Clementine (2006)

Clementine and her life in the third grade ( )

More "research" for work. This is such a fun little book. Fantastic illustrations and a cute story too. Reminds me a bit of my favorite series of all time: Ramona Quimby, which is perhaps why I liked it so much. ( )

I kept this book from my childhood as well. I think it was mainly the cover that attracted me to it. Clementine means well just always happens to get into trouble.. kinda like Junie B.

I read this aloud to my kids. It was a quick read (three nights total). We enjoyed Clementine's antics and the plays on words and youthful misunderstandings. I loved her solution the pigeon problem, even though I find it unlikely that her father wouldn't have picked up on the problem to begin with. My children loved the vegetable names she gave her brother.

The ending was perhaps a little too happy for me, but my kids liked it. I prefer the more nuanced endings of Beverly Cleary's books. They prepare children better for the mixed blessings of real life.

Recommended for kids or for read-aloud with their parents. Very funny book about the trials and travails of third-grader Clementine and her maybe-best friend Margaret and their hair and the pigeons on their building. Similar vein as Ivy and Bean. ( )