The ending of this book also seemed like it was more of a high than any other happy occasion in any of the other books. Isabelle was so anxious, she actually stood up because she couldn't sit still! She made worried, whining noises, and couldn't bear the suspense - I thought she might even cry! Even though it was like I couldn't read fast enough for her, I had to pause and calm her down, reminding her that Henry is resourceful, and Beverly Cleary wouldn't let anything bad happen to Ribsy! (Thankfully, the resolution was very satisfying, and both Isabelle and I felt relieved!) We readers know that the situation is not at all what it looks like, but the mothers are determined to get Ribsy sent to the pound. He is at the playground, and a bunch of mothers gather around him because it looks like Ribsy chased a wailing Ramona up the jungle gym. At one point, there is a scene in which Henry is in a bit of a pickle. If he behaves, Henry can go on a fishing trip with his dad!įor some reason, this book was much more dramatic than any of the other Beverly Cleary books we've read so far. Even though Ribsy is an important supporting character in all the Henry Huggins books, in this one, he is in the spotlight. 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.*** Warning: This review contains spoilers! ***

Her characters, including Beezus and Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, and Ralph, the motorcycle-riding mouse, have delighted children for generations. Henshaw won the Newbery Medal, and Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Ramona and Her Father have been named Newbery Honor Books. 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. And so, the Klickitat Street gang was born! She based her funny stories on her own neighborhood experiences and the sort of children she knew.

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. Before long, her school librarian was saying that she should write children's books when she grew up. But by third grade, after spending much time in her public library in Portland, Oregon, she found her skills had greatly improved.

As a child, she struggled with reading and writing. Beverly Cleary is one of America's most beloved authors.

Henry huggins and ribsy