At 7 and a half, with working parents and a sister at “a difficult age,” Ramona Quimby tries hard to do her part to keep family peace. Usually, however, she ends up behind every uproarious incident in the house. Whether shes dying herself blue, watching while her young neighbor flings Kleenex around the house, or wearing her soft new pajamas to school one day (under her clothes, of course), Ramonas life is never dull. Through it all, she is struggling for a place in her mothers heart, worried that she might be unlovable. Not a chance. Ramona Quimby is nothing if not lovable.
Beverly Clearys gift for understanding the tangle of thoughts and emotions in a childs mind and heart is remarkable. Luckily, in addition to being empathic, witty, and astute, Cleary is also prolific. She has created over two dozen childrens books, and been presented with many awards, including the Newbery Medal for?ÿDear Mr. Henshaw, as well as the Newbery Honor forRamona and Her Father?ÿand for?ÿRamona Quimby, Age 8. (Ages 8 to 12)?ÿ–Emilie Coulter