Book #36 - Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary

I don't think I ever read Beezus and Ramona as a child. So to be safe, I decided to pick it up, especially after reading an interview with its iconic author Beverly Cleary about the release of the movie.

One thing that Cleary mentioned in the interview was that she wants the story of Beezus and Ramona to remain a timeless one. That's why in the book (and the movie) they're aren't any indicators of what year or decade it is; discussions of the latest technologies, like TVs or cell phones. Instead, Ramona and Beezus occupy their time reading books, dolls and playing games with each other and friends.

What I found particularly interesting about this book is that like most children's books, it tries to teach the reader a lesson. But what makes it different, is that the lesson doesn't hit you across the head. Instead, you learn something -- like how to be patient with your siblings, or why it's okay to be different -- in a more organic way.

I think Cleary has definitely achieved her goal. The story of these two sisters will remain one that children will read for another 50 years, without feeling dated or irrelevant. It's heartfelt, cute and best of all,Ramona's antics are just as entertaining as any of the latest games and TVs shows out there today.