Ramona the Pest

Ramona the Pest (1968) is the first of Beverly Cleary's books to focus on Ramona Quimby as the protagonist. This children's book chronicles the adventures of Ramona's first few months at kindergarten. The book's title is derived from characterization of Ramona as a "pest" by many, including her older sister Beatrice, known as "Beezus." Ramona the Pest features illustrations by Louis Darling and was first published in 1968. The current edition was illustrated by Tracy Dockray.

Plot summary

Ramona Quimby is excited when she commences her first day of kindergarten. She is an overly enthusiastic young girl who is exceptionally curious about all that is around her. This is evidenced when she pulls Susan Kushner's long curls and Miss Binny, her teacher, tells her to sit on the bench outside the door while everyone else plays Gray Duck. She does not mean to hurt Susan; it is just that Susan's hair is so attractive that Ramona feels the need to touch it. It is not Ramona's intention to be mean; she is merely curious. An exchange of dolls and rabbits ensues at show-and-tell between Ramona and Howie Kemp.

Ramona then develops a crush on Davy and longs to kiss him. Ramona begins to chase him around the playground every day. She finds a worm and wraps it around her finger acting like it is an engagement ring, and decides to marry Henry Huggins, but at Halloween, dressed as a witch, she kisses Davy (through her mask). More drama and curl pulling follows, and Miss Binny tells her to stay home until she can stop pulling Susan's curls. Ramona is adamant that she is not a pest. She is a very imaginative girl and this usually gets her into trouble.

References

Harperchildren.com

External links

• Amazon.com Listing
• Chapter 1 of Ramona the Pest at Harperchildrens.com