Amazon.com

"Pb-pb-b-b-b. Pb-pb-b-b-b." With these magic vocables, Ralph the mouserevs up a dream come true--his very own motorcycle. Living in a knothole in a hotel room, young Ralph has seen plenty of families come and go, some more generous with their crumbs than others. But when young Keith and his parents check in to the hotel, Ralph gets his first chance to check out. He has always fantasized about venturing beyond the second floor, maybe even outside. Curiosity overcomes caution, and Ralph must have a go at Keith's toy motorcycle. Soon, the headstrong mouse finds himself in a pickle, when all he wanted was to ride a motorcycle. Lucky for him, the boy understands how it is. When he discovers Ralph in his thwarted attempt to abscond with the toy bike, Keith generously encourages the rodent to ride. He even teaches him the simple trick of starting the motorcycle: "You have to make a noise... pb-pb-b-b-b." The subsequent situations Ralph motors into require quick thinking and grownup-sized courage. The team of Beverly Cleary and Louis Darling has been a great favorite for decades, introducing young chapter readers to Ramona, Beezus, Henry, and of course Ralph the mouse. (Ages 8 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (45)

The funniest adventure ever
The theme in The Mouse and the Motorcycle is responsiblity.In the book Ralph,a mouse, earns friendship with a boy {Keith} who moves into room 215. Ralph rides Keith's mini-toy sized motorcycle and looses it.Will anything esle happen?If you want to learn anything else about Ralph and his friends, read this book and all the series of Ralph S.Mouse.I think and feel that Ralph should ride all of Keith's sport-cars because each time it would be funny to imagine a mouse riding in whatever Keith's sport-cars were.It makes me wonder about things in this book.If a little mouse can ride a motorcycle...what esle could happen!Also I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because its very, very funny and adventurous.

Join Ralph for the ride of his life!
Beverly Cleary's books have entertained kids for nearly 50 years, and this wonderful introduction to Ralph S. Mouse is no exception. Ralph is a young mouse living between the walls of the Mountain View Inn. He and his family always depend on the crumps of food that are dropped by the vacationers who stay at the Inn. It is critical that they remain hidden from human eyes lest the hotel sprays the Inn. One summer day, Ralph hears a boy making the sounds that all young children make when playing with toy motorcycles, so Ralph stealthily investigates the cycle when it's owner, Keith, is out of the room. When Keith discovers Ralph on the motorcycle, he makes a new friend by showing Ralph how to get the contraption to "go." "Pb-pb-b-b-b," goes Ralph, and away he goes on the "motorized" motorcycle, finding the freedom he has always yearned for in his young life. Now Ralph has endless opportunities for adventure, sometimes fun, sometimes scary, but always exciting. This is a special book. Kids adore it, and adults frequently love this journey back into childhood fantasy. I know I do!

A Mouse on a Motorcycle!! WOW!!!
The Mouse and the Motorcycle is about a boy mouse named Ralph, who lives in a mouse hole in room # 215. He finds this motorcycle which belongs to a boy named Keith. Keith teaches Ralph how to ride the motorcycle. I enjoyed reading this amazing book. I think it should be 4/5 stars, because it was about a great adventure.

Wonderful!! A classic book for all ages.
There are probably over 900 zillion books out there, and of all of them, this is my favorite. I love the cute sketches, witty little humor, and imaginative storyline. "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" follows the "tail" of Ralph the mouse, who's dream is to just spend those wonderful hours riding down the hallway on a red motorcycle, and keeping the bond between him and Keith (the boy) alive. I've already read the book over 20 times, and still don't get tired of it. Defenitely a treasure of all of Beverly Cleary's stories.

The mouse and the motorcycle
I llllllllllllllllllllllloved the book because it felt so realistic!
I felt like I was in the book,
and it was funny too.
I can tell it's the right book for me.

Ralph the mouse is very independent. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When, in second grade, Leigh writes to an author to tell him how muchhe "licked" his book, he never suspects that he'll still be writing to him four years later. And he never imagines the kinds of things he'll be writing about:

Dear Mr. Henshaw, I am sorry I was rude in my last letter... Maybe I was mad about other things, like Dad forgetting to send this month's support payment. Mom tried to phone him at the trailer park where, as Mom says, he hangs his hat.

This Newbery Medal-winning book, by the terrifically popular and prolific Beverly Cleary (Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Runaway Ralph), exhibits a subtlety and sensitivity that will be appreciated by any youngster who feels lonely and troubled during the transition into adolescence. Winner of numerous other awards, including two Newbery Honors, Cleary teams up with Caldecott winner Paul O. Zelinsky, who creates a quiet backdrop for the realistic characters. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (94)

Pretty Good
A classic story that many children in today's society can really relate to with the rising divorce rate. Leigh speaks on their level, simply looking for some one to reach out to.

Dear Mr. Henshaw is a great book for kids that are having troubles with their life, like everyday children. Reading this book as an adult I associated it with my personal life. Leigh has problems with his parent's divorce, he hates not being able to see his dad. This leads him to a lot of emotional stress. Through this mess one of his teachers makes him write a letter to his favorite author. Leigh writes Mr. Henshaw a letter that asks him all sorts of questions about himself. After this the two of them write back and forth for a couple of years. This relationship gives Leigh confidence in himself when Mr. Henshaw tells Leigh that he should keep a journal. This journal allows Leigh to get his feelings out. Things stop bothering Leigh so much and by the end of the book he starts to enjoy his life more. This book is really good for an upper elementary child, and can even for an adult. Simplistic artwork for the cover, which demonstrates that this story is about an average boy.

A Young Student Copes With Life By Writing Fan Letters
"Dear Mr. Henshaw" is mostly a collection of letters a young boy, Leigh Botts, sends to his favorite author, Mr. Boyd Henshaw, over a four-year period. By the 6th grade, Leigh is a regular fan. In his letters, Leigh describes his confusion at home over his parent's divorce and being friendless and picked on at his new school. After receiving some tips about writing from Mr. Henshaw, Leigh soon begins his own diary and learns how cathartic writing can be for him. He even wins a writing contest and meets "a real live author" who congratulates him and encourages him to keep writing.

It's no wonder "Dear Mr. Henshaw" won the Newbery Award in 1984. Although an entire book devoted to fan letters and diary entries might not excite some younger readers, Mrs. Cleary somehow makes this book very appealing and relative to children. There are also several illustrations done by Paul O. Zelinksy for those who enjoy drawings and not just writing. I remember reading "Dear Mr. Henshaw" when I was a kid and would highly recommend it to other children around seven and up.

How I felt about this book
I am a student at West Virginia State University, and read this book for my Children's Literature class. Our assignment was to select a Newbery winner and report on it. When I selected this book I wasn't aware it was going to have such an affect on me. I am from a divorced family and if I would have had something like this to read when I was younger I may have learned ways to cope with what I was going through. I recommend this book to all children whether their parents are divorced or not. This book will also prepare them with what is going on in others lives. Sometimes children aren't as considerate with their peers as they should be. I enjoyed this book, and I know you will too!

A Perfect Book For 5th Graders
Wow, what a great book for fifth Graders! The book "Dear Mr. Henshaw" by Beverly Cleary is about a boy named Leigh Botts. Leigh moves to a new town with his mother. His parents are divorced and he is lonely. Leigh writes a letter to his favorite author Mr. Henshaw. He askes Mr. Henshaw lots of questions and Mr. Henshaw writes him back. Leigh begins to write to Mr. Henshaw all of the time because it helps him figure out his own feelings. He becomes a better writer for this. Leigh enters a writing contest and the winner gets to meet a famous writer. Do you think he will win the contest? Do you think that famous writer could be Mr. Henshaw? Do you think that Leigh will make new friends at his new school? Will Leigh's parents get back together? All of these questions can be answered by reading this great book.

this book was ok
Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary was an ok book. Its all about an 11 year old boy named Leigh Botts and what he writes in his letters and journal. The letters are to Mr. Henshaw an author of "Ways to Amuse a Dog." Leigh is having a tough time because his parents are going through a divorce and he needs someone to talk to. Leigh finds out that someone is stealing his lunch every day. So he makes an alarm for his lunchbox. Leigh also has a dog named bandit who stays with his dad who is a trucker. and Leigh stays with his mom. this book was ok. I would not recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

This wonderful Ramona Box Set, by Beverly Cleary, contains four books: Ramona the Brave, Ramona the Pest, Beezus and Ramona, and Ramona Quimby, Age 8.

Beezus tries very hard to be patient with her little sister, but four-your-old Ramona has a habit of doing the most unpredictable, annoying, embarrassing things in the world. Sometimes Beezus doesn't like Ramona much, and that makes her feel guilty. Sisters are supposed to love each other, but pesky little Ramona doesn't seem very lovable to Beezus right now.

Ramona is off to kindergarten, and it is the greatest day of her life. She loves her teacher, Miss Binney, and she likes a little boy named Davy so much she wants to kiss him. So why does Ramona get in so much trouble? And how does Ramona manage to disrupt the whole class during rest time? Anyone who knows Ramona knows that she never tries to be a pest.

Now that she's six and entering the first grade, Ramona is determined to be brave, but it's not always easy, with a scary new all-by-herself bedroom, her mother's new job, and a new teacher who just doesn't understand how hard Ramona is trying to grow up.

Ramona feels quite grown up taking the bus by herself, helping big sister Beezus make dinner, and trying hard to be nice to pesky Willa Jean after school. Turning eight years old and entering the third grade can do that to a girl. So how can her teacher call her a nuisance? Being a member of the Quimby family in the third grade is harder than Ramona expected.

Reviews (20)

**** Stars!
My mom gave me my first Ramona books when I was a young child and they fueled my desire to read and to continue reading. To this day I am obsessed with books. : ) Thanks to the wonderful Ramona series which got me started reading. I recommend this to young children and to the parents of young children who wish to encourage their children to read and love books.

Beverly Cleary, An author that caught my attention
I am 20 years old now, but I have read almost all of Beverly Cleary's books and enjoyed them all. The first one that I read was Dear Mr. Henshaw and it was read aloud to the class when I was in 3rd grade. I was hooked. I recommend her books to all ages. I have read all the Ramona and Mouse on a Motorcycle series as well as Henry Huggins.

One Small Caution
Excellent books. But be warned: you may have to translate some of the awkward phrases and expressions that seem to pop up throughout Cleary's books. I thought she might be European, until I read her bio today. Expressions like "Gay" (meaning happy) and "Crayoning" (which perplexed my daughter until I explained that in America we call it "Coloring.")Things like that.

Ageless
I read and reread these books to my daughters, and I am delighted to be able to read them to my granddaughters! It is so much fun to snuggle in bed and read Ramona books! Ageless and priceless...

Still a favorite
I read these books as a child, and loved them. Ramona deals with childhood tribulations (fear of going to the principal's office, worrying about her family when her father loses his job, having to play with her friend's little sister whom she detests) that most children experience in some variation, and so a child can identify with her as they read and feel reassured by the fact that they are not the only one who has gone through these things. Also, many of her mischevious adventures are so entertaining and wonderful (for instance, when she makes a "toothpaste cake" in the bathroom sink using the entire tube of toothpaste). Even as an adult, I still find myself reaching for these sometimes to be reassured by an old friend and to re-live a childhood comfort. ... Read more

Book Description

Ramona is off to kindergarten, and it's the greatest day of her life. So why is she sitting on the bench while the rest of the students play the game gray duck? Laughs and minor upsets abound in an enormously popular story starring the one and only Ramona Quimby! ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Ramona...a Pest?
Beverly Cleary is the master of creating timeless characters and Ramona Quimby is a timeless character. I read this book when I was a little girl, I fell in love with it, and now I am reading it to my 4 year old son, who begs for a new chapter every night.

Ramona isn't really a pest, but just a curious child, but that leads to all kinds of trouble as she starts kindergarten. Because of her new found troubles she almost decides she doesn't want to be there anymore.

Beverly Cleary really knows how to realate to children. It is simply no wonder that she has surpassed at least two generations with her work as an uncomparable author. She makes you laugh and feel all at the same time.

Excellent for Children of All Ages!
This is a wonderful book! I read it to my class of second graders, as a read aloud every school year. Even though the protagonist in the story is a little kindergarten girl. The "aged" 7 year olds in my class still love it! They seem to really identify with this character... who am I kidding I identify with her too!
Who among us has never felt excited about a shiny new pair of boots... or some other piece of clothing?
Who among us has not felt embarrassed when we mistake a song lyric?
Who among us has not been swept up in the moment wanting to squish, squish, squish in fresh mud?
Ramona, just like you has experienced all this and more. This book in Beverly Cleary's Ramona series, is full of priceless childhood moments. In fact it is not difficult to picture our own selves in all these moments.
Ramona is a priceless kid... and this book is full of priceless moments of childhood reflection.
Adults to Kids should exerience this one. It is well worth your time.

ramona the pest
I think romona the pest is not ok for me.
I don't like it because ramona pull susan's hair.

ramona the pest
I think ramona the pest is a good book because ramona like davy and ramona pulled susan boing boing curls and ramona talks back to her sister and she gets in trouble by her perents and she got stuck in some mud in her new shoes and howie helped her get out of there

Ranona the pest
I think the pest is great I Like It because It Is Funny. My favrite part Is whene Ramona pulled Susan hair and whene she got her mask. She went to school and they had a party. ... Read more

Book Description

Henry Huggins feels that nothing very interesting ever happens to him. But from the moment a stray dog in the drugstore begs for a taste of his ice-cream cone and downs it in one gulp, everything is different. Henry names the dog Ribsy and decides to keep him. Before Henry even reaches home with Ribsy he spends all of his money, gets kicked off three buses, and enjoys a hair-raising ride in a police car. And that's only the beginning of Henry's exciting new life! ... Read more

Reviews (18)

One day Henry finds a dog and tries to take it home.
One day Henry finds a dog and he tries to take it home on the bus. Henry and Ribsy become best friends. One funny chapter was when they entered a contest and Henry tried to clean up Ribsy and mistakenly put pink powder all over Ribsy and they ended up winning because Ribsy was a pink dog. I am going into 4th grade and I read this book for school summer reading. I liked it a lot.

The book that started it all!
From my understanding, Beverly Cleary was a librarian who could not get some boys to read. They complained that there wasn't anything to read that they could relate to. They asked why weren't there books about kids like them, just average boys? So Beverly Cleary wrote "Henry Huggins" for them- a story of an average boy who gets into all sorts of believable adventures with highly amusing results. It is a GREAT book, and Ms. Cleary introduced to children's literature some of its greatest characters: Henry and his dog, Ribsy; and, in later books, his tomboy friend, Beezus, and Beezus' amazingly pesty kid sister, Ramona. Everyone of the subsequent books in the Henry/Ramona series is fantastic- filled with humor and characters with whom kids can understand and relate. "Henry Huggins" started it all and makes a wonderful introduction to Ms. Cleary's world on Kickalat Street.

TO OWN A DOG
The life of the third grade protagonist becomes more exciting when he finds a companionable stray dog; just getting him home via public transportation proves his first challenge. The friendly mongrel is so thin that Henry dubs him "Ribsy." Soon accepted as one of the family, this dog accompanies his new master wherever possible; in fact he even causes many incidents of local mayhem and amusement. Henry deals with various crises such as lost property, guppy mania, night crawlers, the shool play and a pet show. But a serious threat to their kid-dog
relationship destroys Henry's peace of mind, when a boy appears who claims to be the dog's former owner.

This is Lite Reading for elementary students, with plenty of dialogue, juvenile antics and conflict. This story is enchanced by Lois Darling's cute sketches. Set in those happy days before kids had TV sets, this ALA notable story explores the joys and woes
of pet ownership. No more will Henry need to wish for something

exciting to happen! Hinted themes include the subject of Cheating and the concept of sharing/showing compassion for others. Note to Cleary fans: Beezus and Ramona appear here too.

A Good Light-Hearted Story
Nothing exciting ever happened to Henry Huggins. That is, until the day he met a stray dog and decided that he HAD to keep him. Predictably, he and "Ribsy" have many humorous adventures together, and these stories are what make up "Henry Huggins". From that first ride home that starts on a city bus and ended in a police car, to a dog show that sees Ribsy sporting pink fur, to the final test of loyalty that will make all readers breathless with anticipation, the story is well told. Everything in this book is carried out in a pleasant and easy-to-read manner, so children should have no trouble staying with the story, even if there are few pictures. Even though it was published over 50 years ago, "Henry Huggins" is still a valuable book to have in your collection.

A Review by Jin Huang, Class 5-506
In November, I read a book that was comical. Henry Huggins is a boy that had no excitement in his life until he found a dog on the streets. He was buying an ice cream cone and he met a dog. Then, he wanted to bring him home. He got on the bus home, but the dog ruined everything. Henry got kicked out of the bus five times. Then the police came, and Henry got so scared for he thought the policemen would take him away. Instead, the policemen just took him home. Henry named the dog Ribsy "because you could even see his ribs." The most important part was when Henry entered a dog show because he wanted to win something. Ribsy slid in the mud, so Henry used talcum powder on Ribsy. Henry didn't know it was pink and the judges said "that is a weird dog." Would Ribsy win anything? Or would he lose? A few months later, a boy came and claimed that Ribsy was his dog. Then they had a competition. Who would Ribsy choose?

I hated the part when a boy came because Henry and Ribsy wee having a happy life, but the boy came to ruin it. How come Ribsy was on the streets? If I was Henry I would say "go home" and if he didn't I'll beat him up. Who will Ribsy choose? Who will he want to go with when the competition starts?

I think this book is good for a kid who found a dog without a collar that belonged to someone else because you could see what this boy went through. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Second grade is not turning out the way it should for Ramona Quimby.Her dad has lost his job, her mom has found a full-time job, and her big sister Beezus has "reached a difficult age." In her inimitable way, Ramona decides to take charge. She practices TV commercials in hopes of earning a million dollars, but only ends up insulting her teacher and getting into a prickly mess with some burrs. Then she embarks on a campaign to make her father stop smoking. Mr. Quimby manages to hold up under all these strains, but the challenge is on for the whole family to prove their mettle.

Once again, Beverly Cleary proves her own mettle in this touching and hilarious Newbery Honor Book. Beloved author of over two dozen children's books, and recipient of many awards, including another Newbery Honor for Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and a Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw, Cleary's instinct for children's jumbled emotions is flawless. Alan Tiegreen's adroit line drawings perfectly complement Cleary's style; it's hard to imagine one without the other. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Review from a 3rd Grader: Don't miss Ramona And Her Father
Wow! This book was amazing and spectacular. I loved it. Some of the parts were sad but it was happy at the end. It was about a little girl in second grade. She lives with her sister Beatrice, her mom, and her dad, and of course Picky-Picky, their cat. The funniest part was when Picky-Picky ate the jack-o-lantern. It was so funny. I love this book. You should read it. It is called Ramona And Her Father.

Beverly Cleary Gets Serious.
Beverly Cleary wrote some of the funniest books ever written for children with her Henry Huggins/Ramona series. However, her Newbery honor winner "Ramona and Her Father" marks the beginning of Mrs. Cleary's decision to include more serious situations into the lives of her characters to go along with their comic adventures. This book revolves around the very unfunny and realistic situation of Ramona's father losing his job. (Undoubtedly, Mrs. Cleary drew upon her own childhood memories of her father's unemployment during the Depression to tell this story.)

Ramona's life is turned upside down by her father's unemployment. Her father is cranky and depressed, her mother tired from overwork, and older sister Beezus, the funloving tomboy of the Henry Huggins books, is now a temperamental teenager. The book chronicles Ramona's attempts to deal with this difficult situation, and results are touching and very often hilarious. Despite its serious subject matter, the book still retains Mrs. Cleary's comic touch. This is one very funny book! The chapter about Ramona's hope of becoming a TV commericial actor, which she believes will end her family's problems, is one of the funniest Mrs. Cleary ever wrote. If I had to pick one book from the entire Henry Huggins/Ramona series "Ramona and Her Father" would be the one. Ramona's experiences with a difficult family situation are told with humor and candor.

Stockard Channing Reads Ramona
Since no one seems to have left a review pertaining to the audio edition, I thought I'd add my 2 cents. Stockard Channing's reading of all the Ramona books is excellent. She puts a lot of emotion into her readings and gives what I consider an almost theatrical performance. It's been 10 years or so since I last listened to one of her readings, and I can still hear her voice in my head when I re-read the Ramona books. Definitely think about buying this set. They're perfect for long car trips or just sitting around the radio at home. :)

Ramona and Her Father
Cleary, B. ( 1975). Ramona and Her Father. New York: Avon Books, Inc.

Synopsis: Ramona is having an average, ordinary day. Ramona, her mother, her sister Beezus, and even her cat are in the kitchen. Ramona is waiting for her father to come home from work. She is writing her Christmas list months in advance and hoping that when her father comes home, they can go to her favorite restaurant since it was pay day. However, everything changes when her father comes home with the bad news that he lost his job. During this time, Ramona also goes on a crusade to help her father quit smoking. Ramona and her family show that although her family is having financial problems, they work together to remain strong for one another. The reading level is 5.1.

Evaluation: The main conflict is between Ramona and her father. At first, Ramona is happy to be able to spend more time with him since he lost his job, but notices changes in him. Now, he is more irritable and this is where the tension occurs. Ramona is also worried about her father's smoking habit and wants to help him quit. Ramona also struggles because she wants to make everything better for her family. Children can definitely relate to this when there is a family problem and they want to help. The dialogue and narration makes the story very realistic. The conflicts are also realistic. The problems that arise from the father losing his job also create realistic situations like the fact that the cat is even being effected by financial stress. The dialogue helps to lighten the seriousness of the conflicts. The dangers of smoking and losing a job are very serious, but the dialogue helps ease the severity. Ramona's character helps to make the story humorous. This is why children have enjoyed Ramona's adventures for so many years.

Beverly Cleary's Best Book
This is my favorite book by Beverly Cleary, and I've read a lot of her books. Cleary is both realistic and funny as she describes the ups and downs in the life of the poor but happy Quimby family. There are so many parts in this book that I love: how the Quimbys make do after Mr. Quimby loses his job; how Ramona tries to make her father stop smoking so that his lungs won't turn black; how Ramona realizes that she can feel good about herself even when everyone around her is cross; and how Ramona learns what a happy family is really like. Beverly Cleary is one of the very best writers I know. She knows that children are more intelligent and mature than adults give them credit for, and she knows the importance of both the family and the individual. Her books are always funny, touching, and memorable, and this one is her best. ... Read more

Book Description

"The rousing notes of the bugle and the laughter and shouting increased the feeling of rebellion within Ralph. As the last strains of the bugle call hovered in the clear mountain air, Ralph made up his mind. He knew now what he was going to do. He was going to run away.

Fed up with his timid mother and uncle and his squirmy little cousins, Ralph hops onto his toy motorcycle and zooms down the road to summer camp. It turns out camp is not all peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and fun. A strict watchdog, a mouse-hungry cat, and a troubled boy named Garf lead Ralph on some fur-raising escapades. Perhaps home isn't such a bad place to be, if only Ralph can find a way to get there again.

Reviews (19)

Runaway Ralph
...Runaway Ralph is about a mouse who runs away from home with his motorcycle and ends up in happy acres camp. Personally I think Beverly Cleary (the author) is trying to tell how bad it is to runaway from home. The book is so good I rate it a 5 out of 5.My favorite part is when Ralph is trying to escape from a cat and knocks almost everything in the craft center down. As you can see Runaway Ralph is a really good book.

Under the Wheel of Excitement
Runaway Ralph is a totally awesome book to read, and I encourage you to read it too! This book is filled with laughs and a mouse and his motorcycle that are out of their minds for adventure. Ralph (the mouse) lives in an inn called Mountain View Inn and has to deal with his timid mom and uncle and many little bratty cousins. Finally, he decides he has had enough and escapes on his motorcycle to Camp Happy Acres. However,Camp Happy Acres is not what he expects. He finds himself caught in a butterfly net by a guy named Garf and put in a cage. Perhaps home isn't such a bad place to be. Will Ralph find a way to get back home on his motorcycle if he runs out of fule? Well, it's up to you to find out. So don't wait any longer start reading now!

Run Away Ralph By Beverly Cleary
Imagine sitting under a huge grandfather clock at a motel until the strike of nine o'clock. Thats's exactly what Ralph did that night. Ralph is the only big mouse besides Uncle Lester, and he is adventurous. All of his other relatives are little, annoying brats that wants a ride on his red motorcycle. So he runs away to Happy Acres camp where he meets a kid named Garf. Garf is a kid who likes to be alone. Garf is also adventurous. This is a very adventurous and exciting and cool book. This book is for all ages. If you like adventurous books,this is your kind of book. I'm sure you will like the part when chum fills up his mouth with sun flower seeds. If you like Judy Blumes writing then you will like this book. This book is right for you!! By William Smithwick

Extraordinary Ralph
Are you looking for a good book to read? Whell if you like mice and motercycles you will love this book. It's one of the best books on earth!
This book is about a mouse named Ralph s.mouse and a toy motercycle that really works! Raiph runs away from the hotel wich he lives at and goes to a boy's summer camp and gets into big trouble, but i'm not telling you what happens there.
My favorite thing about the book is how big of a heart Ralph has in his territory and how well Beverly Cleary decribes Ralph's adventure.
Theres's nothing I think the author could do better because the book is so awesome.
The theme of this book is if you run away , you'll soon find you want to come home.
...

Brave Ralph
I read the book Runaway Ralph by Beverly Clearly. I like this book because the character shows that he is brave. The reason I think he is brave is because he went out on his own and survived by himself. My favorite character in the book is Ralph because he is brave and in the book it shows that he is not afraid of anything. When I was reading the book there was some parts that where very exiting and some parts where he got in to problems. After reading the book I rated the book 4 stars because there are also some parts that are not that good. This book is good for 3rd and sixth graders because they would like it very much. ... Read more

Amazon.com

From the first day of third grade, when Ramona Quimby meets hereventual nemesis Yard Ape, life moves on at its usual wild pace--usual for the boisterous Ramona, that is. Soon she is accidentally squashing a raw egg into her hair at the school cafeteria, being forced to play Uncle Rat with her annoying young neighbor, and, worst of all, throwing up in her classroom. The responsibilities of an 8-year-old are sometimes daunting, especially in a family that is trying to squeak by while the father goes back to school. But Ramona is full of too much vim and vigor to ever be down for long.

In her second Newbery Honor Book about Ramona (the first was Ramona and Her Father), Beverly Cleary presents another slice of the Quimby family life. Author of more than two dozen children's books, Cleary has a true knack for understanding the tangle of thoughts and emotions in a child's mind and heart. Empathic, witty, and astute, she has earned many other awards, including the Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw. Alan Tiegreen's clever line drawings have charmed countless readers of Cleary's books over the years, and his style is now inextricably tied to hers. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Fun
A characteristically enjoyable Ramona book. Obviously Beverly Cleary has never forgotten what it's like to be a kid. She's very good at showing that children have feelings and thoughts of their own and how children can be both petty and noble. Also, Cleary never talks down to her young readers, using such words as "reflect" and "apparent," which not all grade-schoolers might be familiar with. I think her books are very aspirational, showing children that they can be more than they are. Ramona, to me, is the embodiment of aspiration, with her creativity, imagination, and talent for self-actualization. When I have children I will have them read all the Ramona books, especially my daughters. I want them to read about girls who are strong and self-reliant. I liked this book because it introduced the character of Yard Ape, who is described as "sturdy" and "smart and lively," the perfect foil to Ramona herself. I must say I didn't see why this book got a Newbery Honor; I enjoyed other books in the series more, like Ramona and Her Mother, and the other Newbery Honor book, Ramona and Her Father. But I still enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend it to readers of all ages.

Ryan S, Age 10 reviews Ramona Quimby, Age 8
This was a great book because it is about a girl and some of the things that happen to her during 3rd grade. Her dad used to be a check out person at the grocery store, now he is going back to college. Her mom works at a doctors office. Her older sister Beezus just started middle school. Money is tight in the Quimby house and Ramona and Beezus try to help out as much as they can. Some bad things happen to Ramona. One day at lunch she cracks an egg against her haed and realizes that it is not hard boiled and it meeses up her hair. The she gets sick and throws up all over her desk at school. The Quimby's car gets sick and needs a new transmission and it costs a lot of money. One rainy Sunday tha Quimbys decide to go to Whopperburger for dinner and a nice old man pays for their dinner. They realize that they may not have money but they sure do have love! Ramona Quimby, AGe 8 is a good book for kids to read becuase a lot of the same things that happen to Ramona could happen to us!

Ramona Quimby Age Eight--Read it!
Ramona Quimby Age Eight

In the book Ramona Quimby Age 8 Beverly Cleary tells the life of Ramona. Ramona is a short brown haired, brown eyed eight year living in the city. In the beginning Ramona had the first day of third grade. After school Ramona had to go to Howie her preschool friend's house to play. Pretty soon she got bored of going to Howie's house. Later, Ramona got an egg dropped on her head in the cafeteria. Ramona also threw up and had to go home. I would recommend this book for ages 7 and up. There is no violence in this book. It really is a great book and the ending is very exciting.

Ramona Quimby
Ramona Quimby, Age 8 is a great book. The book is about a girl named Ramona, her sister, Beezus, and her mom and dad. Ramona and her sister attend school like any other boy or girl. Ramona has interesting things happen to her at school. Once, she cracked a raw-egg on her head while she was following a school fad. She has an average family and a normal life. Her family isn't rich, but they get along just fine. They fight sometimes, but they work it out. Read the book to find out more about their family and their lives.

Romana is Truly a Character
Although it is easy for many of us to forget what it was like to be little it is obvious that Beverly Cleary has never suffered from this problem. She shows that children have feelings and thoughts of their own. Her skills as an author are also present in the way she regards her younger readers as intelligent individuals while teaching them that they can be more than they are with a little thought and work.

Ramona is creative, imaginative, talented, and of course active just as every other eight year old would be. Not only are her active escapades entertaining, but so are her thought processes. Watch and enjoy as Ramona strugles to keep happy in some very potentialy traumatic times. ... Read more

Book Description

All your favorite Ralph Mouse tales in one boxed set -- just in time for the holiday season! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Runaway Ralph
Our little friend back. He is sick and tired of all his little cousins wanting to ride his mouse-siezed motorcycle. For this he decides to runaway for he sees his mother and uncle not helping him. Ralph envisioned fun, freedom, and delicious crumbs of penut-better-and-jelly sandwiches at camp Happy Acres. Though instead he encounters a strict watchdog, a mouse-hungry cat, and more fur-raising escapadles. If you are looking for fun and dangerous adventure than this is your book.

School was Never like This!
Hooray--our motorcycle riding little friend is back,and he's just as spunky and determined to be a Night Rider as ever!
If you enjoyed Ralph's antics when he received his very own motorcycle, you'll be delighted to continue reading his new adventures--this time at school. Also he has new boy to talk to and con into serving as his pit crew, accomplice and general gopher.

Feeling very much unappreciated by his
extensive rodent family, Ralph decides to leave the Mountain View Inn to spend a week at Ryan's school--hey, there's nothing like a complete change of scene to forget one's problems, not to mention, drown a slightly guilty conscience. But one never can count on the reactions of human beings; instead of being terrified by a live mouse in her classroom, the clever teacher
improvises an entire MICE unit for her students. Activities include pure biololgy, scientific experiments and literary data entries.

Unfortunately, her class falls victim to shoddy journalism, which proves a lesson for us all. Even feisty Ralph learns some non-violent strategies to cope with rowdies and bullies. But tragedy strikes during Ralph's acadeic sojourn; alas, will he ever ride his beloved motorcycle again? Or earn the respect of his family? A darling tale which will entertain kids of all ages!

Mouses Dreams Come True
This book is great to read because it has alot of adventure for people who like books that have adventure.Ralph the mouse,is a curious little mouse that has a lot of dreams and tries to make them comer true.I would recommend this book o everyone and I'm pretty sure they would love it.

it's about time!
It's about time someone put these books in a box! Beverly Cleary's beloved tales of Ralph the mouse and his motorcycle have been enchanting young readers for a very long time- I first read them 13 years ago.
Cleary has written countless wonderful books for children of all ages, from the numerous Ramona stories to the award-winning Dear Mr. Henshaw. The Mouse and the Motorcyle is aimed at the younger end of her audience, and kids can't help but love Ralph, the spunky little mouse with big dreams, who lives in a hotel and wants nothing more than a chance at riding that red motorcycle, the motorcycle that will lead him into countless adventures with his human friends.
In Runaway Ralph, Ralph's visit to a summer camp turns out not to be at all what he expected. Can he avoid the more unpleasant kids in the cabin, and get back to his hidden motorcycle?
In Ralph S Mouse, Ralph goes to school in a human friend's pocket, unaware of the new adventures in store, that will earn him the name of Ralph S-for-smart Mouse.
These books are a marvellous addition to any child's collection. ... Read more

Book Description

He lives with a nice young couple called Brickers who play with him, pet him, feed him treats, and always have a warm lap for him to sit in. Then a new baby joins the family Suddenly, the Brickers are sharing their laps and love with Charles William, and Socks is getting into trouble. He runs from a phantom dog, wrestles with Nana's best wig, and fights Old Taylor the tomcat for his territory. But as Charles William grows, Socks discovers that he has a new friend and a new way to be a part of the family.

A purr-fectly hilarious portrait of life with a baby from a cat's point of view.

Reviews (10)

Socks By Bevely Cleary
Socks is a cat who has a great family but than his family has a baby . So its all about how the cat acts and playes with the baby.Socks gets jealous of the new baby,but at the end you see how Socks acts with the baby as they get older.I thought this was one of Bevely Cleary's best books.This book is great for middle-school aged kids.This book made me laugh a lot and it inspired me to read more Bevely Cleary books.

Look Here for a Great Story
Socks
By: Beverly Cleary

Did you ever think you might have to share your parents? Well in this story it happened to a cat named Socks. Socks is used to getting all of the attention. When Charles Williams is born Socks gets mad and jealous towards Mr. and Mrs. Bricker.

I like this book because it's funny. I have to do the same thing when one of my brothers is sick, by sharing my parents.

The author taught us to think about sharing. Will Charles Williams and Socks ever get along? Socks learned that when another person is born you have to get used to it and get a grip.

Very funny book!
Imagine that you are a cat that is really jealous of your family. This book is called "Socks". I like this book because it is funny and cute. Socks is a tabby cat that is jealous and gets into trouble. Charles William is a cute and funny baby. The problem in the story is that Socks is jealous of Charles William because Charles William gets more attention than Socks. The solution is that Charles William and Socks become friends. Charles William was throwing cotton balls out of his crib and Socks was catching them and ripping them up. This was a game they had fun playing. I recommend this book to people who like cute books. I think you should read this book.

Great story!
Beverly Cleary must have owned cats before she wrote this book! I've owned this story for over 20 years, when I was expecting my first baby, I often reminded my husband that we should make sure our spoiled cat didn't feel left out like Socks did. Believe it or not, our cat Diablo actually did some of the things Socks did, including coming to get me when the baby cried too loud. We never tried to keep him away from the baby, though, and they eventually became buddies. Our 2 sons and 12 and 8 now, and I'm trying to introduce them to Henry Huggins and Ramona books.

Meow!
This may be my favorite Beverly Cleary book, which is saying a lot because I'm one huge fan of Henry and Ramona.

It takes a lot of creativity and perspective to write a book entirely from the point of view of a cat, and have it come across as real and touching, not as schlock.

Socks the book and Socks the cat are well worth reading again and again, especially the hilarious final chapter. ... Read more

Book Description

Ramona Quimby is the youngest of all the famous characters in Mrs. Cleary's wonderful Henry Huggins stories. She is also far and away the most deadly. Readers of the earlier books will remember that Ramona has always been a menace to Beezus, her older sister, to Henry, and to his dog Ribsy. It is not that Ramona deliberately sets out to make trouble for other people. She simply has more imagination than is healthy for any one person.

In this book Ramona and her imagination really come into their own. Starting with a fairly mild encounter with the librarian, which is harder on Beezus than anyone else, Ramona goes from strength to strength, winding up by inviting her entire kindergarten class to a part at her home without mentioning it to her mother. The riot that ensues is probably the most hilarious episode in this extremely funny book, which proves that Mrs. Cleary's imagination is almost as lively as Ramona's.

Reviews (32)

A funny sister story with a message
I have two younger sisters and I know the kind of trouble they can cause and how exasperating they can be. When I first read this book, I was in third grade. I'm 22 now, and I have read the book at least 20 times since then. Beverly Cleary's book tend to contain such true-to-life values that they remain timeless.
Beezus is the older sister, the responsible and smart one. Ramona is the precocious little sister, creative but messy, cute but needy. Beezus struggles with being nice and trying to entertain Ramona and trying to be firm with her at the same time. There are some great little stories in this book about Ramona's misadventures including her unwavering love for a certain picture book, her locking Henry Huggins' dog in the bathroom, and her deciding that she wants to throw a party for herself without asking her mother. Things finally come to a head at Beezus' birthday party. When attention-starved Ramona gets a little too obnoxious, she shamefully admits that she just doesn't love her little sister all the time.
Herein lies the lesson: Beezus' mother explains that Beezus is not expected to love Ramona all the time, that Ramona will do things that get on her nerves sometimes. But there will also be good times when the two will get along, work together, or share a laugh. And those are the moments that count in the sisterly bond. I have stuck to this mantra when trying to deal with my own two younger sisters so I don't go completely insane.
This is a great book for little girls who have sisters so that one may understand the other's point of view. It helps you take a great look at your own sibling relationships, or it will at least show you that your own younger sister is not NEARLY as bratty as Ramona. :)

Funny and wise.
I read my daughter Beverly Cleary's Ramona the Pest last year, when she was in kindergarten (because in that book Ramona is also a kindergartner) and she instantly pronounced it her favorite chapter book of all time.

We've since been reading all the Ramona books, but we skipped this one for awhile. It's the first in the series, and takes place when Ramona is four years old. I knew from reviews that if focused more on Ramona's older, more serious sister, Beezus, and wasn't a "real" Ramona Quimby book. I somehow thought it would not be as funny as the others.

I was wrong. Ramona is even more exuberant in this book than in any of the others we've read, and her antics are hilarious. Seeing everything through the eyes of her serious sister does not make it one bit less funny.

But this is not just a funny book. It deals gently and honestly with the difficulty Beezus has in loving her sometimes exasperating little sister. Beezus and Ramona is more than forty years old, but I donÕt think anyone has ever come close to Beverly Cleary's ability to capture and sympathize with children's feelings. Cleary brings everything around to a happy, but entirely believable ending in this warm, wise book.

My daughter says this is her second favorite Ramona book (after Ramona the Pest), but so far it's my very favorite.

Wow, What a litter sister!
The book, Beezus and Ramona is great. Read it now. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate it an 8 because big kids, like Beezus, should know that little kids can pests. Little kids, like Ramona, can do naughty things. Little kids should learn from their mistakes. It may take a few times, but one day they will learn.
Ramona is one crazy girl. She does pretty silly and extreme things. She is always causing trouble. My favorite character is Beezus because she is more civilized than Ramona. Beezus doesn't do things that could get her into trouble. Although Beezus is my favorite character, my favorite part is when Ramona breaks the eggs. I thought that was pretty funny. My other favorite part is when Beezus reads 202 Things to Do On a Rainy Afternoon.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has a younger brother or sister.
(...)

A Childhood Treasure About Sisterly Love
This was one of my very first chapter books, given to me in the first grade, and it left such a lasting impression on me. I literally read it to pieces throughout my elementary school years, and even had two little dolls that I re-named Beezus and Ramona, who I used to act out many of the stories.

Each hilarious chapter about another mess Ramona causes for her big sister Beezus (my favorite was Ramona's first trip to the library, and her disastrous attempt to claim a beloved book for her very own) can stand on it's own. But connecting the different segments is a more complex running plotline about Beezus' horrible secret - sometimes she gets so mad at her little sister that she doesn't love her at all! Oh, the horror! :-)

After suffering through one embarrassing misadventure after another at the hands of her infuriating sister, Beezus finally confesses to her mother and her favorite aunt about the "wicked" thoughts she's had about Ramona. Expecting them to be shocked, she is stunned when both burst out laughing and begin reminiscing about their own childhood, when they had some not so loving moments themselves. Yes, even Mother and Aunt Beatrice, who are now the best of friends, experienced sibling rivalry. It's a tremendous relief to Beezus to learn that it's okay not to get along with Ramona all the time, and she realizes that along with the annoying times, she and her sister share plenty of affectionate moments as well.

Originally published in the 1950s, some things are obviously rather dated, but as a child of the 1970's I could completely relate to these two little girls. I am sure kids today can also, especially if they have younger sisters!

Ah, Sisterhood
Poor Beezus. This story is mainly focused about her, and how her little sister, Ramona is always messing everything up for her. Beverly Cleary does a wonderful job of describing how horrible little sisters can be. Beezus feels like a terrible person because there are times when she doesn't love Ramona, but is reassured when she finds out that sisters don't have to love each other all the time. This book is a great read for children (especially those with siblings.) ... Read more

Book Description

All Henry Huggins wants is his very own bicycle, a shiny red one to ride up and down Klickitat Street. But no matter how Henry tries to raise money for the bike of his dreams -- from selling bubble gum to delivering newspapers -- he always ends up with too much trouble and not enough money. But Henry's old friend Beezus has an idea that may turn Henry's worst trouble yet into a real business success!

Reviews (5)

The Best Book I Have Ever Read!
On a scale of one to ten Henry and Beezus by Beverly Cleary is a twenty. That is why I am going to try to persuade you to read this wonderful book. The first reason you should read this book is because once you pick it up you just cannot put it down. It has so many funny things that happen to Henry, Beezus, and Ramona that you cannot wait to read what happens next. Now I am going to tell you a little about this book. It is about a boy, Henry, who wants a new bicycle. His parents cannot afford to buy him one so he decides to find a way to get the money himself. If you want to know how he gets the money you will have to read the book. But don't think that reading a book about a boy that gets money to get a bike is boring. In this book Beverly Cleary makes it so much more interesting. So if you want a book that you can read that will bring the kid side out of you again, read Henry and Beezus by Beverly Cleary.

Interesting Book
In this Henry Huggin's book, Henry is trying to get a bike. So, he tries to save his money up to buy one. Also, Ribsy gets into lots of trouble. Some of the parts are very funny. I would reccommend the book to anyone 8 and up.

I love this book.
In a time when kids had to work hard to get what they wanted, Henry wanted a bike, and got it...in a most unusual and creative way. This is a charming book that portrays a humorous, realistic, unsentimental friendship between a boy and a girl.

I LOVE THIS BOOK.
I like this book because Henry can always count on Beezus.

Listening Library audio version is NOT abridged!
The audio book version of this wonderful children's book, well done by the excellent "Listening Library" company, is complete and unabridged. I know, I bought it. Look closely at the photo and you can see that this is true. If you want the book, I recommend the beautiful "library binding" hardcover. Strip off the dustjacket, and find a perfectly faithful reproduction of the 1950s original. Henry and Beezus is my favorite of all the Beverly Cleary books. My three kids love it. It's the kind of children's book they just don't make anymore. Like Encyclopedia Brown, and other traditional American heroes of his ilk, Henry Huggins is great kid, friendly, kind, just, responsible, bright, and forgiving. He's short on cash at the moment, and can't afford a bike like the other kid on the block, but Henry displays a naturally independent spirit and even----hold your breath----entrepreneurial initiative. He persists in all that he endeavors, rolling with the punches, and shrugging off life's little humiliations, even as they sting inside. He's all the things that made America great, but that seem (let's face it) to have gone out of fashion in this whiny New Age of anti-capitalist political correctness. But perhaps the American soul still breathes, as long as a book like this is still in print. ... Read more

Amazon.com

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 she's 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), Ramona's life is never dull. Through it all, she is struggling for a place in her mother's heart, worried that she might be unlovable. Not a chance. Ramona Quimby is nothing if not lovable.

Beverly Cleary's gift for understanding the tangle of thoughts and emotions in a child's mind and heart is remarkable. Luckily, in addition to being empathic, witty, and astute, Cleary is also prolific. She has created over two dozen children's books, and been presented with many awards, including the Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw, as well as the Newbery Honor for Ramona and Her Father and for Ramona Quimby, Age 8. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (21)

this is a very good book!!
The book Ramona and Her Mother was a very funy book. This book is about a little girl convincing herself that nobody likes her. One of the most intresting things this book is all the problems that the Quimby family goes through. One problem is that the parents got into an argument and Ramona and Beezus , Ramona's older sister, thinks that thier parents were going to split up. Ramona gets so angry at her parents that she says that she is going to run away. So Ramona's mother comes in and says " Do you want me to help you pack?". well these are not the words Ramona expected to hear her mother say so she said "yes." Her mother told her to pack all sorts of things. When Ramona was all finished packing the bag was way to heavy for her.So she burst out in tears and told her mom she wanted to stay. I believe that this was a very good book and i encourage people to read it. So read the book and find out more about Ramona.

"Ramona and Her Mother"
Are you a mama's girl or daddy's boy who wonders how others get along with THEIR parents? Do you ever wonder how kids could be so close to their parents when you can't stand yours? All of these questions could be answered by reading the book, "Ramona and Her Mother", by Beverly Cleary. The book is about a young girl named Ramona who has two very hard working parents. Although Ramona knows her parents work hard to support their family, there are times where she feels left out. She sometimes thinks that her parents pay more attention to her sister Beezus and ramona feels she should get the most attention because she's the baby in the family. Ramona wishes that one day her mom could just stay home from work and spend time with her. She also wishes peopple would tell her she's a mama's girl just like they tell her friend. Cleary has written many books including, "Ramona the Brave," "Ramona Quimby, Age 8," "Socks," and other books that young readers have been attracted to. her writing, though, can be for anybody to read. it is very easy to make connections with this book, but you have to think each scene out throughly and think about its actual meaning or purpose. Beverly clery's books remind me of Ann M. Martin, a populare author of "The Babysitters Club" series. they both show great meaning when conducting a scene. So, if you ever wonder about things that relate to you and your parents, this is the book for you

this is a very very funny, fun, and good book
The book Ramona and Her Mother was a very funy book. This book is about a little girl convincing herself that nobody likes her. One of the most intresting things this book is all the problems that the Quimby family goes through. One problem is that the parents got into an argument and Ramona and Beezus , Ramona's older sister, thinks that thier parents were going to split up. Ramona gets so angry at her parents that she says that she is going to run away. So Ramona's mother comes in and says " Do you want me to help you pack?". well these are not the words Ramona expected to hear her mother say so she said "yes." Her mother told her to pack all sorts of things. When Ramona was all finished packing the bag was way to heavy for her.So she burst out in tears and told her mom she wanted to stay. I believe that this was a very good book and i encourage people to read it. So read the book and find out more about Ramona.

Ramona and her Mother
I think Beverly Cleary is a great author. I think Ramona and Her Mother is one of her best books yet! This book is about a little girl who is a challenge to her mother because she does silly and meaningless things when she doesn't get her way. She learns how to get things she needs on her own. If you like to laugh a lot, you'll love this book! Ramona is very weird and annoying. She has temper tantrums when she doesn't get her way. Ramona reminds me of my little brother because they're both really weird and annoying! My favorite parts are when Ramona squirts out a whole tube of toothpaste and when Howie and Ramona get covered in ink! I love this book!

Very good!
In this book Ramona seems to be more agreeable than Beezus, unlike previous Ramona stories - probably because Beezus is becoming a teenager. One of the funniest parts is when Beezus insists on getting a haircut at a beauty school on the other end of Portland - they get off at the wrong exit and can't find their way back to the freeway - I made the same mistake in Portland in real life, so that screwy exit DOES exist! ... Read more

Book Description

Henry Huggins's dog, Ribsy, is hopelessly lost in a huge shopping mall parking lot. It's raining hard, the pavement is slick, horns are honking, and drivers are shouting. When Ribsy thinks he has found the Hugginses' new station wagon at last, he jumps in the open tailgate window and falls asleep, exhausted. When he wakes up find himself in the wrong car, lots of little girls pet him and make plans to give him a bath. All Ribsy wants to do is go home to Henry. Instead, he's about to begin the liveliest adventure of his life.

Reviews (11)

not the best, but okay
This is not Cleary's best work, but the story of the five children is charming, and, of course, it has a happy ending.

The best thing about this book is that it is written, convincingly, from the point-of-view of a dog. It's not as good as Socks (which is about a cat--but then I'm a cat person!), but still good. Poor Ribsy--it's a dog's world.

It's Good
I really like this book because it is interesting and many people really like dogs. Ribsy is a cool dog

Great book!
This book is part of the Henry Huggins series by Beverly Cleary. I read all of those books, when I was a kid and wished I had friends like Henry, Beezus and all the other kids on Klictitat Street (instead of the hoodlums who populated my real world). I enjoyed every one of those books.

"Ribsy" tells the tale of how Henry met his dog.

This book is NO GOOD!
Like I said in the title, this book is NO GOOD! It has no point and I think I got dumber as I read it. Goodbye!

Acceptable, but not my favorite Beverly Cleary book
This book is OK, but I've always gotten impatient with the story. Ribsy jumps in the wrong car at a shopping center, and 4 girls give him a bubble bath against his will. Then he runs away from them and has more adventures with other people who find him. The things that happen to Ribsy in this book are soooo ridiculous, I think in real life he would have been reunited with Henry sooner! ... Read more

Book Description

Ramona's father has lost his job, and there's a grumpy mood in the Quimby household. Ramona just wants everyone to get along, but it's hard when her mother is worried all the time, her father is grouchy, and Beezus is just ... Beezus.

Ramona always tries to do the right thing ... so why does everything turn out so wrong? At seven and a half years old (for now), she's worried about spelling and about Willa Jean getting all the attention. Most of all, she's worried that her mother may not love her anymore.

It is a time of change for Ramona and her family. Aunt Beatrice is getting married, Ramona's father is looking for a new teaching job, and Ramona's mother suddenly seems a little thicker around the middle. Amid all the chaos, Ramona must say good-bye to one family member and hello to a new one.

Ramona can't wait for school to start -- she's sure fourth grade will be the best year of her life. With a new baby sister, a new best friend, Daisy, and some glorious new calluses on her hands from the rings in the park, Ramona is on top of the world!

Book Description

Strider has a new habit. Whenever we stop, he places his paw on my foot. It isn't an accident because he always does it. I like to think he doesn't want to leave me.

Can a stray dog change the life of a teenage boy? It looks as if Strider can. He's a dog that loves to run; because of Strider, Leigh Botts finds himself running--well enough to join the school track team. Strider changes Leigh on the inside, too, as he finally begins to accept his parents' divorce and gets to know a redheaded girl he's been admiring. With Strider's help, Leigh finds that the future he once hated to be asked about now holds something he never expected: hope.

Reviews (18)

CHARIOTS OF FUR?
Man's best friend does it again! Well, it's been two years since Leigh Botts closed the diary which boys' writer, Mr. Henshaw, had inspired him to keep. Now he's taller, still living in a "shack" with his divorced mom, but totally cool about his trucker dad's permanent absence from the family portrait. One day at the beach he finds an abandoned dog--of a breed which runs and herds other animals. Starving but obedient to his last command, the forlorn canine guiltily follows Leigh home.

This is a light read, but it does provide insight into the emotional, financial and social struggles of young teens. Named for his easy, loping stride, the dog gradually transforms Leigh's aimless, joyless existence into an intentional pattern of planned activities with definite goals: the track team, permanent and total custody of the dog, real rapport with a girl, and the respect of teachers. Nor are teens the only humans who have issues to sort out in this book; young readers will realize the problems facing adults and single parents. STRIDER is a satisfactory sequel to DEAR MR. HENSHAW, as Leigh carves a legitimate niche in his world, where he finally "belongs."

If you like dog stories read this book NOW!!
This story is about a boy named Leigh and a do