Who doesn't love Ramona? Beverly Cleary's irrepressible protagonist goes big screen with a live-action film adaptation from 20th Century Fox and Walden Media. Ramona and Beezus (G) premieres in theaters on July 23, 2010, ready to warm the hearts of fans and families everywhere. Joey King stars as the exuberant, mischievous, and ever-imaginative Ramona Quimby along with Selena Gomez (Wizards of Waverly Place's smooth-talking teen magic-wielder, Alex Russo) as big sister Beezus. Based on Cleary's long-enduring and best-selling series of books, the film's plot revolves around Ramona's efforts to save her family's home. John Corbett and Bridget Moynahan play the adult Quimbys, with Ginnifer Goodwin taking on the role of Aunt Bea, Beezus's namesake and role model. The movie is directed by Elizabeth Allen, who made her behind-the-camera debut with another book adapted to film, Aquamarine (2006), a romantic comedy about two teenage girls who befriend a mermaid.

Kids can meet Ramona and Beezus at the movie's official website and browse a gallery of charming photos and trailers. A "Big Sister's Guide to Making a Movie!" option presents a series of enjoyable behind-the-scenes webisodes hosted by Gomez. Updates about the production and quick links to the actresses' blogs and web pages are also provided. In addition, young movie fans can visit Walden Media's dedicated page for more photos and info (including Q&A with King). This site also offers downloadable educational materials for teachers, film-inspired activities "...as fun and energetic as Ramona Quimby herself...designed to engage the entire classroom in creative, unique, immersive projects that stimulate critical thinking and language." Included are movie-plot-based endeavors such as "Make a Time Capsule" and "Create New Words and Word Meanings." There is also a link to HarperCollins's "Ramona Teacher's Guide," a resource packed with lesson plans for presenting Cleary's novels in the classroom.

The movie is sure to generate fresh interest in Cleary's perpetually popular book series, so get all of your copies ready for display. In addition, HarperFestival has re-issued two Ramona titles with eye-catching film photo covers showing the charismatic King and Gomez posed cozily together and the movie's catchy tagline ("A Little Sister Goes a Long Way") prominently displayed on the backs. With their attractive visual design and star-recognition draw, the titles are sure to reel in movie fans. Originally published in 1955, Beezus and Ramona is told from Beezus's point of view and focuses on the ups and downs of the girls' relationship. Ramona's (1999), the last addition to the series published 15 years after its predecessor, is set when the perky protagonist is in 4th grade and ready to take on new challenges, including a just-born baby sister, best friend quandaries, and teacher issues. These titles, both of which feature Tracy Dockray's sprightly cartoon artwork throughout the interior, have been well chosen to captivate film viewers and encourage them to explore the rest of the series. Kids can visit HarperCollins's "World of Beverly Cleary" website to access an author bio and video, meet her familiar characters, play games, take a trivia quiz, and more. The "Educators and Librarians" section includes the downloadable Ramona guide and other features.