Beezus is constantly butting in
- Beezus being older but not so much older that she can't join in late night sessions of sisters scaring each other

The illustrations have evolved several times over the long, long shelf life of the Cleary books. This edition I happened to score is not the most modern - I see some actually have some stills from a movie that got made around 2010 - I disapprove wholeheartedly; Beezus looks to be cast way too old. But it's not exactly the edition that I read as a kid in grammar school, either. Ramona was cuter then, and in the older ones. I have to find those.

And indeed now I must, as they say, "collect them all." Ramona the Pest. Ramona Forever. Ramona forever, indeed!! Loving my little goat name even more. ( )