A "Cleary" Good Choice...

Several weeks ago we began reading a new book & author to Alex.  It's one that is extremely popular with the early elementary set (okay, it's Junie B. Jones, if you must know!) and he had apparently been introduced to it in first grade - having it read to the class by his teacher.  Both A.J. and I were struck by the book's lead character, a young girl.  She is extremely sassy and disrespectful toward adults (and that's just one complaint).  We didn't make it beyond a chapter or two when it went right back to the library.  It really disappoints me to see a popular book series portraying that sort of behavior as amusing and the norm.  So I began thinking back to when I was a kid.  What books made me laugh, anticipate, and excite my imagination? And what would interest my little boy.  That's when I thought back to one of my very favorite childhood authors...Beverly Cleary.  I love this woman's books - she's a wonderful author.  All take place and were written in the 1950's/60's.  The subject matter is always innocent and wholesome, and the characters are ornery, amusing and all-American (the main characters frequently say things like "Jeepers!" or "Aw gee Dad!" - not what you find in today's "kid-friendly" books).  I knew the Henry Huggins series would be perfect for Alex.  I found several of the books at a used book store and began reading them to Alex and he had loved every one of them.  Henry Huggins and his dog Ribsy (and friends Scooter, Beezus & Ramona) rock! It's awesome to see the slight smile across Alex's face or hear him giggle at Henry's antics.  Fantastic reading! Thank you Beverly Cleary!!