Beezus and Ramona
Author: Beverly Cleary
Illustrator: Tracy Dockray
Book 1 in the Ramona Quimby series
Pages: 160
Published: 1955
Age: 6+
Newbery Award winner Beverly Cleary delivers a humorous portrayal of the ups and downs of sisterhood. Both the younger and older siblings of the family will enjoy this book.
Nine-year-old Beezus Quimby has her hands full with her little sister, Ramona. Sure, other people have little sisters that bother them sometimes, but is there anyone in the world like Ramona? Whether she's taking one bite out of every apple in a box or secretly inviting 15 other 4-year-olds to the house for a party, Ramona is always making trouble--and getting all the attention. Every big sister can relate to the trials and tribulations Beezus must endure. Old enough to be expected to take responsibility for her little sister, yet young enough to be mortified by every embarrassing plight the precocious preschooler gets them into, Beezus is constantly struggling with her mixed-up feelings about the exasperating Ramona.
Will Beezus find the patience to handle her little sister before Ramona turns her big day into a complete disaster?
- The Unforgettable Ramona Quimby: Four years old and full of chaos, Ramona powders her nose with marshmallows, scribbles in library books, and even bakes her rubber doll into a birthday cake.
- An Older Sister’s Dilemma: Beezus tries to be patient and responsible, but how is a girl supposed to love a sister who seems determined to ruin everything?
- Laugh-Out-Loud Funny: From an invasion of nursery schoolers to a basement full of half-eaten apples, this story captures the hilarious reality of life with a little sister.
- Heartwarming and Relatable: Discover the funny, frustrating, and ultimately loving bond that makes Beezus and Ramona a sister story for the ages.
About the Ramona Quimby Series
Books in series order
- 1.Beezus and Ramona(1955)
- 2.Ramona the Pest(1967)
- 3.Ramona the Brave(1974)
- 4.Ramona and Her Father(1977)
- 5.Ramona and Her Mother(1979)
- 6.Ramona Quimby, Age 8(1981)
- 7.Ramona Forever(1984)
- 8.Ramona's World(1999)
Reading age: 6+ years
The Ramona Quimby series follows the lively, imaginative, and sometimes exasperating Ramona as she grows from an energetic preschooler into a more thoughtful elementary school student.
Ramona approaches everyday life with strong opinions, big feelings, and a determination to be understood. Whether she is dealing with school, friendships, family changes, money worries, or her relationship with her older sister Beezus, her good intentions often lead to unexpected trouble. Beverly Cleary’s warm, humorous stories capture the frustrations, embarrassments, and small triumphs of childhood with honesty and affection. The trials and triumphs of growing up are depicted through a relatable heroine who isn't afraid to be exactly who she is.
Funny, reassuring, and sharply observed, the series remains especially appealing to readers who enjoy realistic family stories and characters who do not always get things right. These books continue to make young readers laugh in recognition and pleasure. They're perfect for independent and shared reading, at home or in the classroom.