“Ramona and Her Mother” - Beverly Cleary

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(Ramona book 5)

🪥 As always, these books are such a delight because Cleary sets a gentle, realistic tone for Ramona’s world.  A lot is happening in RAM: Beezus is in the throes of adolescence, Mrs. Quimby is working full-time, Mr. Quimby hates his job at the supermarket, and as a result of the aforementioned, Beezus and Ramona have occasion to witness their parents quarrel.

🪥 RAM illustrates the push-pull Ramona experiences between growing up and wanting to be the baby of the Quimby family. As always, Ramona wants to be loved and fears being left out or overlooked by her parents. This time, it’s a perpetual competition with Beezus for attention from their mother, and Ramona’s perception of Beezus’ special closeness to her. 

🪥 The toothpaste scene captures a child’s POV as only Beverly Cleary can; it’s oh so comical but never condescending.