Ramona is back in another great episode of the Ramona series, “Ramona Forever.” Instead of focusing greatly on school, “Ramona Forever” tells more about what happens in the Quimby family. From the time that Ramona’s friend Howie’s rich Uncle Hobart comes to visit, Ramona has a problem. Then, Ramona and her older sister Beezus convince their parents to give them a big responsibility. Once Mr. and Mrs. Quimby share a big surprise with Ramona and Beezus, things in the Quimby household turn upside-down!
Howie’s Uncle Hobart proves to be quite a nuisance to Ramona. On the first day that he comes to visit, he embarrasses her by singing an old tune with her name in it. Uncle Hobart gives Howie and his little sister Willa Jean presents and Ramona feels awkward, left out, and out of place. Soon after, little Willa Jean is playing with her new accordion and breaks it. Who do you think gets blamed? That’s right! Mrs. Kemp, Howie’s grandmother, blames Ramona for not keeping a close enough eye on Willa Jean and letting her break the lovely instrument. Later on, Ramona finds out that her Aunt Beatrice is dating Howie’s uncle! Oh, what will she do then?
Mr. Quimby asks his daughters not to worry their mother if they can possibly help it. So, when Ramona and Beezus are left on their own after school for the first time, they do not say anything to Mrs. Quimby when Ramona falls off Howie’s bike and scrapes her elbow and knee. When the family cat, Picky-picky, passes away the girls decide to bury him themselves in the backyard. They only end up telling Mrs. Quimby when she notices the blisters on Beezus’s hands.
In the rest of the book, there are more surprises than ever! With an impending wedding and a new baby on the way, the Quimbys are kept mighty busy.
You and your child will enjoy reading this book together. Since the book does deal with the death of a family pet, this is a good opportunity to teach your child if s/he hasn’t already experienced this unfortunate event. On the other hand, it is also a great way to talk to your child about adding to a family. If your child has a younger sibling, this can be a good opportunity to discuss how s/he felt when s/he found out that s/he was going to have a younger sibling.
“Ramona Forever” will entertain as it teaches lessons. You and your child will laugh and maybe even cry together. This is simply another great book from Beverly Cleary.
“Ramona Forever” is available at most major booksellers, including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Borders.