Beverly Cleary Books

Other reviewers have said that Ramona the Pest is a beloved masterpiece of children's fiction, which it is. Ramona Forever, while just a shade below the very best Ramona books (Ramona the Pest and Ramona the Brave), is still a very satisfying wrap-up to the series -- considerably better than the much later Ramona's World.

I'd just like to add that Stockard Channing's unabridged recordings of these, and the other Ramona books, do justice to them completely. Channing is magnificent; like Cleary, she captures Ramona without ever patronizing her. These recordings stand up to repeated listening, which you can expect, without becoming precious or annoying.

It's great to finally have CD editions of these recordings available, and the price they're asking would be reasonable for one book -- for two whole books, this is a tremendous bargain.

Stockard Channing's rendition of "Ramona the Pest" kept my kids (6-year-old boy, 5-year-old girl) silent for the entire book--3 1/2 hours. They were captivated by Ramona's crises and adventures. It is hard to believe that this book has been around for so long because so little of it seems dated. I enjoyed it as much as the children did. Ramona Forever was not quite as gripping, but when we got in the car today to return from our trip, my son reminded me that we had missed the last few chapters and we all listened quietly to the wedding and the arrival of Algie. Then we put in Ramona the Pest--again! I just got online to order more Beverly Cleary books for our next trip. Forget the DVDs and pop one of these in!

I've loved Cleary's writings ever since I can remember. Especiall the Mouse and the Motorcycle! So, when I saw this series in the library, I HAD to get it for my little one. Well, in this story, Jimmy wants to dig a hole with a "real" shovel. So, after breaking his plastic one, his father finds one that was used by soldiers to dig trenches. Off Jimmy goes to dig his hole while sis Janet makes up all kinds of dreamy little things that Jimmy can do with his hole. Well, Jimmy will have none of that, "it's just a hole." Pretty soon, the little guy actually digs a big enough hole to do something with it so off his father goes to buy a tree. So now, they have a Christmas tree inside and outside. Sure is a great story - especially for those of us with little boys who really do want "real" shovels and to do "real" things like dig holes for new trees. Great, great book!

In another of her magical stories about the twins, Jimmy and Janet, Beverly Cleary writes about the real need of many children to not just pretend but to do work which is valued by adults. Jimmy is frustrated when his parents and sister think he is digging a hole in the yard merely for fun. Instead, he wants to do something useful with his hole. His father, understanding, provides a clever solution. Do not overlook these wonderful books, too often in the shadow of the better-known Henry and Ramona series!

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!

This was my favorite diary of all time. It had places to write events plus activities and questions to answer about yourself, your friends,etc...I had no idea it was still out. I'm going to order a new one.

Finally an academic tome on one of America's most beloved children's authors. Pflieger discusses and analyzes all of Cleary works as well as giving some biographical material about her. Academic journals, popular press magazines and newspapers about Cleary's novels are all cited in order to provide other people's reviews and analysis of Cleary's works. This book is a must for anyone who has read any of Cleary's novel and would be particularly useful for college students who are thinking of becoming English teachers, librarians or Ph.D. students in children's literature. Unlike many academic writers, Pflieger's writing style is clear and easy to understand which is a nice contrast to all the boring, pedantic academic writings which are often employed when analyzing children's literature. I would like to see included in the next edition, an analysis of Cleary's newest work Ramona's World, as it was not inserted in this edition.

These are four of my favorite Beverly Cleary books, even though they are not very well known. They are sweet and funny just like all her books. My sisters and love these books and have all of them.

These are all wonderful books to read as and for a child. Everyone has a bet of Ramona in them and we all have conflicts between our other family members like the young girl. Beezus can be related to anyone who has had to live with a teenager and when we read the whacky stories about Ramona's parents we all say inside, "Hey, That's like my mom!". The mouse and the motorcycle are very delightful, too. We never thought a bond could strike up between a small mouse and a child but this story proves us wrong! I strongly reccomend these books.

This is basically a paperdoll book of the charcters from Beverly Cleary's Ramona and Henry Huggins books. It has four dolls (including dog) plus 11 pages of outfits and accessories. I dont own it anymore, but it's very nicely illustrated and I believe the dolls are Ramona and Beezus Quimby, Henry huggins, and Ribsey the dog. Im afraid I don't remember if its punch-out or if you have to cut with scissors.

This book is about a young boy named Leigh Botts who writes letters to an author, Mr. Henshaw. Leigh Botts parents are divorced and he does not get to see his dad too much. Leigh writes in his journal when he does not write to Mr. Henshaw. Leigh's has a dog named Bandit that lives with his Dad. This is a great book that teaches journal writing.

This book is about a mouse named Ralph who lives uinder a grandfather clock in a hotel with his families. Ralph is not just an ordinary mouse you see speaking in your attic, he is special. So special, that he has his own red motorcycle. With the motorcycle, he runs away from the hotel and his families because of his families' low trustworthy againist him. He runs away into a campsite with hundreds of boys and girls. Ralph finds himself in trouble with three cats when one of the boys named Gark catches him and keeps him from troubles.
There is no part of this book I disliked. None, because Beverly Cleary keeps yohh into the book. It actually "feels" like your there with Ralph and his ultimult adventures. She keeps you from stop rerading and say, "this book ...!" You rather say, "Gee, I wonder what happens on the next chapter!" I highly recommad you read this book instantly.
"I hab a better idea," said Garf. "I'll take you back to the hotel myself when my family comes to get me. They'll be spending the night there before they come and pick me up the day after tomorrow. The camo doesn't serve us lunch on the day we leave, so I know we'll stop at the Inn for lunchbefore we get home.It's the only place around here. I could easily take you along in my pocket." This quote meant a lot to me. This quote showed me that all Beverly Cleary books had a moral to the story. This book's moral was "the better friendship you have, the better things that you will earn from friendship."
Why this book you ask? Well, because Beverly Cleary is my favorite author. She gives me the reason to read rather then just reading for fun. I really get to learn lots of things when I read her books. Like a history book with games on it so that you learn stuff and hab fun. Read this fabulous book and Runaway Ralph, might be your favorite too.