Pesky Ramona (Lady Madonna, John Lennon / Paul McCartney)

One of my favorite characters growing up was Ramona Quimby, the free-spirited girl who is the subject of several Beverly Cleary books.  Now that she's about to hit the big screen, here's a song about Ramona, based on Ramona the Brave, to the tune of the Beatles' Lady Madonna.

Pesky Ramona

Pesky Ramona, making Susan howl.
What did she expect when she aped your owl?
Crushing her creature...  It was only fair.
Stupid stuffy Sue and her boingy hair!

Thought you’d like a room apart from Beezus.
Figured independence would be fun.
Now when night arrives, your blood just freezes.
Bring on the sun!

Pesky Ramona, whiskers on your Qs.
Teacher says to skip ‘em but you refuse.

Six is no fun!
Pesky Ramona, swearing in your rage.
“Guts!” sounds simply ghoulish to a girl your age.

Fighting off the mongrel who’s attacking.
You will lose a shoe before you’re done.
Never mind the footwear that you’re lacking;
Run, ‘Mona, run!

Pesky Ramona, who’d’ve ever guessed
Life could be so tough for a pint-sized pest?

Henry's Dog Ribsy (Eleanor Rigby, Paul McCartney / John Lennon)

Here is a little ode to Henry Huggins' lovable mutt, inspired by my good friend Beth's review of Ribsy and to the tune of Eleanor Rigby.

Henry's Dog Ribsy

Ah, he's a lonely little mongrel.
Ah, he's a lonely little mongrel.

Henry's dog Ribsy
Thinks it is nice when the fleas that torment him are gone.
Collar's not on.
Jumps out the window,
Barking at some other dog who's behind a locked door
Till his throat's sore.

Lonely little mongrel.
Why must he rove and roam?
Lonely little mongrel.
He just wants to go home.

Ribsy's boy Henry
Calling his name in a voice that's familiar and clear.
Ribsy can't hear.
Nothing is working.
He remains missing though Henry has searched everywhere.
Ribsy's not there.

Lonely little mongrel.
Why must he rove and roam?
Lonely little mongrel.
He just wants to go home.

Ah, he's a lonely little mongrel.
Ah, he's a lonely little mongrel.

Henry's dog Ribsy
Met with some very nice folks and acquired a new name,
But all the same
Ribsy's boy Henry
Really is who that poor dog has been dying to see.
Where could he be?

Lonely little mongrel.
Why must he rove and roam?
Lonely little mongrel.
He just wants to go home.