What do you think?
Rate this book
The Art of Ramona Quimby: Sixty-Five Years of Illustrations from Beverly Cleary’s Beloved Books
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
The Art of Ramona Quimby explores the evolution of an iconic character, and how each artist has ultimately made her timeless.
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.
• Great 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 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
The Art of Ramona Quimby explores the evolution of an iconic character, and how each artist has ultimately made her timeless.
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.
• Great 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
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2020
7 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 6, 2021
Beverly Cleary’s books were some of the first ones I read independently. The Art of Ramona Quimby brought back so many memories of these books. When the editions illustrated by Tracy Dockray came out, I did wonder if the updated, modern illustrations would work with the original book texts, many of which were written in the ‘50s and ‘60’s. I was unaware until I read this book that yet another edition of Cleary’s books had been released in 2013.. It seems to work; children are still grabbing these books in 2020!
The Art of Ramona Quimby focuses on the one character of Cleary’s that had books published about her from the 1950’s all the way in to the ‘90’s. The author did a marvelous job of taking readers through the decades with this beloved little girl. The letters of correspondence between Cleary and the first illustrator, Louis Darling, were a special added bonus. I would recommend this to anyone who has ever enjoyed Ramona’s adventures through the years.
I hope Anna Katz will someday write another book about the art of some of Cleary’s other characters!
Thank you, Netgalley, for providing me with a free copy of this outstanding book. I have a feeling that I’ll be buying a hard copy very soon!
The Art of Ramona Quimby focuses on the one character of Cleary’s that had books published about her from the 1950’s all the way in to the ‘90’s. The author did a marvelous job of taking readers through the decades with this beloved little girl. The letters of correspondence between Cleary and the first illustrator, Louis Darling, were a special added bonus. I would recommend this to anyone who has ever enjoyed Ramona’s adventures through the years.
I hope Anna Katz will someday write another book about the art of some of Cleary’s other characters!
Thank you, Netgalley, for providing me with a free copy of this outstanding book. I have a feeling that I’ll be buying a hard copy very soon!
January 20, 2021
This book is so damn precious!
I cannot believe myself that I literally gulped down this book in a matter of minutes!
Because I was so excited to actually getting to read this collection!!!
I wasn't even aware that this book was coming out.
For someone who loves Ramona Quimby (both the series and the movie adaptation for life!), this book is like Christmas and all things beautiful and amazing!
The characters are alive all over again and I just love loving them.
Thank you so much for bringing out this special sixty-five years of Illustrations from the author's beloved books!
I am so ready to gift this special edition to any girl child I know because they will be able to relate with her so much as I did. The book series is amazing. The characters are dynamic. I love everything about this series.
I love the introduction, the preface. It's detailed and informative. It's interesting and fun to read.
Ah, then the original illustrations!
And the legendary, unforgettable dialogues! (Someone please calm me down... Too much of nostalgic moments at once alert!)
This book is just the breath of fresh air I never knew I needed.
It's so well written, so well illustrated, so well crafted! This is a collectable for sure. I cannot wait for the finished copy.
Thank you #NetGalley for this copy.
I cannot believe myself that I literally gulped down this book in a matter of minutes!
Because I was so excited to actually getting to read this collection!!!
I wasn't even aware that this book was coming out.
For someone who loves Ramona Quimby (both the series and the movie adaptation for life!), this book is like Christmas and all things beautiful and amazing!
The characters are alive all over again and I just love loving them.
Thank you so much for bringing out this special sixty-five years of Illustrations from the author's beloved books!
I am so ready to gift this special edition to any girl child I know because they will be able to relate with her so much as I did. The book series is amazing. The characters are dynamic. I love everything about this series.
I love the introduction, the preface. It's detailed and informative. It's interesting and fun to read.
Ah, then the original illustrations!
And the legendary, unforgettable dialogues! (Someone please calm me down... Too much of nostalgic moments at once alert!)
This book is just the breath of fresh air I never knew I needed.
It's so well written, so well illustrated, so well crafted! This is a collectable for sure. I cannot wait for the finished copy.
Thank you #NetGalley for this copy.
July 14, 2021
Did not disappoint... and I had high expectations. If you're interested, get if from your library (or request the purchase). (Do not try to read as an ebook.) I even read the essays, which in this kind of book I often do not.
The only improvements would be *more* - more illustrations from these books, and more books included. Maybe a companion book, "The Art of Klickitat Street" or something, should be next. ;)
The only improvements would be *more* - more illustrations from these books, and more books included. Maybe a companion book, "The Art of Klickitat Street" or something, should be next. ;)
December 27, 2020
My son is beginning to get that kids books make me cry. Every damn time. This one hit hard when I learned Alan Tiegreen took over illustrating the Ramona books because Louis Darling died at 53, five years before Ramona the Brave was published. As a kid I liked the Darling illustrations so much more, I felt his Ramona was the Ramona. I assumed the publisher went with Tiegreen to match the changing tone of the story. But no! Fifty years after the fact I spent an hour looking up Darling’s illustration work and feeling so so sad.
There are two other illustrators whose work is covered in this book. Both seem good! Good for them for drawing Ramona.
There are two other illustrators whose work is covered in this book. Both seem good! Good for them for drawing Ramona.
July 5, 2021
I had to change the font because it wasn't optimized for screen reading. I read the preface by Annie Barrows who wrote about her own journey to becoming a children's author. I had already read the introduction in this article. I read the artist bios and some character intros. I grew up with Joanne Scribner's cover art and Alan Tiegreen's illustrations but unlike most other book series I grew up with, don't feel attached to any particular artist. I think because I read a mix of paperback books I owned and the hardcover copies from my school library.
This book goes book by book illustration by illustration examining each artist's style and how they captured the scene. There are spoilers for the last two books and the two most recent artists explain their artistic process. Jacqueline Rogers is my favorite. She was inspired, subconsciously, by her daughters, now grown, who were very much Beezus and Ramona when they were young. Also a bit of her own childhood. I think Ramona looks so cute in her drawings.
I'm not a huge fan of Tracy Dockray's illustrations but I can see them appealing to a modern audience of tweens like my niece who is into anime. I do absolutely love her notebook of early sketches and how she made it like Ramona's own personal drawing notebook.
Joanne Scribner's cover art is also discussed.
I didn't find Louis Darling's illustrations attractive at all but he was the best at capturing motion! He really got Ramona's rambunctiousness and the book contains his correspondence with Beverly Clearly. Their letters show a warm regard and appreciation for one another. He really connected with Ramona in a way he didn't connect with the other characters in the other books and felt like the Quimbys were family.
The least appealing illustrations for me are by Alan Tiegreen. He makes Ramona look so goofy and the sketch drawings are just unattractive.
This book goes book by book illustration by illustration examining each artist's style and how they captured the scene. There are spoilers for the last two books and the two most recent artists explain their artistic process. Jacqueline Rogers is my favorite. She was inspired, subconsciously, by her daughters, now grown, who were very much Beezus and Ramona when they were young. Also a bit of her own childhood. I think Ramona looks so cute in her drawings.
I'm not a huge fan of Tracy Dockray's illustrations but I can see them appealing to a modern audience of tweens like my niece who is into anime. I do absolutely love her notebook of early sketches and how she made it like Ramona's own personal drawing notebook.
Joanne Scribner's cover art is also discussed.
I didn't find Louis Darling's illustrations attractive at all but he was the best at capturing motion! He really got Ramona's rambunctiousness and the book contains his correspondence with Beverly Clearly. Their letters show a warm regard and appreciation for one another. He really connected with Ramona in a way he didn't connect with the other characters in the other books and felt like the Quimbys were family.
The least appealing illustrations for me are by Alan Tiegreen. He makes Ramona look so goofy and the sketch drawings are just unattractive.
November 3, 2020
This made me feel so nostalgic for Beverly Cleary's Ramona books! They were a constant in my childhood reading and my favorite out of all of Cleary's work. I loved learning about the different artists who illustrated Ramona's world and each of their styles that emphasized different aspects of a scene or character. There were so many little things I never noticed, and probably never would have, that were brought to light by Katz. I think if you're a Ramona lover then it would definitely be worth your while to spend some time with this book.
July 11, 2021
Nostalgic. I didn't realize I had a favorite Ramona illustrator, but apparently I do: Lois Darling.
December 15, 2020
I absolutely adored this Ramona retrospective.
I read the series countless times as a kid, and have re-read and thoroughly enjoyed Stockard Channing's audio versions as an adult. I grew up with the Louis Darling and Alan Tiegreen illustrations but was unfamiliar with the Tracy Dockray and Jacqueline Rogers illustrations before this book. Tiegreen's will always be "my" Ramona for nostalgia's sake, but I really enjoyed seeing how the different artists brought the same scenes to life. The correspondence at the end between Beverly Cleary and Louis Darling was a charming addition.
If you love Ramona, don't miss this book.
I read the series countless times as a kid, and have re-read and thoroughly enjoyed Stockard Channing's audio versions as an adult. I grew up with the Louis Darling and Alan Tiegreen illustrations but was unfamiliar with the Tracy Dockray and Jacqueline Rogers illustrations before this book. Tiegreen's will always be "my" Ramona for nostalgia's sake, but I really enjoyed seeing how the different artists brought the same scenes to life. The correspondence at the end between Beverly Cleary and Louis Darling was a charming addition.
If you love Ramona, don't miss this book.
March 22, 2022
WOW!! I learned a lot by reading this book. First, I was expecting it only to be artwork and a 5 minute glance through-it was so much more. It included biographies on the illustrators, art techniques, comparison of illustrations between the authors, and actually scenes from the books! I loved being able to reminisce with all the characters.
I never knew that there were several different illustrators (5 major ones) to the series- I assumed they just computer-generated more modern pictures with each edition. However, I only ever read the first print edition. However, illustrators completely changed scenes and even sketched different scenes - their choice :) in each republished book.
With Ramona and Beezus being my friends for years and really sparking my love for reading, I found this book such a delight. With that said, I would think you need to be interested in book illustrating or Ramona to enjoy this fabulous book!
I never knew that there were several different illustrators (5 major ones) to the series- I assumed they just computer-generated more modern pictures with each edition. However, I only ever read the first print edition. However, illustrators completely changed scenes and even sketched different scenes - their choice :) in each republished book.
With Ramona and Beezus being my friends for years and really sparking my love for reading, I found this book such a delight. With that said, I would think you need to be interested in book illustrating or Ramona to enjoy this fabulous book!
August 12, 2020
Read if you: Want an endearing collection of work from the Ramona Quimby illustrators.
As an ardent Ramona fan in my childhood (having reread most of them within the past several years, I'm still a fan of most of the books), I enjoyed this look at the illustrations and illustrators who created work for the series.
I do want to point out two things that somewhat distorted my enjoyment:
Katz mentions "the now lost art of cataloguing." Yes, cataloguing has definitely changed since Beverly Cleary was a librarian. But a lost art...not entirely. It's just different and has evolved since then.
There's also mention that Alan Tiegreen "won many honors and awards for the work he did on the Ramona Quimby series," and lists the "Newbery Medal for Ramona and Her Father." Ramona and Her Father did not receive a Newbery Medal. It received a Newbery Honor. There is a difference. However, it's a moot point, because the Newbery goes to the author. This is not to downplay Tiegreen's work--I love the illustrations--but this is a rather significant distinction.
Librarians/booksellers: Purchase if adult books about children's literature are popular.
Many thanks to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.
As an ardent Ramona fan in my childhood (having reread most of them within the past several years, I'm still a fan of most of the books), I enjoyed this look at the illustrations and illustrators who created work for the series.
I do want to point out two things that somewhat distorted my enjoyment:
Katz mentions "the now lost art of cataloguing." Yes, cataloguing has definitely changed since Beverly Cleary was a librarian. But a lost art...not entirely. It's just different and has evolved since then.
There's also mention that Alan Tiegreen "won many honors and awards for the work he did on the Ramona Quimby series," and lists the "Newbery Medal for Ramona and Her Father." Ramona and Her Father did not receive a Newbery Medal. It received a Newbery Honor. There is a difference. However, it's a moot point, because the Newbery goes to the author. This is not to downplay Tiegreen's work--I love the illustrations--but this is a rather significant distinction.
Librarians/booksellers: Purchase if adult books about children's literature are popular.
Many thanks to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2020
Oh my heart <3 I grew up with Ramona, Beezus, Yard Ape, and Picky-picky; as a precocious, obnoxious child, Ramona was so thoroughly relatable and real and lovable. When I moved to Portland in my 20s, I had a little internal freak-out when I discovered a co-worker lived on Klickitat Street - that was Ramona's street! So obviously when I saw this book offered on Netgalley, I HAD TO get my hands on it; it did NOT disappoint.
This was like a time machine trip through the nearly 60 years (!!!) of the Quimby family's adventures, told through the wonderful illustrations that a handful of artists have contributed to the books over the years, augmented with snippets from the books, insights into the stories and their long-lived impact, even images of correspondence between author Beverly Cleary and original illustrator Louis Darling. Seeing the same scenes from different illustrators laid out together was fantastic, and a reminder of the marvelous characters that Cleary created.
This was like a time machine trip through the nearly 60 years (!!!) of the Quimby family's adventures, told through the wonderful illustrations that a handful of artists have contributed to the books over the years, augmented with snippets from the books, insights into the stories and their long-lived impact, even images of correspondence between author Beverly Cleary and original illustrator Louis Darling. Seeing the same scenes from different illustrators laid out together was fantastic, and a reminder of the marvelous characters that Cleary created.
August 17, 2021
I feel like my whole world has been picked up and moved an inch over. Evidently, five different artists have illustrated the Ramona books over the years. My library only had the Alan Tiegreen books, and seeing Ramona through other artist's eyes was...disconcerting. Their illustrations are charming, too, but Tiegreen's lanky, out-at-the-elbows Ramona, is Ramona. (Tiegreen's work reminds me of Beth and Joe Krush, who are similarly beloved to me.)
My husband remembers the iconic Louis Darling illustrations from his elementary school library copies:
The Darling illustrations (ha) came before the Tiegreen ones, so his library's copies must have been even older than my library's. Joanne Scribner took over in the 1980s, then Tracy Dockray, and finally Jacqueline Rogers, the current illustrator. Katz tries to spin a generational narrative here, but as my husband and I prove--we were born two years apart in the mid-1990s--not every new incarnation of Ramona becomes the Ramona of her day. Libraries don't update their copies that often, I suppose.
I really enjoyed the design of this book, the many illustrations, and the detail given to the lives of the illustrators and the reception history of Ramona. Even though it was a bit disconcerting, I loved seeing how Ramona was reimagined for new editions over the years. Cleary's stories have a timelessness that remains appealing over the decades, and if all it takes is new illustrations to keep the books circulating, the more the merrier!
My husband remembers the iconic Louis Darling illustrations from his elementary school library copies:
The Darling illustrations (ha) came before the Tiegreen ones, so his library's copies must have been even older than my library's. Joanne Scribner took over in the 1980s, then Tracy Dockray, and finally Jacqueline Rogers, the current illustrator. Katz tries to spin a generational narrative here, but as my husband and I prove--we were born two years apart in the mid-1990s--not every new incarnation of Ramona becomes the Ramona of her day. Libraries don't update their copies that often, I suppose.
I really enjoyed the design of this book, the many illustrations, and the detail given to the lives of the illustrators and the reception history of Ramona. Even though it was a bit disconcerting, I loved seeing how Ramona was reimagined for new editions over the years. Cleary's stories have a timelessness that remains appealing over the decades, and if all it takes is new illustrations to keep the books circulating, the more the merrier!
November 28, 2024
I first saw this book shared by a fellow book lover on Instagram and I immediately sought this book out at my local library.
I remember being introduced to Ramona as an early reader and finding a main character I could identify with. As I read my way through the series I discovered the 1988 Ramona tv series featuring Sarah Polley which was delightful.
Anyways, this book features the following five different artists: Louis Darling, Alan Tiegreen, Joanne Scribner, Tracy Dockray, and Jacqueline Rogers. It featured key scenes from the books and showed how the artists used different perspectives to draw the same scenes. Conversely, sometimes only one of the artists would draw a certain scene from the book.
Katz made an important point that readers' favorite Ramona artists aren't necessary the ones from their childhood with the biggest nostalgia factor, as they may go back and reread these books with their kids that featuring new artists. I had these "memories" of reading Ramona books with illustrations from Louis Darling but that never happened. My books had illustrations from Alan Tiegreen and Joanne Scribner. So I think I'm naturally drawn to Louis Darling's illustrations even though I didn't grow up reading up books with his illustrations.
I ended up buying this book because of the nostalgia factor of the artwork contained in this book.
I remember being introduced to Ramona as an early reader and finding a main character I could identify with. As I read my way through the series I discovered the 1988 Ramona tv series featuring Sarah Polley which was delightful.
Anyways, this book features the following five different artists: Louis Darling, Alan Tiegreen, Joanne Scribner, Tracy Dockray, and Jacqueline Rogers. It featured key scenes from the books and showed how the artists used different perspectives to draw the same scenes. Conversely, sometimes only one of the artists would draw a certain scene from the book.
Katz made an important point that readers' favorite Ramona artists aren't necessary the ones from their childhood with the biggest nostalgia factor, as they may go back and reread these books with their kids that featuring new artists. I had these "memories" of reading Ramona books with illustrations from Louis Darling but that never happened. My books had illustrations from Alan Tiegreen and Joanne Scribner. So I think I'm naturally drawn to Louis Darling's illustrations even though I didn't grow up reading up books with his illustrations.
I ended up buying this book because of the nostalgia factor of the artwork contained in this book.
October 26, 2022
Obviously, this cannot be read as an audiobook, anymore than one could read musical scores as an audiobook, anymore than one should read poetry silently. Don’t.
Skip the ebook. Get the large, glorious copy from your library, requesting it as I did if they don’t have it. Or purchase it yourself.
This showed powerfully the essential timelessness of Ramona and the Quimby family. How could the brilliant illustrations over the years capture so magically the essence of the story, with all the surprising flexibility of imagery? “Ramona” transcends a particular era and struggles of the time, encapsulating instead struggles of smaller people with wit and respect and deep understanding. Cleary understands humanity and writes with humor. The stories are deeply relatable and intensely enjoyable, the type you never really outgrow.
Favorite illustrator? I think I’ll need to check them all out from the library and consume them to know.
Skip the ebook. Get the large, glorious copy from your library, requesting it as I did if they don’t have it. Or purchase it yourself.
This showed powerfully the essential timelessness of Ramona and the Quimby family. How could the brilliant illustrations over the years capture so magically the essence of the story, with all the surprising flexibility of imagery? “Ramona” transcends a particular era and struggles of the time, encapsulating instead struggles of smaller people with wit and respect and deep understanding. Cleary understands humanity and writes with humor. The stories are deeply relatable and intensely enjoyable, the type you never really outgrow.
Favorite illustrator? I think I’ll need to check them all out from the library and consume them to know.
January 4, 2022
What an absolutely joyful first read of the new year! Beverly Cleary remains one of my most favorite writers of all time. Reading this book brought back so many happy memories. It feels like I have always always always loved to read, but this book reminded me that it was characters like Ramona that turned me into a life long reader. As a young child, to read a beautifully illustrated book about a child you completely identify with is such an incredible gift. This book brought all of those feelings back. And with the added awareness that the illustrations were a crucial part of the experience. I must admit, my favorites will always be the illustrations by Louis Darling as I remember those versions of Ramona the most vividly. But all of the artists are wonderful, and it’s so fun to see how Ramona was reimagined over the years. Delightful! I will treasure this book!
March 28, 2023
I loved seeing the work of all the different artists compiled in one place. The Scribner covers will always and forever be my favorites...I grew up with her covers and the Alan Tiegren illustrations. My favorite part was the appendix with letters between Beverly and the original artist Louis Darling and Tracy Dokray's "audition drawings ". I just wish the appendix was expanded and that there were more interviews and insights from the artists who are still living.
May 6, 2020
This book was a fascinating look at all things Ramona Quimby! It includes such interesting historical tidbits as well as amazing illustrations. It is a must read for all fans of Beverly Cleary.
May 9, 2022
Who among us doesn’t love Romana Quimby? She was one of my favorite characters growing up. So reading an exploration of Romana Quimby’s art was especially delightful. It’s very nostalgic and something that kids and adults can still connect to.
I received this copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2021
This book was an absolute delight! The Ramona books were some of my favorites growing up. I really enjoyed seeing the illustrations from the newer artists.
September 21, 2020
( received complimentary e-book in exchange for review )
Growing up as a child in the 1970s, I read thru every Ramona book I could find. This book was a refreshing blast back to the past. As an adult, it was wonderful reconnecting with the characters, and getting to know and appreciate them all over again. While this review was based on an e-book copy, when the hardcover edition is released in September 2020, I would not be at all surprised to find it in my home library, which some occasional spotlight days on my coffee table for all to enjoy.
Growing up as a child in the 1970s, I read thru every Ramona book I could find. This book was a refreshing blast back to the past. As an adult, it was wonderful reconnecting with the characters, and getting to know and appreciate them all over again. While this review was based on an e-book copy, when the hardcover edition is released in September 2020, I would not be at all surprised to find it in my home library, which some occasional spotlight days on my coffee table for all to enjoy.
July 5, 2024
The concept is simple - go through virtually every illustrated scene in every book in the Ramona series and compare and contrast the illustrations by the various illustrators. I loved it. My husband says it is the perfect book for neuro-divergent Beverly Cleary fans. If, like me, you fall into that group then I highly recommend you check this out. If not, I imagine most people would still have fun at least glancing through and looking at the cute pictures.
June 26, 2020
The Ramona books mean a great deal to me. I can remember specifically visiting my grandparents during the summer and always having a new Ramona book waiting for me to read. Now that I know the books are much older, I wonder how my grandmother knew about them, especially when she only ever had boys. I'm extremely grateful to her anyhow, and it wasn't until I read this book that I really realised how often I actually think about them. Even just small things, like when I am writing the word 'library' or thinking about how to pronounce Chevrolet - it really is a pretty sounding word, perfect for a doll. But there are things I had forgotten about too, such as Ramona's kitty-cat Q or or her pajama-clad sheep's costume. And I never really realised how important the illustrations were to my experience reading the books, which is where this book comes in.
I always used to frown when books were re-printed with updated illustrations. The new pictures never had the same effect on me as the old ones did (or, as I've come to realise, how 'my' pictures did). And then this book on the Art of Ramona Quimby starts off by explaining how the different illustrators over the years would have the same affect on the new generation of children reading them. A child now will grow up with the images of Tracy Dockrey or Jacqueline Rogers, in comparison to my original second-hand copies of Louis Darling or Alan Tiegreen that my grandmother handed to me. To the new children, their connection will be to their own illustrator, and all the others will be familiar, if slightly out of sync, which is how I feel about the new images. And that's okay, because that's how the world turns and evolves, and the most important part is that the books are still being re-printed, no matter what pictures can be found inside or who drew them.
It is really interesting though to see the different iterations of the images and what details the illustrators have chosen to include. I would have assumed that the same pictures would just be redrawn, albeit in a new style personal to the new artist. But it is more complex than that. Perspectives have been changed, or remain parallel. Angles have changed, and sometimes other people are included when they weren't included in the earlier drawings. Sometimes there are new details, such as in the illustration of Picky-picky's grave - earlier drawings are very simple and focus on the headstone, whereas new ones also include shading to illustrate the freshly disturbed earth beneath it. And even though it is widely accepted (although never explicitly stated) that the series takes place beginning in the 70s, the clothing or hairstyles of the characters have been updated. One illustrator even includes a modern desktop computer in an image of Ramona visiting the school nurse, when clearly that would not have existed when the book was originally published. These little changes are what makes each of the illustrators special and unique. All of their illustrations are their own interpretation, and that's especially true with the emotions of the characters as well. In an earlier image, Ramona might have an angry or determined face; in a more recent image, she looks more forlorn or sorry for herself. It's so interesting to me to see all the different ways that one could interpret the scenes, and reminds me that my own image of how events have happened won't be the same as anyone else's - no one can see inside my mind.
If anything, this book has made me incredibly grateful to have read the Ramona books as a child, and I hope to pass on that love to my own children one day (even if they will have their 'own' images of what Ramona's story looks like). I love the comparison of all the images, and what changed from iteration to iteration. And it has made me value the work of all the different illustrators throughout the years. They clearly all have a deep love for these stories, and their work evidently shows that.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I always used to frown when books were re-printed with updated illustrations. The new pictures never had the same effect on me as the old ones did (or, as I've come to realise, how 'my' pictures did). And then this book on the Art of Ramona Quimby starts off by explaining how the different illustrators over the years would have the same affect on the new generation of children reading them. A child now will grow up with the images of Tracy Dockrey or Jacqueline Rogers, in comparison to my original second-hand copies of Louis Darling or Alan Tiegreen that my grandmother handed to me. To the new children, their connection will be to their own illustrator, and all the others will be familiar, if slightly out of sync, which is how I feel about the new images. And that's okay, because that's how the world turns and evolves, and the most important part is that the books are still being re-printed, no matter what pictures can be found inside or who drew them.
It is really interesting though to see the different iterations of the images and what details the illustrators have chosen to include. I would have assumed that the same pictures would just be redrawn, albeit in a new style personal to the new artist. But it is more complex than that. Perspectives have been changed, or remain parallel. Angles have changed, and sometimes other people are included when they weren't included in the earlier drawings. Sometimes there are new details, such as in the illustration of Picky-picky's grave - earlier drawings are very simple and focus on the headstone, whereas new ones also include shading to illustrate the freshly disturbed earth beneath it. And even though it is widely accepted (although never explicitly stated) that the series takes place beginning in the 70s, the clothing or hairstyles of the characters have been updated. One illustrator even includes a modern desktop computer in an image of Ramona visiting the school nurse, when clearly that would not have existed when the book was originally published. These little changes are what makes each of the illustrators special and unique. All of their illustrations are their own interpretation, and that's especially true with the emotions of the characters as well. In an earlier image, Ramona might have an angry or determined face; in a more recent image, she looks more forlorn or sorry for herself. It's so interesting to me to see all the different ways that one could interpret the scenes, and reminds me that my own image of how events have happened won't be the same as anyone else's - no one can see inside my mind.
If anything, this book has made me incredibly grateful to have read the Ramona books as a child, and I hope to pass on that love to my own children one day (even if they will have their 'own' images of what Ramona's story looks like). I love the comparison of all the images, and what changed from iteration to iteration. And it has made me value the work of all the different illustrators throughout the years. They clearly all have a deep love for these stories, and their work evidently shows that.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2020
I have to admit I’m a fan of Beverly Cleary, and the Ramona books in particular. So much so that I named my firstborn after that irrepressible young character!
So, this is definitely the book for me. But it will also appeal to other fans and people interested in the history of children’s books illustration and design. Beautifully produced, the coffee table-sized book explores the series’ illustrators, ranging from the original Louis Darling in the late 1960’s to Jacqueline Rogers in 2013.
My favourite part was the Foreword by Annie Barrows, author of the Ivy and Bean series. In “Bad Author/Good Witch: What I Learned from Ramona the Pest“, Barrows describes how reading Chapter Six, “The Baddest Witch in the World”, changed her approach to writing.
She discusses her daughter’s identification with Ramona’s roller coaster emotions. This includes where Ramona realises her teacher, and perhaps even her own mother, can’t identify her amongst all the other kids dressed up as witches. In “withdrawing herself from the equation”, Cleary writes with “serious unselfishness” (p 8). This is the lesson Barrows took from reading the Ramona books, a lesson that changed her life as a writer.
The series changed my life as a reader. I remember reaching for Ramona Quimby, Age 8 at my school library when I was seven or eight. I loved realistic stories about people. Short books, that ended too quickly, were disappointing. So I went for the thick, hardcover book with Alan Tiegreen’s orange cover. It had lots of white space and line drawings and was very appealing overall.
And I never looked back. Now, more than thirty years later, these books are still favourites and I have loved sharing them with my daughter. For me, Ramona will truly live forever.
Speaking of which, the beloved author, Beverly Cleary, is still alive at the time of writing this, aged 104! Every year on her birthday, 12 April, American schools run the Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) initiative. It encourages 30 minutes of reading and was named after the Sustained Silent Reading technique used in Ramona’s classroom. SSR was always my favourite part of the day at school in rural Australia in the 1980’s. And, true to form, Ramona worked out how to use it to great effect, as an excuse to avoid talking to pesky little Willa Jean!
See my full illustrated review at: https://byronbibliotherapy.com/art-of...
So, this is definitely the book for me. But it will also appeal to other fans and people interested in the history of children’s books illustration and design. Beautifully produced, the coffee table-sized book explores the series’ illustrators, ranging from the original Louis Darling in the late 1960’s to Jacqueline Rogers in 2013.
My favourite part was the Foreword by Annie Barrows, author of the Ivy and Bean series. In “Bad Author/Good Witch: What I Learned from Ramona the Pest“, Barrows describes how reading Chapter Six, “The Baddest Witch in the World”, changed her approach to writing.
She discusses her daughter’s identification with Ramona’s roller coaster emotions. This includes where Ramona realises her teacher, and perhaps even her own mother, can’t identify her amongst all the other kids dressed up as witches. In “withdrawing herself from the equation”, Cleary writes with “serious unselfishness” (p 8). This is the lesson Barrows took from reading the Ramona books, a lesson that changed her life as a writer.
The series changed my life as a reader. I remember reaching for Ramona Quimby, Age 8 at my school library when I was seven or eight. I loved realistic stories about people. Short books, that ended too quickly, were disappointing. So I went for the thick, hardcover book with Alan Tiegreen’s orange cover. It had lots of white space and line drawings and was very appealing overall.
And I never looked back. Now, more than thirty years later, these books are still favourites and I have loved sharing them with my daughter. For me, Ramona will truly live forever.
Speaking of which, the beloved author, Beverly Cleary, is still alive at the time of writing this, aged 104! Every year on her birthday, 12 April, American schools run the Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) initiative. It encourages 30 minutes of reading and was named after the Sustained Silent Reading technique used in Ramona’s classroom. SSR was always my favourite part of the day at school in rural Australia in the 1980’s. And, true to form, Ramona worked out how to use it to great effect, as an excuse to avoid talking to pesky little Willa Jean!
See my full illustrated review at: https://byronbibliotherapy.com/art-of...
May 1, 2020
I missed out on reading the Ramona series as a child - no idea why - so I came to this book without knowing or loving Ramona. Now I'm trying to make up for lost time. This book is so entrancing that I dare anyone to read it without wanting to rush to their closest book store or library to read, or reread, this series.
This book covers the work of the five main illustrators of the Ramona series with lots of examples of their artwork and it's truly fascinating to see their different interpretations of the characters. It also includes some letters between Beverly Cleary and Louis Darling, reproduced in all their typewritten glory, which offer an insight into the creative collaboration between the two. There are also short bios of the author and the illustrators; and two essays, one by Annie Barrows (author of Ivy and Bean) about learning how to write for children, and the other by Jacqueline Rogers on illustrating the Ramona series. The main meat of the book has chapters on each of the Ramona books with text excerpts and illustrations with annotations by author Anna Katz to clarify and explain what is happening in the story and show how the illustrations and the text work together to produce the glorious whole that is the Ramona series.
I particularly loved Annie Barrows essay. It's truthful in a warts and all way and really describes the process of many writers who don't get what the editors are saying is missing in their work until one day the penny drops and voila! Barrows credits the Ramona series with helping her to get to her epiphany and her description of that process is just lovely.
I am so impressed with the quality of this book. I love reading about the creative writing process but I haven't read a lot about how illustrators work so this book was particularly intriguing and informative.
Thanks to Netgalley and Chronicle Books for providing an advanced copy ARC of this title for me to review. The book will be released in September 2020.
This book covers the work of the five main illustrators of the Ramona series with lots of examples of their artwork and it's truly fascinating to see their different interpretations of the characters. It also includes some letters between Beverly Cleary and Louis Darling, reproduced in all their typewritten glory, which offer an insight into the creative collaboration between the two. There are also short bios of the author and the illustrators; and two essays, one by Annie Barrows (author of Ivy and Bean) about learning how to write for children, and the other by Jacqueline Rogers on illustrating the Ramona series. The main meat of the book has chapters on each of the Ramona books with text excerpts and illustrations with annotations by author Anna Katz to clarify and explain what is happening in the story and show how the illustrations and the text work together to produce the glorious whole that is the Ramona series.
I particularly loved Annie Barrows essay. It's truthful in a warts and all way and really describes the process of many writers who don't get what the editors are saying is missing in their work until one day the penny drops and voila! Barrows credits the Ramona series with helping her to get to her epiphany and her description of that process is just lovely.
I am so impressed with the quality of this book. I love reading about the creative writing process but I haven't read a lot about how illustrators work so this book was particularly intriguing and informative.
Thanks to Netgalley and Chronicle Books for providing an advanced copy ARC of this title for me to review. The book will be released in September 2020.
April 21, 2020
Quick confession -- I aged out of the Beverly Cleary books by 1970, so it has been a long time since I read them. Since Cleary was still writing into the 1990s, I missed the illustrators after Louis Darling, the original artist for Cleary's books.
The Art of Ramona zeroes in on the one character that seemed to take on a life of her own, Ramona Quimby. It examines how the five different artists approached the stories. Often, the same scenes were illustrated, so it's a chance to directly compare the artists' takes. Occasionally the artists come up with remarkably similar interpretations, but usually there are some intriguing differences. The book takes on the Ramona books individually and chronologically. It's a chance to remember the stories, or to catch up on the books you missed, all while focusing on the artwork as well as the antics of Ramona.
Along with lots of fabulous drawings to enjoy, there are essays by novelist Annie Barrows and Jacqueline Rogers, one of the artists, as well as some of the correspondence between Cleary and Louis Darling, the original illustrator. It's typical for the illustrator or cover artist and the book's author to never cross paths. Cleary and Darling only met once in twenty years of working on the same books, but they left several letters to each other, which are reproduced here.
I can imagine that Cleary fans will certainly love this large format book, but also those with an interest in graphic arts and illustration. This was a terrific way for an adult to enjoy kids' books once again!
(Look for this book to be published in September 2020. Thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for a digital review copy.)
The Art of Ramona zeroes in on the one character that seemed to take on a life of her own, Ramona Quimby. It examines how the five different artists approached the stories. Often, the same scenes were illustrated, so it's a chance to directly compare the artists' takes. Occasionally the artists come up with remarkably similar interpretations, but usually there are some intriguing differences. The book takes on the Ramona books individually and chronologically. It's a chance to remember the stories, or to catch up on the books you missed, all while focusing on the artwork as well as the antics of Ramona.
Along with lots of fabulous drawings to enjoy, there are essays by novelist Annie Barrows and Jacqueline Rogers, one of the artists, as well as some of the correspondence between Cleary and Louis Darling, the original illustrator. It's typical for the illustrator or cover artist and the book's author to never cross paths. Cleary and Darling only met once in twenty years of working on the same books, but they left several letters to each other, which are reproduced here.
I can imagine that Cleary fans will certainly love this large format book, but also those with an interest in graphic arts and illustration. This was a terrific way for an adult to enjoy kids' books once again!
(Look for this book to be published in September 2020. Thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for a digital review copy.)
April 24, 2020
As a lover of the "Ramona Quimby" series growing up, I admittedly jumped at the chance to read the book, "The Art of Ramona Quimby." which is to be released in September 2020. I knew nothing about this new book itself and it simply didn't matter. Ramona was life growing up and the magic found within those books still lives deep in my heart to this day! There is a strong connection between the artwork and this feeling of nostalgia. This new book by Anna Katz focuses on the artwork found within those books and how these stories and illustrations "transcend time."
I loved that the beginning of the book gives the background of not only the famous author, Beverly Cleary but also gives biographies for the illustrators. After the introduction, the format follows along with the series by providing snippets of commentary on particular sections and the corresponding illustrations. I really enjoyed seeing the different variations from multiple artists. It was interesting to learn about the subtle details and changes that each person made and how it had been influenced. The graphics enhance that emotional connection that readers have with the beloved characters like Ramona, Beezus and Henry Huggins.
An extra note to anyone interested in reading this book: do not miss the appendices! There are copies of correspondences between Beverley Cleary and the various illustrators who worked on her books. The magic and importance of the Ramona stories really shines through these letters. This was my absolute favorite part of the book!
Overall, I would recommend this book to artists or those who are avid fans of the "Ramona Quimby" Series.
I loved that the beginning of the book gives the background of not only the famous author, Beverly Cleary but also gives biographies for the illustrators. After the introduction, the format follows along with the series by providing snippets of commentary on particular sections and the corresponding illustrations. I really enjoyed seeing the different variations from multiple artists. It was interesting to learn about the subtle details and changes that each person made and how it had been influenced. The graphics enhance that emotional connection that readers have with the beloved characters like Ramona, Beezus and Henry Huggins.
An extra note to anyone interested in reading this book: do not miss the appendices! There are copies of correspondences between Beverley Cleary and the various illustrators who worked on her books. The magic and importance of the Ramona stories really shines through these letters. This was my absolute favorite part of the book!
Overall, I would recommend this book to artists or those who are avid fans of the "Ramona Quimby" Series.
September 3, 2020
My fascination with all things Ramona Quimby happened many, many years ago and I’ve been lucky enough to pass that on to my daughter. When I saw this book on NetGalley, I knew I had to jump at the chance to review. The covers brought back so many memories and I was able to show my daughter the differences between the ones I hoarded as a child and the ones she had. While reliving my childhood with this book, the memories came flooding back, especially my attempts to be like Ramona and trying to get my parents to quit smoking. Ramona and Her Father was my clear favorite, I went through more than 1 copy.
I mean, who wasn’t a fan of all things Ramona when they were young. She got to say and do things we couldn’t, with hilarious results. But the stories weren’t all sweetness and light. There were lessons to be learned in each one, the parent’s loss of a job, the dangers of smoking, loving others without liking them all the time, friendships, bullies, etc. These books are written so that generations can enjoy them, with topics that resonate through the ages.
Thank you so much for giving me all these memories I’d forgotten. Thank you for giving us one book with all the covers and allowing so many people to remember a better time in their lives. It’s also another fascinating book that we can pass on to future generations.
**I received an ARC of this story from the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I mean, who wasn’t a fan of all things Ramona when they were young. She got to say and do things we couldn’t, with hilarious results. But the stories weren’t all sweetness and light. There were lessons to be learned in each one, the parent’s loss of a job, the dangers of smoking, loving others without liking them all the time, friendships, bullies, etc. These books are written so that generations can enjoy them, with topics that resonate through the ages.
Thank you so much for giving me all these memories I’d forgotten. Thank you for giving us one book with all the covers and allowing so many people to remember a better time in their lives. It’s also another fascinating book that we can pass on to future generations.
**I received an ARC of this story from the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
August 27, 2020
Beverly Cleary captured the rebel inside every little girl when she first captured Ramona on a page. No one could replace Beverly. However, the illustrators did change throughout the years. Louis Darling, Alan Tiegreen, Joanne Scribner, Tracy Dockray, and Jacqueline Rogers all had a hand in creating the Art of Ramona Quimby.
Each of the Ramona stories are told mostly through the artwork itself. All five artists are involved in showing each story. It is easy to compare each artist’s style. I spent my time trying to determine which style I liked the most. I still don’t have an answer. Each style has its own charms.
For fans of the Ramona books, this is an unforgettable read. You get to see the stories again through the various artists’ eyes. There are also short biographies of Beverly and the five artists. Included in the appendix are letters between Louis and Beverly while he was creating the artwork. There are color reproductions of Tracy’s portfolio she used to secure the commission. The artwork is in various styles but none use the heavily-shaded pen and ink style she used in the books themselves.
The Art of Ramona Quimby is a beautiful gift for the Ramona fan in your life. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!
Thanks to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Each of the Ramona stories are told mostly through the artwork itself. All five artists are involved in showing each story. It is easy to compare each artist’s style. I spent my time trying to determine which style I liked the most. I still don’t have an answer. Each style has its own charms.
For fans of the Ramona books, this is an unforgettable read. You get to see the stories again through the various artists’ eyes. There are also short biographies of Beverly and the five artists. Included in the appendix are letters between Louis and Beverly while he was creating the artwork. There are color reproductions of Tracy’s portfolio she used to secure the commission. The artwork is in various styles but none use the heavily-shaded pen and ink style she used in the books themselves.
The Art of Ramona Quimby is a beautiful gift for the Ramona fan in your life. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!
Thanks to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 28, 2020
True confession. I grew up with the Beverly Cleary books. Even when I outgrew them, I still read them, I loved them so. Granted, Ramona and Her Father was a bit of a downer, but other than that, they were so much fun, and as Beverly Cleary said, when asked what year they were supposed to have taken place, her answer was "childhood".
And while going through this book which celebrates all things Ramona, I am struck by how many of the pictures I am familiar with, as the artists who drew the series changed with time. Louis Darling, in the earlier books, with the look of the 1950s, then Alan Tiegreen, which was more 1970s. Joanne Scribner was even later in the books life, and my life, as I outgrew, but still loved the books, and saw the Romana was in the 1980s now. And this book introduced even more recent illustrators, Tracy Dockray and Jacqueline Rogers.
This book celebrating all things Ramona, both in text and in illustration, is such a great way to see how she is the same, yet different, in each instance, how the illustrator has captured her look and feel.
Highly recommended to any and all lovers of Beverly Cleary and Romana
THanks to NetGalley for making this book available for an honest review.
And while going through this book which celebrates all things Ramona, I am struck by how many of the pictures I am familiar with, as the artists who drew the series changed with time. Louis Darling, in the earlier books, with the look of the 1950s, then Alan Tiegreen, which was more 1970s. Joanne Scribner was even later in the books life, and my life, as I outgrew, but still loved the books, and saw the Romana was in the 1980s now. And this book introduced even more recent illustrators, Tracy Dockray and Jacqueline Rogers.
This book celebrating all things Ramona, both in text and in illustration, is such a great way to see how she is the same, yet different, in each instance, how the illustrator has captured her look and feel.
Highly recommended to any and all lovers of Beverly Cleary and Romana
THanks to NetGalley for making this book available for an honest review.
September 25, 2020
Jam-packed with nostalgia, The Art of Ramona Quimby will take you right back to the fun, boisterous free-spirit who is Ramona Quimby through the different iterations of the pint-sized girl by the different artists throughout the years. It’s very impactful to see how Ramona’s looks changed from her beginning as a more linearly drawn girl— her body image transforms from stick-like with many lines, to modern-day Ramona with her softened silhouette, and denser three-dimensional shading.
With essays provided by the original five artists, get to know the inner workings of the artist’s minds as you read and view an impactful literary classic that’s story is still relevant many decades after publication. (I also find it interesting that the first two artist’s were male, while the last three were female. I always find it interesting to see how males depict females in both writing and drawings, and as Ramona Quimby is a little girl with a multitude of female readers, I find it even more impactful that the artist’s gave her a justified silhouette that matches her free-spirit.)
I received an ARC from the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review.
With essays provided by the original five artists, get to know the inner workings of the artist’s minds as you read and view an impactful literary classic that’s story is still relevant many decades after publication. (I also find it interesting that the first two artist’s were male, while the last three were female. I always find it interesting to see how males depict females in both writing and drawings, and as Ramona Quimby is a little girl with a multitude of female readers, I find it even more impactful that the artist’s gave her a justified silhouette that matches her free-spirit.)
I received an ARC from the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews