Over the last few of months, my kids and I have listened our way through all of Beverly Cleary’s beloved Ramona books in the car.
I didn’t grow up reading Ramona. I was really more into fantasy, and I somehow got the idea that Ramona was a brat. That idea carried with me into adulthood. It could be the fact that one of the books is entitled Ramona the Pest. But finally, after hearing so many people sing their praises, I decided it was time to give these classics a try.
I was so pleasantly surprised.
There is some name calling (pie-face, for some reason, seems to be a favorite), and sometimes Ramona and her sister bicker. But it’s evident in each story that each member of Ramona’s family really does love each other.
My kids loved the audiobooks so much that they begged me to listen again once we returned them to the library. So, I happily bought the Ramona audiobook collection on Audible for them (all 8 books for one credit). If you’re thinking of getting an Audible membership, this collection is an amazing deal. You can get the Ramona collection, or any other audiobook, FREE with your free 30-day Audible trial. (You get to keep any Audible books you buy, even if you cancel your membership. Just click the link below.)
Yes, this is totally me! I never read Ramona books, b/c she struck me as a spoiled little girl and I didn’t want to read about a spoiled little girl. Little Man, age 5, has fallen in love with Henry Huggins and Ramona and wants to listen to them over and over again. I’m thankful our library has both of the collections. Though I know more of the stories than I ever thought possible. Both Hubby and I have gotten quite the kick out of Cleary’s stories, the stories are just so accurate!
I also love Ramona’s parents (especially in the audiobooks)! 🙂
I bought the collection from Audible with a credit. I returned it. 🙂 I had never read them and thought my kids would love them because everyone seems to. We listened to about half of the first one and then my kids were done and never wanted it start again. Ramona drove us crazy. Did we just stop too soon?
Hmm, we didn’t actually start with the first book. I think we started with Ramona the Pest which is the second book but the first one with Ramona as the main character. But there are certainly books that just don’t gel with some families that others may love, and that’s totally ok. If you try it again, start with a different book, but don’t ever feel obligated to like a book just because others do. There are so many other great books to choose from. Read/listen to what you and your kids love! 🙂
Carolyn–have you read Cleary’s memoir A Girl from Yamhill? A complete delight. And the child that Cleary was is so similar to Ramona. <3
I didn’t know it existed!! Thanks, Kortney! 🙂