Books: Beezus and Ramona

I have a special place in my heart for the Ramona books, a series by Beverly Cleary (who also wrote the Mouse and the Motorcycle.) I won't get into it now why at my age I know all about these books (no, the girls never took to it), but I have the set from Beezus and Ramona to Ramona's World. Ramona Quimby is a very energetic and often confused little girl that every young girl her age would understand. She lives with her parents and older sister Beatrice (AKA Beezus).

The first book, Beezus and Ramona really focuses on their story from Beezus' point of view, but as the books series continues, it's all about Ramona. There was a TV series at one time about Ramona, though I never watched it. What has me writing about it now is the new movie coming out this year. I don't think I'm going to like it.



First of all there are six years between the sisters. The actresses, Joey King and Selena Gomez, are about 7 years apart in age which fits the age range. However, Joey King, an 11 year old, is playing an 8 year old while Selena Gomez looks like her age. It somehow doesn't look right. Second, it seems like they are going to try to squeeze in all of Ramona's many transgressions into one year of her life - her 8 year old one. Many of the things Ramona does would not make sense for an 8 year old. And that's exactly the appeal of the books - that Ramona acts like the typical child of her age.

I don't have to worry about being forced to watch the movie, A & M don't like anything related to teen/preteen Disney. They don't like Selena Gomez. Still, the whole idea bothers me. If you really want the story - go to the source. Here's the list in order:

Beezus and Ramona
Ramona the Pest
Ramona the Brave
Ramona and Her Father
Ramona and Her Mother
Ramona Quimby, Age 8
Ramona Forever
Ramona's World