Ramona and Her Mother

Mrs. Quimby cuts the girls’ hair to save money. Ramona doesn’t mind when her mother trims her bangs, even though it makes her nose itch. She loves it when she scrunches her nose, and her mother calls her a “little rabbit.” Beezus, on the other hand, complains that she is the only girl in her class who doesn’t go to a salon. Mrs. Quimby tells Beezus they don’t have the time nor the money to go to the salon, but Beezus argues and calls her mother “old-fashioned” and says she is tired of being “good old sensible Beezus” (121). Mrs. Quimby says she is also weary of being sensible and wouldn’t mind just spending the day outside playing with dandelions. Ramona feels close to her mother and tells her that her hair is pretty. Beezus thinks Ramona is buttering her mother up and calls Ramona a “little twerp” before storming out of the room and slamming her door.

The tension between Beezus and her mother lasts for days, making Ramona uncomfortable. Part of her is happy that Beezus does not seem to be her mother’s favorite, but deep down, Ramona wants her family to be satisfied and at peace.