Ribsy
📘 About This Book
This special edition of Ribsy features the original illustrations by Louis Darling—the first artist to ever render Henry, Ribsy, Ramona, and Beezus—as well as a foreword written by the award-winning author and illustrator of El Deafo, Cece Bell. Good ol’ Ribsy’s ever-curious mind has always gotten him into scrapes, but this time he may have gone too far. After a comical turn of events, Ribsy finds himself in the wrong station wagon with the wrong children. Ribsy will do anything to find Henry, but there’s plenty of excitement to be had along the way—and scoring a touchdown for a local high school team is only part of the fun! Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary gives Henry’s dog, Ribsy, the center stage in this dog’s-eye view of the adventure of a lifetime.
📖 Summary
Ribsy, the beloved canine companion of Henry Huggins, steps into the spotlight in this classic juvenile fiction adventure by Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary. Known for an ever-curious mind that frequently leads him into various scrapes, Ribsy faces his most dramatic predicament yet in this heartwarming story. Through a comical and unexpected turn of events, Ribsy finds himself separated from his family, mistakenly hopping into the wrong station wagon with the wrong children. Stranded and far from home, the loyal dog is determined to do whatever it takes to find Henry again. Along the way, however, there is plenty of unexpected excitement to be experienced from a dog's-eye view. As Ribsy navigates the unfamiliar world outside his Klickitat Street neighborhood, he embarks on an unforgettable journey that includes local high school antics, such as unexpectedly scoring a touchdown for a football team, alongside many other adventures. This special edition preserves the delightful charm of the original narrative while featuring the classic illustrations by Louis Darling, who was the very first artist to render iconic characters like Henry, Ribsy, Ramona, and Beezus. Additionally, the book includes a special foreword written by Cece Bell, the award-winning author and illustrator of El Deafo, adding an extra layer of appreciation for both longtime fans and new readers discovering Cleary's timeless storytelling. Spanning one hundred ninety-two pages, Ribsy captures the humor, loyalty, and boundless energy of a dog determined to find his way back to his favorite human. Cleary's masterful ability to write from a unique perspective brings the canine protagonist's thoughts and experiences to life in a way that resonates with readers of all generations. Whether Ribsy is getting lost in a bustling shopping center, dealing with well-meaning strangers, or becoming the star of a high school sporting event, every page is filled with warmth and gentle humor. The special edition serves as a wonderful celebration of a character who has delighted children for decades, blending classic illustrations with an enduring tale about loyalty, home, and the unpredictable nature of canine curiosity. Readers will find themselves eagerly turning the pages to see how Ribsy manages to escape one funny situation only to tumble into another, all while keeping his ultimate goal of reuniting with Henry firmly in mind. It is a triumphant showcase of classic children's literature that continues to charm new audiences with its depiction of suburban childhood and loyal pets.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Features charming original illustrations by Louis Darling
Engaging dog-s-eye view of the world and adventures
Written by acclaimed Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary
Includes a special foreword by award-winning author Cece Bell
⚠️ Cons
May feel slightly dated to modern readers unfamiliar with mid-century settings
Shorter page count might leave readers wanting more of Ribsy's adventures
✍️ About the Author
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Ribsy? +
The book was written by Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary.
Who is the main character? +
The main character is Ribsy, Henry Huggins's curious and adventurous dog.
What is the premise of the book? +
Ribsy gets into the wrong station wagon with the wrong children and goes on a wild adventure to find Henry.
Are there original illustrations included? +
Yes, this special edition features the original illustrations by Louis Darling.
Who wrote the foreword for this special edition? +
The foreword was written by Cece Bell, the award-winning author and illustrator of El Deafo.












