Book Review: Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary

Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Louise Darling, Morrow Junior Books, New York, 1955.

This is the first in the Ramona series, but we have already been introduced to the characters in the Henry books.  This is a good book about relationships, specifically sister relationships.  In this case there is a difference in age.  Beezus turns ten in the book, and Ramona is four.  She is in preschool.  Ramona is very head strong, and she is often “naughty.”  She insists on one book being read to her over and over, she sometimes inserts herself in conversation, and she often does things to make messes, or to get her way.  She arranges a party on her own.  She puts a doll in the over in imitation of Hansel and Gretel.  Beezus finds that there are many times she does not love her sister.  She finally comes to terms with this on her birthday when her mother and aunt talk about their relationship growing up.  This is very good in the Beverly Cleary fashion.