Kiddo’s Corner Reviews: Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary
Kiddo’s Corner Reviews is my new feature here at The Overstuffed Bookcase, where my 7-year-old son reviews children’s books! Go here to find out more.
Ramona the Pest Author: Beverly Cleary
Illustrator: Louis Darling, Tracy Dockray
Series: Ramona Quimby #2
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 1968
Genres: Children, Chapter Book
Pages: 240
Format: Paperback
Source: Borrowed from the library
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Goodreads
Ramona Quimby is excited to start kindergarten. No longer does she have to watch her older sister, Beezus, ride the bus to school with all the big kids. She's finally old enough to do it too!
Then she gets into trouble for pulling her classmate's boingy curls during recess. Even worse, her crush rejects her in front of everyone. Beezus says Ramona needs to quit being a pest, but how can she stop if she never was trying to be one in the first place?
Newbery Medal winning author Beverly Cleary expertly depicts the trials and triumphs of growing up through a relatable heroine in Ramona Quimby.
Supports the Common Core State Standards. (Cover and synopsis from Goodreads.)
FTC Disclaimer: We borrowed a copy of this book from our local library. We were in no way compensated for this review.
First Thoughts
Me: So what is this book about?
Kiddo: Um, Ramona being a pest.
Me: What does she do to be a pest?
Kiddo: She does a lot of bad things.
Me: Like what?
Kiddo: I knew you were going to say that! Um, she bangs on the wall, and hides behind the trash can when she should be in school.
A Bit More Detail
Me: What’s your favorite part?
Kiddo: When they play Duck Duck Goose. I like that part the best.
Me: What about your least favorite part?
Kiddo: I don’t really have one at all.
Me: Do you like the drawings?
Kiddo: Yeah. There weren’t that many, though.
Me: Did you like this one better than Beezus and Ramona?
Kiddo: Um, I think I like them about the same.
Me: Do you think Ramona is changing in these books?
Kiddo: Not really. I think she’s kinda being the same. Or a little bit more bad.
Me: Do you think a lot of kids are like Ramona?
Kiddo: No. Ramona is really, really, really bad.
Me: So you think most kids aren’t that bad?
Kiddo: No.
Final Thoughts
Me: So how many stars would you give this?
Kiddo: How many did I give Beezus and Ramona?
Me: 60 stars.
Kiddo: This one…70.
Me: So you think you do like this one a little bit more?
Kiddo: Uh huh.
Me: Do you want to keep reading the Ramona books?
Kiddo: Yeah. And I really want to read The Mouse and the Motorcycle books too.
Me: Don’t worry, we’ll read those soon, too.
The Verdict
The Kiddo liked Ramona the Pest more than Beezus and Ramona, and I have to say that I agree. Ramona the Pest is the Ramona book that I remember the most from reading them as a kid. The Duck Duck Goose game sticks out to me as well. I’m going to give it 4.5 stars between the two of us. The Ramona Quimby books really are classics and Ramona the Pest is perhaps the best of the series.
Andrea
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