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    Ramona and Her Mother
    Ramona and Her Mother
    Ramona and Her Mother
    Audiobook2 hours

    Ramona and Her Mother

    Written by Beverly Cleary

    Narrated by Stockard Channing

    4/5

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    About this audiobook

    This warm-hearted story of a mother's love for her spirited young daughter is told beautifully by Newbery Medal–winning author Beverly Cleary. 

    Ramona Quimby is no longer seven, but not quite eight. She's ""seven and a half right now,"" if you ask her. Not allowed to stay home alone, yet old enough to watch pesky Willa Jean, Ramona wonders when her mother will treat her like her older, more mature sister, Beezus.

    But with her parents' unsettling quarrels and some spelling trouble at school, Ramona wonders if growing up is all it's cracked up to be. No matter what, she'll always be her mother's little girl…right?

    Readers ages 6-12 will laugh along with and relate to Ramona's timeless adventures.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperCollins
    Release dateOct 5, 2010
    ISBN9780062060181
    Author

    Beverly Cleary

    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.

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    Reviews for Ramona and Her Mother

    4/5

    522 ratings27 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Ramona Quimby is now in second grade and her father just lost his job. Their family doesn’t have any extra money, so now there is a concern amongst the whole family about financial situations and looking for employment. While Mr. Quimby is collecting unemployment checks and being the caregiver of the family, Mrs. Quimby finds a job as a receptionist at a pediatrician’s office. This has changed the family dynamics and now everyone must adjust to Mrs. Quimby’s working and Mr. Quimby’s staying at home. Ramona, who has a full imagination and is free-spirited child, now has to worry about things such as money, her father’s smoking, keeping peace in the family, competing with an older sister, Beezus, adjusting to a mother who works, and dealing with an stressed family who tries to make the best of everything, despite their current economic situation. Ramona soon realizes that her family loves her, especially her father, and that, though at times the family may have challenges, as all families do, her family is a loving family who truly care about each other. At the end of the book, her father gets a job as a grocery store cashier. This book would make a great mentor text because it focuses on everyday issues that many families face-job loss, sibling conflicts, childhood fears, and roles of responsibilities. Students can connect with Ramona and her family as they struggle during this hardship. Also, this book takes place in Portland, Oregon and is written by a writer from Oregon. Students could research information on the author, which they might find interesting. There is a section where Ramona and her dad draw the state of Oregon as a mural. This is a great social studies activity that students could do in class that connects the literature to the assignment.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      This book is a nice easy reader that younger elementary school children might like. It deals with parent unemployment, smoking, mild poverty, and appreciation for the things one possesses, all from a child's point of view.
    • 4/5
      Mr. Quimby works for a small company that has just been purchased by a larger one; subsequently, is out of a job and must find a new one. Mrs. Quimby gets a full-time job at a Dr. Office, so Ramona and her Father are spending a lot of time together. Financial strain pulls at the heart-strings of the families fun, but through picky-picky’s cranky response to the cheap cat food he is served, to Mr. Quimby’s smoking that sets Beezus and particularly Ramona on the path to save his life, the family learns that through all types of adjustments, no one is perfect, and they are truly a happy family; funny, sweet, hopeful. Makes one proud to be a former Oregonian! If You Liked This, Try: Ramona and Her Mother by Beverly Cleary, Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary, Ramona the Brave by Beverly Cleary, Ramona Forever by Beverly Cleary, Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary. Awards: Newbery Honor
    • 4/5
      5Q 4PAfter Ramona's father loses his job things begin to change within the Quimby family inciting Ramona to find funny, silly ways to make things better. Ramona's efforts are often comical but her intentions reveal her empathetic spirit. An especially emotional and complex Ramona book in the series that grapples with a lot of difficult themes that many children encounter.
    • 4/5
      Some parents that don’t like their children hearing bad words would probably say something like” What chapter are you on”? Or “ I don’t approve of this story”. You really shouldn’t be saying that type of stuff because it always turns out good and it really is a great story. Please listen to this story because it is a great story. Now I know what your thinking. Nothing is actually really bad. Here is a list of the bad words: guts, pest, and hate. You are fine. Let your kids or kid listen to this story because it is fun and one of my favorites. I say you should totally give it a try. ???????
    • 3/5
      it was really really BAD blah blah blah blah BLAH
    • 5/5
      Seven short stories about Ramona Quimby, part of Beverly Cleary's classic series that begins with Beezus and Ramona, and Ramona the Pest. This one is a Newbery Honor book. Ramona is now in Grade Two, and her father has lost his job, which makes him not much fun at home. Ramona tries to make everyone happy, but as usual her plans get a little mixed up. Her misadventures bring unexpected smiles to her family, and to readers everywhere. 187 pages, recommended for grades 1 to 3.
    • 5/5
      It was a wonderful time and listening to the wonderful book!!!!!!!!!!!!!❤️??????

      ❣️???????
    • 5/5
      "To start off I need to just say, I'm a huge fan of Beverly Cleary. Her book, Socks was the book that started my reading journey when I was very little. Somehow Cleary manages to capture the heart and mind of whomever she is speaking for in her characters. It's truly astounding! This, I feel, is exactly why in her years of writing she has accumulated numerous awards (Newbery, Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in '84, and many more) and a devoted following of all ages. Cleary also participates in National Drop Everything And Read Day on April 12th, which also happens to be her birthday. She encourages reading every day, but this event is focused on getting individuals and families to take time and sit down to read together. An amazing author with wonderful books and an ability to reach readers of all ages!"Now, on to Ramona and Her Father...It was awarded the Newbery Honor in 1978, which also happens to be the year I was born, but I guess that's besides the point. Even with the book being originally printed in 1978 I found it highly relevant for today's audience, especially considering our current economic climate. In the very beginning of the book Ramona's father loses his job, unfortunately something many families are dealing with now. The story consists of Ramona's reaction to all that occurs because of this dramatic event in her families life. Ramona goes from trying to make a million dollars, to just trying to make everyone in her family happy, to trying to help her father quit smoking, and eventually just trying to keep a positive attitude herself."What I most loved about the story was how well it was told from the perspective of an eight year old. As a parent sometimes it can be difficult to step outside of yourself and actually truly see how your child might feel about something. Cleary understands how the impact of the main 'bread-winner' losing their job could affect even the youngest member of a family. It opened my eyes to all sorts of situations and points of view. Ramona was kind and concerned for everyone in the family, but obviously still had very 'typical' child-like moments. A very well written and playful story told from the viewpoint of an eight year old. A must read, especially in these difficult times."
    • 5/5
      Beverly Cleary's story about a child's struggle with adult issues is remarkably well done. The child's voice is very honest and believable. Ramona is honestly concerned about her parents, but she is also naturally self-centered, which makes it difficult for her to accept that her mother has not sewn a good sheep costume for her, despite knowing that her mother has to work late every night and her family doesn't have extra money to spend on material. Still, she struggles against her selfishness and honestly tries to help her family. The final scene at the Christmas pageant is very moving, as Ramona learns to be happy and content in spite of herself.
    • 5/5
      Loved revisiting this old favorite, adored it as much as I did way back when I was seven.There’s such a simplicity to Beverly Cleary’s writing yet it conveys so much truth and heart and makes me laugh, too. Moment after moment this brought back my own childhood, things I felt and experienced were so identifiable in Ramona and her big sister Beezus.There’s nothing all that big about the plot which may not work for every reader but that’s what makes it so real and relatable for me, it’s the everyday stuff, their family not having a lot of money to spare, forgetting to plug in the slow-cooker, heartbreak over a haircut, getting into scrapes, worrying when your parents argue, and longing to indulge in little kid activities even though you know you’re supposed to be more grown up than that. Ramona and her mother offers up plenty of fun moments like the situation where Ramona feels so cozy in her pajamas that it leads to an error in judgment but this book is also a heart-tugger as Ramona aches to be as close to her mother as her sister is, the closing moments, how a rash decision Ramona makes is handled, it epitomizes poignant and feel-good.
    • 4/5
      Everyone always says that Beezus is her mother's girl, that her mother couldn't get along without her. Why doesn't anyone say that about Ramona? What will it take for her to be called "her mother's girl?"Another solidly enjoyable entry in the Ramona series. I find that the episodic nature of these means that I have trouble remembering which anecdote belongs to which book -- if, as in the current case, I'm listening to the whole series without taking a lot of breaks between books, sometimes they start to blend together.
    • 4/5
      I am learning so much about my role as a parent through these books. Ramona sees her parents fight and talks about moments where she is ashamed, worried, or angry. Cleary makes all of her emotions feel real and captures the vulnerability of childhood perfectly.
    • 4/5
      Ramona, our favorite 7 and a half year old, is feeling unloved and unnoticed. Obviously, Beezus is the favorite and Ramona can't do anything right. As always, Beverly Clearly lets us get into a child's shoes without condescension or being overly cutsie. Lovely.
    • 4/5
      This is the best of the Ramona series so far. Like others in the series, it is episodic, with some chapters laugh out loud funny (the toothpaste episode being the funniest). Cleary paints a believable happy family, in which there is not always perfect harmony, between sisters, between children and parents, or between the two parents themselves. But there is never a doubt in the reader's mind that it is a happy loving family.
    • 5/5
      Sometimes it seems like Ramona Quimby's older sister, Beezus, gets all the attention and privileges in the family. In fact, Mrs. Quimby lets neighbors and friends know she couldn't get along without Beezus, and Ramona feels left out. Yet, a drastic decision Ramona makes will remind her just how her mother feels about her in Ramona and Her Mother by Beverly Cleary.What a pleasure to revisit one of my favorites in the Ramona series. (What a double-pleasure to have obtained a copy that even smells like the one I read all those years ago. Oh yes indeed.) Cleary has such an understanding of life through the eyes of a seven-and-a-half-year-old, showing how much those childhood matters matter. Reading chapter books! Feeling carsick. New pajamas! Mom and Dad have a spat. And, yes—practicing one's cursive handwriting!There are dashes of humor that got laughter out of me. But the story (and the Ramona series altogether) doesn't avoid real-life situations that friends and families can find themselves in. And, gee, much like when I recently reread Ramona and Her Father, being able now to understand this story on a greater level from both an adult's and a child's point of view makes it all the more touching.Sure, I may be growing even more sensitive in my adult years, but if a children's book ever got a tear out of me toward the end, this one did. I blame the wonderful illustration that accompanies the scene!Let's see now, I've got two more Ramona books to revisit, and the newer one I've not read before...
    • 5/5
      Ramona never changes and will always be well loved.
    • 4/5
      Ramona is getting older. With each successive book in the series, another year passes, and now the creative and feisty girl is in second grade. She is still creative, her imagination burns just as bright, but she is learning some restraint. When her neighbor calls her Juanita, she doesn't blurt out that her name is actually Ramona. And when Willa Jean disrupts her checker game with Howie, she doesn't make a fuss, but finds something else to play. Unfortunately, their new game involves the bluing and a tub of water, and she and Howie end up with blue clothes and feet. Ramona may be more mature, but she is still only seven years old. When she sews pants for her elephant doll that don't fit right at all, she can't help losing her temper and throwing the doll against the wall. She thinks it is a wonderful idea to wear her new fluffy pajamas under her clothes when she goes to school, until the extra warmth leaches all her energy away.This book is full of funny episodes such as these, but the smaller anecdotes are linked together with a larger plot line about the relationship between Ramona and her mom. Now that Ramona is more observant of others, she is jealous of the close relationship between her mother and Beezus. Everyone always says that Beezus is her mother's girl, but no one makes that comparison between Ramona and her mom. She longs for cozy special times with her mom, but she doesn't have the same domestic skills or grown-up interests as Beezus. Her complicated feelings, which she only half understands, build to a breaking point over a misunderstanding. Ramona declares that no one loves her and she is running away. When her mom comes in to help her pack, and fills her suitcase with so many items that Ramona can't even lift it off the ground, Ramona learns that she has her own special relationship with her mom.Ramona captures the essence of a child, accurately reflecting a young person's thoughts and interests at various ages.Truly, Cleary impresses me with her ability to portray the many stages of childhood, and with the way she shows Ramona slowly maturing as she gets older. The book blends deeper issues of family relationships and self esteem with humor, making the story easy to read and laugh with, but also emotional and touching. I admit, I like the younger Ramona with her crazy antics, but I think her changes are inevitable, and she would be a poor character if she never evolved. She is still a sweet girl, and her domestic adventures very entertaining. As the series progresses, I feel like Ramona is a real girl, growing up in her family. I enjoy tagging along on her journey.
    • 4/5
      Another wonderful Ramona book by Beverly Cleary. It's a joy to read as an adult and I will reread it. What else can I say?
    • 4/5
      Another classic by Beverly Cleary. As a resident of Portland, OR I find it fun to come across land marks and references to my adopted hometown. Why else would so many childrens stories involve rain? Ramona is a perfect character for boys and girls to relate to with their own ordeals in growing up.
    • 4/5
      Cleary, B., & Tiegreen, A. (1979). Ramona and her mother. New York: Morrow. This is another addition to the delightful Ramona series, this time focusing on Ramona and her relationship with her mother. Although the book was written in 1979, the issues that families deal with is still relevant, especially with economic times being as they are today. The book honestly portrays the realities of life for children today and Ramona's thoughts, wishes for acceptance and love, and frustrations are typical for children in any family. One of Ramona's biggest struggle is with losing time with her mother because her mother has to work. Many children today face the same thing, and even though some of the content in the book is a little dated, the root of this conflict and others surfaces making it easy for the reader to relate.
    • 4/5
      I've read this numerous times, but each time I'm struck with how Ms. Cleary makes Ramona funny without making her out of the ordinary. In fact, part of the humor of Cleary's books is that her kids are so normal - and they are dealing with the typical problems of childhood. Great book in the series. (2009 reading was actually a listen to the audio version starring Stockard Channing.)
    • 4/5
      This is another sweet, charming story about plucky Ramona Quimby and her family. Ramona is growing up, and starting to question her family dynamics, wondering if her mother loves her as much or in the same way as she loves Ramona's older sister Beezus. While Ramona strives to be the perfect daughter, she accidentally causes all sorts of mishaps which make her question her place in her family even more. Beverly Cleary absolutely has a knack for getting in the skin of the young girl and touching on the emotions that so many kids, not just girls, share. I personally love the older Ramona books more, but there's little to criticize in any Beverly Cleary book.
    • 4/5
      At the age of 7, with working parents and a sister, Ramona Quimby tries hard to do her part to keep family peace. Usually, she ends up behind every uproarious incident in the house. Whether she's dying herself blue, watching while her young neighbor flings Kleenex around the house, or wearing her soft new pajamas to school one day. Ramona's life is never dull. Through it all, she is struggling for a place in her mother's heart, worried that she might be unlovable but there's not a chance. Ramona Quimby is nothing if not lovable.
    • 5/5
      The book is a good story of classic Ramona and her wild imagination. This book is more focused on her relationship with her mother. The audio part of the book is different that acutally reading the story, sometimes one forgets how easy it is to imagine yourself what the characters are doing. The audio allows for the added bonus of adding excitment or seriousness to the story.
    • 4/5
      This book returns to the hilarity of earlier Ramona books. The first chapter with Willa Jean making a mess with the tissues had me laughing out loud
    • 5/5
      sooooooo funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!