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deniset's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
tea_rex_love's review against another edition
3.0
The Ramona books were some of my favorites when I was little, but I never got around to reading any of the Henry Huggins books. I remedied that this week.
Basically, this book is about how far Henry Huggins will go to attain a bicycle and how many times his plans are thwarted. When he discovers boxes of bubblegum, he wants to sell them to his classmates to get money for his bike fund, but that scheme falls apart when his classmates get tired of his gum and when his school outlaws gum. Then he tries to take over Scooter's paper route to earn money, but Ribsy fetches the neighbor's papers before anyone can read them. The chapters continue along these lines until one night Henry finally finds himself with enough money to buy a bike.
I don't think I'll read any of the other Henry Huggins books, because I am not interested in any of those books without either of the Quimby sisters as a main character.
Basically, this book is about how far Henry Huggins will go to attain a bicycle and how many times his plans are thwarted. When he discovers boxes of bubblegum, he wants to sell them to his classmates to get money for his bike fund, but that scheme falls apart when his classmates get tired of his gum and when his school outlaws gum. Then he tries to take over Scooter's paper route to earn money, but Ribsy fetches the neighbor's papers before anyone can read them. The chapters continue along these lines until one night Henry finally finds himself with enough money to buy a bike.
I don't think I'll read any of the other Henry Huggins books, because I am not interested in any of those books without either of the Quimby sisters as a main character.
rea_scott's review against another edition
4.0
I liken the experience of this book to reading an episode of Leave it to Beaver.
library_brandy's review against another edition
3.0
I was never as in love with Henry Huggins as I was with Ramona Quimby, but I still enjoyed this. A pleasant way to spend a hot afternoon!
howifeelaboutbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Read as part of my Beverly Cleary author study. Illustrations by Louis Darling. Beezus and Ramona were introduced in Henry Huggins, but they’re becoming more central characters in this book. Henry is one of my favorite kids’ book characters anyway, so I love how he develops in this book. Also, just as a personal aside, I love seeing the difference between then and now, especially in terms of money. It’s interesting to see how much Henry’s dream bike costs, and how much he earns per chore.
I love how Henry’s story is interesting and engaging while being adventurous in a way that is attainable for kids. I think it helps connect them to their own community, since Henry’s action takes place in his own neighborhood. I also think it helps develop their imagination play, because they can play everyday games and reenactments inspired by the story.
I love how Henry’s story is interesting and engaging while being adventurous in a way that is attainable for kids. I think it helps connect them to their own community, since Henry’s action takes place in his own neighborhood. I also think it helps develop their imagination play, because they can play everyday games and reenactments inspired by the story.
awolgs's review against another edition
4.0
Our family listened to this while on a drive, and we all enjoyed it. Even as Henry lived in a different age of childhood, his adventures are still very relatable and engaging; Cleary is a master at presenting a child's interior thoughts and motivations.
theresidentbookworm's review against another edition
2.0
I was never really reading the books for my age level so it was hard for me to enjoy books like Henry and Beezus. This was the only Beverly Cleary book I ever read, and I was okay with that. There's nothing wrong with the series; I was just beyond the reading level. Recommended for younger readers, I guess.
leighannsherwin's review against another edition
4.0
Book two, I didn't expect to end it so fast, but these are quick books. Henry wants a bike and will do anything to raise the money for it. I remember the days when you had to work and earn things and your parents wouldn't just buy it for you. Along the way poor Ribsy gets a parking ticket for being tied to a parking meter, a used bike turns out to be not what he'd hoped, and a prize earns him a nickname he'd rather not have but does get him what he wants in the end. Still dated in terms of attitudes, poor Beezus is a silly girl, don't talk about my home girl that she's awesome, she put up with the often bratty Ramona. It was still a quick fun read and a look back at a very different time and way of life.
scaifea's review against another edition
3.0
As much as I like Cleary's stuff, this one is a bit dated and made me a little uncomfortable reading it. Henry really wants a bike but can't afford a new one, so he buys one at an auction with the help of Beezus, who accidentally bids on a girl's bike for him. Then follows much lamenting of the fact that he has a girl's bike and such. Plus, he complains a lot about having to hang out with girls and what a nuisance they can be. Not helpful, really, when you're trying to raise a kid to look past this sort of nonsense.
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