"The true pleasure of this retrospective is that it highlights key moments from the books, in chronological order, and compares the various illustrators’ ways of depicting them. We see the same sequence drawn in different eras (with different fashions and hairstyles); we see varying unscripted reactions on the characters’ faces, and a wide range of demeanors. We see situations from different angles and perspectives."
—The New York Times
An A Mighty Girl 2020 Book of the Year
The Art of Ramona Quimby celebrates the artists behind Beverly Cleary's inimitable Ramona Quimby series.The adventures of her iconic heroine have been brought to life by five different artists: Louis Darling, Alan Tiegreen, Joanne Scribner, Tracy Dockray, and Jacqueline Rogers.
Readers can compare multiple interpretations of iconic scenes (remember the infamous egg-cracking incident?), read letters exchanged between Cleary and the first illustrator, and learn the stories behind the illustrations.
- Celebrates the timeless work by these five artists since Beverly Cleary published the first Ramona Quimby book in 1955
- Includes excerpts from the books
- Two essays illuminate the series's narrative and artistic impact
For fans of illustration and design, and for those who grew up alongside Ramona, this richly nostalgic volume reminds us why we fell in love with these books.
Beverly Cleary's bestselling children's series has sold over 50 million copies.
- Makes a great gift for readers who grew up with Ramona and Beezus, as well as parents, grandparents, and anyone who remembers reading these books when they were young
- A must-have for fans of Beverly Cleary and the Ramona series, as well as anyone interested in illustrated character art and development over time
- Perfect for those who loved The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss by Theodor Geisel, The Art of Eric Carle by Eric Carle, and Literary Wonderlands: A Journey Through the Greatest Fictional Worlds Ever Created by Laura Miller
"The true pleasure of this retrospective is that it highlights key moments from the books, in chronological order, and compares the various illustrators’ ways of depicting them. We see the same sequence drawn in different eras (with different fashions and hairstyles); we see varying unscripted reactions on the characters’ faces, and a wide range of demeanors. We see situations from different angles and perspectives."
—The New York Times
"This fascinating book presents scenes from the Beezus and Ramona books and then shows how each artist interpreted them. With this book you can relive your favorite Ramona moments and get a lesson in art appreciation at the same time."
—Minneapolis Star-Tribune
"Chances are, if you ask a Beverley Cleary fan to picture Ramona Quimby, they’ve got a strong image in mind. Well, their Ramona may be different than mine (pageboy haircut, full cheeks, ’80s attire à la Joanne Scribner), and that’s perfectly fine! There have been no fewer than five major illustrators over the course of our beloved heroine’s 65-year reign—from Louis Darling’s elegant ink drawings to Tracy Dockray’s flat gray-shaded cartoons—and their diversity reemphasizes the timelessness of the stories. Featuring full-color illustrations and insightful essays by Annie Barrows and Jacqueline Rogers, The Art of Ramona Quimby is a must-have for fans of all stripes."
—Kirkus Reviews
"...We’re taken, book by book, through Ramona’s illustrated world, beginning with Beezus and Ramona. Spreads include excerpts, annotations, and side-by-side illustrations; Dockray’s, Rogers’s, and Darling’s bunny-eared Ramona encountering Mrs. Wisser, for example. The art notes are engaging, with illuminating tidbits, and seeing the pictures side by side is gratifying ... for super-fans, this volume will be catnip (hi, Picky-picky)."
—The Horn Book Magazine