Henry And Beezus

Beezus is one of Henry’s friends from the neighborhood. The eldest in her family, Beezus spends much of her time with her younger sister, Ramona. The author explains, “Beezus’ real name was Beatrice, but Ramona called her Beezus, and so did everyone else” (10). Beezus takes good care of Ramona, even though she sometimes finds her exasperating: “Beezus grabbed her little sister by the hand. ‘Ramona Geraldine Quimby,’ she snapped, ‘you’re coming with us and you’re going to behave yourself!’” (70).

Beezus is portrayed as a responsible and competent person who enjoys being in charge and keeping things in order. For instance, she supervises Henry’s gum business, keeping track of the kids’ payments. Henry is “glad when Beezus arrive[s] and help[s] him keep the transactions straight” (29). She also helps him with his newspaper delivery, telling Scooter, “I checked every address on the list with him just to make sure” (53). When she finds the news item about the upcoming bike auction, she shares it with Henry, knowing that the auction will help him find a cheap bike to buy. While at the auction, she successfully bids for a bike for him, even though it turns out to be an unsatisfying purchase for Henry.

Beezus is depicted as a loyal friend to Henry, as she often supports his ideas and stands up for him when other kids make fun of him. When Robert and Scooter are doubtful of Henry’s bike dreams, Beezus tells them, “If Henry says he’s going to get a bicycle, he’s going to get one. So there!” (19). Even though Henry is not always appreciative of her efforts, Beezus tries to help as much as she can, making her a supportive and good-natured secondary character.

Ramona is Beezus’s little sister and one of Henry’s neighbors on Klickitat Street. Ramona is an energetic and funny little girl with a big imagination. She loves playing imaginary games and becomes very invested in them. For instance, she enjoys pretending to be a wind-up toy: “Ramona stood still until Beezus went back and made a winding motion behind her little sister. Then Ramona walked along beside her. ‘She’s pretending she has to be wound up like a toy before she can walk, and I forgot to wind her,’ explained Beezus” (55-56).

Ramona can be very stubborn and often makes specific demands of Beezus. For example, on their way to the bike auction, Ramona insists that they get animal crackers at the store, but she only wants to eat certain animals: “‘No!’ screamed Ramona. ‘I don’t like elephants!’ Henry was disgusted. ‘Don’t be dumb,’ he said, wondering if Ramona would ever give him a chance to bid. ‘All animal crackers taste alike’” (65). Ramona’s antics make her a humorous addition to the story, as she is often preoccupied with her own games to the annoyance of Beezus and Henry.

Ribsy is Henry’s dog. While Ribsy is good-natured and friendly, he tends to get into mischief—and get Henry into trouble. Ribsy steals the Grumbies’ barbecue meat and runs away with it down the street, almost starting a dog fight. He later fetches Scooter’s newspapers off the neighbors’ doorsteps, causing an argument between Scooter and Henry.

With his constant mischief, Mrs. Huggins considers Ribsy a nuisance, often calling him “that dog” with a sigh (6). While Ribsy causes him some trouble, Henry loves Ribsy and considers him his best friend. When Henry is upset with the other kids, Ribsy is his loyal companion that he can count on: “Good old Ribsy. At least he had one friend left” (86).