Books

Beezus and Ramona

By Beverly Cleary
Illustrated by Tracey Dockray

HarperCollins 2006

This is an oldie, but a goodie. Originally published in 1955, Harpercollins rereleased the series with new illustrations in the early 1990s. This version can now be seen in Australian bookstores.

This is the first book in a series of eight and it serves to establish the relationship between Beatrice Quimby and her younger sister Ramona. Ramona’s a spirited young girl, whom Beatrice considers a pest (the second book is, in fact, called Ramona the Pest). Ramona does have a tendency to be a brat in this book. She demands that Beatrice reads her favourite story to her. She takes a single bite out of all the apples in the house. And she ruins two of Beatrice's birthday cakes by adding non-edible ingredients.

Beverley Cleary cleverly captures the tenuous relationship between sisters in this book, as Beatrice realises you can love your younger sister without having to like her all the time. Ramona goes on to become the star of the series, which follows her progress from age four to age ten. It’s a wonderful (and thoroughly entertaining) experience to watch her grow up.

While I have a softspot for the scratchy illustrations by Louis Darling and Alan Tiegreen, it’s refreshing to see a modern approach by Tracey Dockray. However, I hope the original versions remain in circulation, because I believe they show the characters as they were intended.

Ingrid recommends Beezus and Ramona to Canberra Kids aged seven and up

RRP: $12.95
Stocked in ACT Libraries: Yes (original version)

Between the pages
Before Ramona had her own series, she appeared in Beverly Cleary's series about Henry Huggins. Henry returns the favour by popping up in Beezus and Ramona.

For more reviews visit http://www.ingridjonach.com/Site/Books_for_Kids/Books_for_Kids.html

Canberra resident Ingrid Jonach is the author of the picture book A Lot of Things, and the children's chapter book The Frank Frankie. Pan Macmillan will release the sequel Frankie Goes to France in June this year.
 
Ingrid studied children's literature at the University of Canberra, from which she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing (Hons). She has been a speaker at festivals including The National Young Writers Festival, The Somerset Celebration of Literature and the Canberra Readers and Writers Festival. She also addressed the Australian Literacy Educators' Association's conference when it was held in Canberra last year.

Ingrid has performs author visits in schools and hospitals across Australia. She has also been featured in media including The Sydney Morning Herald, Channel Ten News, The Herald Sun, The West Australian and The Canberra Times.
 
For more information visit www.ingridjonach.com

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