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Very disappointing, but worse was the fact that after listening to part of this our 5-year old started acting out what she heard Ramona saying and doing. In this book, however, Ramona is 4 years old and simply an annoying brat without any redeeming cuteness. Maybe when the book is being read by a parent to a child it is clear to the listener-child that this is not good behavior, or maybe the child needs to be older than 5. Our 4-year old loved the first Ramona cd we got her for long car rides. Ramona was going into 4th grade and everything the previous reviews said was true: the kids and situations were cute, Stockard Channing was perfect, simpler times, etc. This was definitely not cute.
(And Stockard Channing does a WONDERFUL job bringing the characters to life). We listen to this in the car wherever we go - whether it's just to school (a short 5-minute drive from home), or going to visit my parents (a 5-hour drive). I LOVED Beezus and Ramona books when I was growing up - and now I have the pleasure of introducing my daughter to them. We've read several of the books together, and I decided to get this audiobook set for her as a gift (she's 4-1/2, so she's not reading at this level yet). She is thoroughly entertained.
Now, turning off the TV or computer is not such a bad thing because she has her audio books. She is really developing her listening skills and I think it is reinforcing her reading. I even find myself hanging out in her room listening. My six year old loves the Ramona Audio Books. She listens to them while she is playing or drawing in her room and she listens to them every night when she goes to sleep. Ramona is such a funny quirky girl, you can't help but be drawn into the stories.
I loved the Beverly Cleary books when I was growing up, but I discovered another great way to enjoy them when I came across this audiotape of her classic, Beezus and Ramona.Stockard Channing is a fabulous reader who creates distinctive voices for all the characters, especially the little sister Ramona. I have three boys, but they could all relate to the trials and tribulations of having a little sister who consistently annoys, embarrasses and then appears to outwit you.A great story to enjoy on road trips or even just on the way to the grocery store.
Five stars. I highly recommend these books, both because of the delightful stories and characters that Mrs. Beezus and Ramona (along with Henry Huggins and the rest of the gang on Klikitak Street) were part of my childhood. Her rendition of Ramona is EXACTLY how we imagine this impish little creature would talk. We listened on road trips, and unlike certain kids entertainment (a certain purple dinosaur comes to mind), you won't want the kids to wear headphones to preserve your sanity.
You'll want it on the main speakers for everyone in the car to enjoy. 40 years later, they were just as appealing to my own son. In large part because of Stockard Channing's masterful performance here. Clearly created for us, and because Stockard Channing has brought them to life so perfectly here. And don't tell anyone -- although we bought these audiobooks when he was about 8, at 12 he still likes to put these on ocassionally and listen. Is there *anyone* on the planet who doesn't like Beverly Cleary's books and the wonderful characters she created.
Why. The stories are reminiscent of simpler times and will take parents back to their own childhoods while providing toddlers to tweens with good, wholesome entertainment.
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