Review (Ramona and Beezus)

This past summer my son and I became addicted to the movies. Our local theatre had a "movie summer camp" for kids that let us see movies on Tuesdays at 10am for $1/each. Woo Hoo! Which led to this whole addiction of sharing movies together, so naturally when Ramona and Beezus came out (not included in that program) we had to see it too. And, Liam sat still in my lap the ENTIRE movie. It really is a wonderful wonderful movie. It has a fantastic cast and is an incredibly relate-able tale for kids. It's as if Curious George comes to life via a little girl named Ramona. She never intends to get in trouble and yet seems to end up there more often than not. Her misadventures and curiosity lead to plenty of laughs and teachable moments. This was one of the most endearing movies I have seen in awhile and one that I know we'll be able to snuggle up on the couch with some popcorn and watch again and again and again.

Growing up I hadn't read the Beverly Cleary books, but after seeing this movie I can't wait for Liam to start reading them. I just loved the way the different coming of age stories were handled in this movie and how the parents honored who each of their children were regardless of how different they might be from each other. In the movie, they also tackle the challenges that come with one parent losing their job which is so appropriate with the current economic situation. I think this movie can help show kids that all families are different and that each family has its own struggles to handle and overcome. I'm a fan Beverly Cleary and I can only hope that more of your wonderful writing is transformed into more movies that we can enjoy alongside your books for years to come.

Want to win a copy for yourself? Two winners will be selected in this giveaway!

UPDATE: Download these great Ramona & Beezus themed activity sheets.

http://delivery.thinkjam.com/dl/2010_10_28/3902_r&b_longestdrawing_2.zip
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To Enter: (Please note bundling comments will only give you one entry to win. Please leave four separate comments to increase your chances of winning. Note: For this giveaway you must complete number 1 or 2 before submitting 3and/or 4.) Please be sure to include your e-mail address in the following format (jane at gmail dot com) with your comments. Winners will be notified by e-mail. I will no longer be posting a separate "Winner" post.

1) REQUIRED: Teen sensation Selena Gomez (Beezus) has starred in which teen favorite program? Wizards of Waverly Place, The Suite Life of Zach & Cody, Glee  (Use Google to find your answer.)

OR

2) REQUIRED: Become a fan of Ramona and Beezus on Facebook by clicking here.  And, then leave a note letting me know that you have done so.

3) What was one of your "best" moments with one of your siblings?

4) How did you accidentally find yourself in trouble as a child?

Open to residents in the US and Canada.

Winner will be selected at random on November 4, 2010 at 11:59pm. Winners have 48 hours to claim their prize. If not claimed a new winner will be selected. Tell your friends, tell your family—spread the word. Good Luck!


[Disclosure: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment provided me a copy of  Ramona and Beezus for test/review purposes and agreed to provide a copy to 2 lucky readers as well. The opinions expressed in this review are mine and mine alone and were in no way influenced by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.]