Ramona Forever (Ramona Series)($10.38Value)

Description

Newbery Medal winner Beverly Cleary continues to amuse readers with her wonderful, blunderful Ramona Quimby!  Life can move pretty fast—especially when you're in the third grade, your teenage sister's moods drive you crazy, and your mom has a suspicious secret she just won't share. Plus, Mr. Quimby's new job offer could have the entire family relocating. It's a lot to handle for Ramona. But whatever trial comes her way, Ramona can count on one thing for sure—she'll always be Ramona…forever! The classic Ramona books continue to make readers ages 6-12 smile in recognition and pleasure. “Happy days, Ramona is back! Cleary provides laugh-out-loud scenes, memorable characters, and keen perceptions. When it comes to writing books kids love, nobody does it better.” - Booklist “Ramona’s adventures ring as true as the recess bell.” - New York Times Ramona's third-grade year is off with a bang when Howie Kemp's rich uncle Hobart returns from abroad. From all the whispers between Mrs. Quimby and Ramona's aunt Beatrice, it's clear that the grown-ups have a secret'but whether it's to do with Uncle Hobart or Mrs. Quimby's suspicious tummy bulge remains to be seen. Ramona has a lot on her mind: Beezus's teenage moods are driving everyone crazy, family pet Picky-picky hasn't been looking too well, and Mr. Quimby's new job offer might mean a big move. But all these worries vanish in the light of not one, but two exciting announcements. Beverly Cleary's beloved Ramona Forever is as timeless as its title. In this new edition, with fresh, funny illustrations by Jacqueline Rogers, Ramona Geraldine Quimby is pesty, brave, blunderful, and wonderful'forever! Beverly Cleary is one of America's most beloved authors. As a child, she struggled with reading and writing. But by third grade, after spending much time in her public library in Portland, Oregon, she found her skills had greatly improved. Before long, her school librarian was saying that she should write children's books when she grew up. Instead she became a librarian. When a young boy asked her, "Where are the books about kids like us?" she remembered her teacher's encouragement and was inspired to write the books she'd longed to read but couldn't find when she was younger. She based her funny stories on her own neighborhood experiences and the sort of children she knew. And so, the Klickitat Street gang was born! Mrs. Cleary's books have earned her many prestigious awards, including the American Library Association's Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, presented to her in recognition of her lasting contribution to children's literature. Dear Mr. Henshaw won the Newbery Medal, and Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Ramona and Her Father have been named Newbery Honor Books. Her characters, including Beezus and Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, and Ralph, the motorcycle-riding mouse, have delighted children for generations. Jaqueline Rogers has been a professional children's book illustrator for more than twenty years and has worked on nearly one hundred children's books. Chapter One The Rich Uncle "Guess what?" Ramona Quimby asked one Friday evening when her Aunt Beatrice dropped by to show off her new ski clothes and to stay for supper. Ramona's mother, father, and big sister Beezus, whose real name was Beatrice, paid no attention and went on eating. Picky-picky, the cat, meowed through the basement door, asking to share the meal. Aunt Beatrice, who taught third grade, knew how to behave toward her third-grade niece. "What?" she asked, laying down her fork as if she expected to be astounded by Ramona's news. Ramona took a deep breath and announced, "Howie Kemp's rich uncle is coming to visit," Except for Aunt Bea, her family was not as curious as Ramona had hoped. She plunged on anyway because she was happy for her friend. "Howie's grandmother is really excited, and so are Howie and Willa Jean." And so, to be truthful, was Ramona, who disliked having to go to the Kemps' house after school, where Howie's grandmother looked after her grandchildren and Ramona while the two mothers were at work. A rich uncle, even someone else's rich uncle, should make those long after-school hours more interesting. "I didn't know Howie had a rich uncle," said Mrs. Quimby. "He's Howie's father's little brother, only now he's big," explained Ramona. "Why, that must be Hobart Kemp," said Aunt Beatrice. "He was in my class in high school." "Oh, yes. I remember. That boy with the blond curly hair who played baseball." Mrs. Quimby motioned to her daughters to clear away the plates. "All the girls said he was cute." "That's the one," said Aunt Bea. "He used to chew licorice and spit on the grass to make the principal think be was chewing tobacco like a professional baseball player, which was what he wanted to be." "Where's this cute licorice-chewing uncle coming from, and how did he get so rich?" asked Ramona's father, beginning to be interested. "Playing baseball?" "He's coming from--" Ramona frowned. "I c