Clarice Bean, Don't Look Now

Clarice Bean

by Lauren Child

Always It's the worry you have not even thought to worry about that should worry you the most.
Clarice Bean has a list of worries, such as Worry Robert Granger-will he ever leave her alone? Or Worry No. 9: largish spiders. But lately, Worry No. 3: change, and how it sometimes comes along when you least expect it.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Middle Grade, Contemporary, Humor, Young Adult, School

252 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Lauren Child MBE is an English author and illustrator. She was the UK Children's Laureate from 2017-19.

Child grew up in Wiltshire as the middle child of three sisters and the daughter of two teachers. She has always been interested in the many aspects of childhood, from gazing into toy shop windows to watching American children's shows from the 1960s. After attending two Art Schools, she travelled for six months, still unsure about which career to embark upon.

Before writing and illustrating children's books Child started her own company 'Chandeliers for the People' making lampshades. It was only when she came to write and illustrate the book Clarice Bean, That's Me that she decided to devote her time to writing and illustrating books for children, which combines her fascination for childhood and her talent for designing and creating. Child gets her inspiration from other people's conversations or from seeing something funny happen.

Her book I Will Not Ever Never Eat A Tomato won the 2000 Kate Greenaway Medal. For the 50th anniversary of the Medal (1955–2005), a panel named it one of the top ten winning works, which comprised the shortlist for a public vote for the nation's favourite. It finished third in the public vote from that shortlist.

Child lives in North London.

Reviews

[Mark Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really excellent book that me and Celyn(8) love. It's a funny book, written present tense, first person, from the point of view of a earnest, enthusiastic, off-the-wall, little girl with an interesting family around her. This is good, powerful writing that manages pathos and humour on many levels so that neither the adult reading or a child listening have a chance to get bored (Celyn would read it herself but is hampered by poor sight and other disabilities).

As with Child's other Clarice Bean books there are multiple stories going on at once, all expertly threaded together - even a fictional book that Clarice and friends read (now actually a real book written by Child) that holds its own fascinations and helps reflect/inform the 'real' goings on. In some ways the Ruby Redfort book is like the Simpsons' Itchy & Scratchy - a cartoon within a cartoon that adds a sense of realism to the upper level in the construct.

Anyway - it's a funny, touching book that's clever and unsentimental and will enrich a child's life in many ways. It even contains great messages about how to treat people, deal with situations etc, though you'd have to look very hard to realize they're being slipped past your guard :)

Got a kid in the 8-12 range? Get it for them. Probably a hard sell for boys but they would enjoy it too if you could convince them to give it a try.

EDIT (2021) A saw a new one out today and got it for Celyn for Christmas - she's 17 now but I think she'll still enjoy having it read to her. I enjoyed reading the earlier ones to her, and I'm an old man!


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[nemo ☠️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

i blame this book for at least 99% of my existentialist, nihilist thoughts as a child

[Jacoba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clarice Bean, Don't Look Now by Lauren Child (2008)
Genre: Fictopm
Format: Book
Plot summary:"The Ruby Redfort Survival Handbook" is full of useful information for getting out of tricky situations, but will it help Clarice Bean resolve her list of "worst worries"?
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory (strong language, sex, death, religious overtones, violence, etc.): NO special considerations
Review citation (if available): Lynda Waterhouse. School Librarian Spring 2007 v55 i1 p23(1)
Section source used to find the material:International Reading Association Children's Choices (2008)
Recommended age: grades 2-5

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the meaning of fabulous!

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This Clarice Bean book is really quite serious compared to the others. At first, this kind of threw me off... I wasn't enjoying it as much as the other ones because it had a more serious tone so it was lacking the witty remarks that make me love these books and Lauren Child's sense of writing. However, at the same time, I was enjoying the story because it had such a real-ness to it. I really liked that Clarice Bean was struggling through the things going on in her life and was feeling sort of blah about life, because often times I feel adults overlook these types of feelings in children. These feelings are very real, and I was happy with it being portrayed in this book... however there was still part of me that wasn't enjoying it so much because it was lacking that wit.

However, then I got closer to the ending, and I was so happy and pleased with the ending that it really did a whole turn around and made me love the whole book (I had this experience with the last Harry Potter book... except it was the other way around XD The ending made me hate the whole book).

So, I am really quite pleased with this book, and I just have so much admiration and respect for Lauren Child. She really is a fantastic writer! I've always enjoyed her work but now I utterly LOVE it!

And now, to share a quote that is pretty much the story of my life:

After listening to Mrs. Hibbert for 9 hours I am thinking I might upgrade worry no. 8: being bored to nearly utter death to worry no. 6, because you see being bored to nearly utter death is a very serious problem and can be quite dangerous because it saps you of all your energy, and the more bored you get, the more you aren't able to do anything to stop yourself from being bored.

(Clarice Bean is utterly right, it's so true!!!)

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a book that deals with anxiety and worry for children. I laughed and cried in this book. I loved this book. I love Lauren too! So many novels for primary school readers are about rubbish, but this book manages to deal with serious issues with Laurens trademark unforced humor. I really relate to Clarice Bean and she is a bit of a hero to me too.

[Akahayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! I had got this book signed by the author about three years ago and I finally got around to reading it.

I was a huge fan of Charlie and Lola as a child and this book makes me want to read all of Clarice Bean. Who cares that I'm an adult??

This book was so innocent and child-like, and sweet and intelligent and ugh I'm in love!

[Ivana Caroline1912 · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect

[Charlotte Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t wait to devour the rest of this series

[Carter Lukcso]

Reread this childhood favorite...still a banger

[Julian · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no book as unique and utterly brilliant than this. I ship Karl Wrenbury and Clarice Bean Tuesday as they should be cute together. I love Karl's character arc and Clarice as a concept is so relatable and OMG I love it. But maybe I'm biased as I loved Charlie and Lola as a kid and it's by the same author. I just love Lauren Child and her work so this series and Ruby Redfort - a kind of spinoff from this series- are my favourite series of all time. Just a magnificent book that I reread like a million zillion times. And I also relate to Miss Wilberton's character - as I have had horrible teachers in the past. To sum this book up I would describe it as supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

[Naomi Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to my 7 year old daughter. She was a bit upset when everything went wrong in the middle section of the book and didn’t want to finish it, but I reassured her it was all going to work out (as it’s aimed at her age group)! She enjoyed the end, and I think she took on board the “don’t lose sleep worrying” message.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book I loved reading it with my partner, Claice Bean is a big mood! I related to her a lot as a child and I still do

[Myla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book my favorite Character was the little sister I loved the book

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarice Bean, am I you or are you me?

[Artie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was utterly lovely. I had previously read her second Ruby Redfort spy novel, which is actually a character that stems from the Clarice Bean books, so I did it backwards. Although I am a huge lover of all detective and spy stories, I think objectively this more down-to-earth tale was better.

It featured a very compelling protagonist who faces not only middle school drama, but also ponders some pretty deep stuff i.e. infinity and “how do I get bad thoughts out of my head.” I was always a worried kid just like this character, and I thought the manner in which her worries were resolved at the end of the book was absolutely touching without sugar-coating things or seeming forced.

Child doesn’t talk down to her readers at all, even though her style of writing is adorable to say the least (she uses made-up words like “exceptionordinarily”) and in this book she doesn’t beat about the bush concerning the real worries of kids. Will my parents get a divorce? Will we move? Will my best friend move? How will I ever find a new best friend? She answers all those question, and does it without ever getting depressing or sacrificing a quick-paced plot. All in all, a great book if you’re looking for a cozy, not-to-thrilling read that portrays a realistic slice of childhood life.

[Cher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Clarice is getting all existential in this book, just the way I did at about her age. She writes lists of things to worry about and what ifs. I'm thinking this book is later in the series, as there are some graphics but no drawings, and I seem to have missed a few happenings between this and the first Clarice book I read least week. This book is far more serious but reads in the same hilarious voice. Since I snuck a peak at the ending, I can say that it ends on a hopeful note. This book just makes me admire the author's genius for understanding children even more. Lauren Child reminds me of Lynda Barry in that way.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this to read to my 9 year-old niece who, as it turns out, is a somewhat similar character coincidentally experiencing similar issues. The cover caught my eye and the synopsis sounded like something she's enjoy.

She really liked it and it touched the heavy stuff without losing it's humor and charm. Even her 6 year-old sister had a good time sitting in and listening to it!

While they might fall slightly below the true target age, they got it, related a little bit to it and had fun with it! Actually, so did I... it gave me license to read and enjoy the type of stuff I loved as a kid!

[esme · Rating 5 out of 5]

i can easily say that clarie bean is the reason i'm obsessed with england, she is my childhood and personality <3

[Siobhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohmygod so this was my favourite book (after Utterly Me, Clarice Bean which I'll review someday also) when I was 9 years old and in need of a break from lots of serious reading and thinking about dismantling and reconstructing the art world, specifically the gallery - I decided to give it a reread.

What I have to say about that is that was an Incredible decision and this is an Incredible book. A non stop warm fuzzies kinda book. Here we find Clarice Bean surrounded by all her worst worries which besides worries such as spiders in her room and coming face to face with a bear all boil down to a fear of change. As we follow her through the weeks (maybe months) after her best friend Betty Moody moves to San Fransisco, we see Clarice adapt to the changes around her and slowly come to grips with and overcome her worst worries, even the worries she hadn't even thought to worry about.

I love this book and I love the nuance that Childs weaves into the plot and her characters, I'm certain that aspects I've noticed this time around completely went over my head as a girl but worry, loneliness, sadness and even insecurity in a sense are written about so gently in this book that it would be a comfort to any child.

"It's getting a bit wintry and I like that - not cold completely but leaves beginning to go slightly curly and dead at the edges and I like that even though it's a bit sad.
I am not sure why it is a bit sad but it somehow is and I quite like the feeling in a strange way (125)."

Like, come on. Clarice thinks in a way we all do but think we are weird for doing so. And in between all the heartfelt nuance she has quite a bit of fun.

[Irish Blue Eyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is yet another remarkable classic. Clarice compiles a "Worst Worries" list that includes concerns such as infinity and large spiders. Her most significant fear materializes when her closest friend, Betty, relocates to America. As a result of this substantial change, Clarice becomes preoccupied with the aftermath, diverting her attention from her other anxieties. Alongside her friend's departure, Clarice must also confront the turmoil caused by her house being flooded and undergoing renovations, as well as the introduction of a new girl at school who appears to have an enigmatic link to a boy named Justin Broach. The narrative addresses prevalent childhood fears, including the challenges of forming new friendships, navigating changes at home, and grappling with the uncertainties of life. Clarice draws upon the guidance of her idol, the spy Ruby Redfort, in her efforts to manage her concerns. As circumstances begin to improve, Clarice discovers her ability to take control of her worries and adapts to the new environment. She uncovers friendships in unforeseen places while tackling the challenges that confront her and her family. As a child, I was utterly captivated by Clarice Bean; it was a constant source of laughter and intrigue.

[Madeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found Clarice Bean, Don't Look Now amongst my storage items when I moved back to Australia, so I thought I'd give it another read all these years after I first read it.

This story, for it's intended age group, is surprisingly dark and nihilistic. Honestly it has really somber overtones throughout the entire story, and though it doesn't bother me, it was completely unexpected of a children's/middle grade novel. I did, however, enjoy the little touches of Clarice's relationships with such varying people. Whether her older siblings' friends, elderly people at the nursing home, school friends, or construction workers at her home, it was a nice element.

Overall, it definitely didn't hold the same charm it did when I was younger (particularly the first person, present tense narration), but I can see why it appealed to me back then. Proof unto myself that not every book I loved as a kid will stand the test of time in my eyes.

[Robert Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kind of liked it loads. I would have liked it better if I was eight. If I was eight I wouldn't have gotten (slightly) bored of the eight year old yammering in my ears for the few hours it took to read this book.

There's a plot to this novel. There are real characters here. There's dialogue and there's an arc to the plot. All the ingredients are here for this to be a real book. But it's kinda not one. What's missing? Dunno. Maybe it's my childlike wonder. Actually, I think I miss my childlike wonder. It's been replaced by cynicism and that tired feeling you get at the end of a working day. Hmm.

Yeah, so you'll love this if you're, like, eight. You'll also like it if you have the mind of a child. I'd leave it alone if you're looking for something deep and meaningful. I mean - something that an adult would find to be deep and meaningful. Alternatively - just chill and read it anyway.

[Cheryl]

Not sure what to think. Lots of doom and gloom actually. I think some of the interactions were supposed to be 'fun banter' but I couldn't tell for sure.

The main thing is that it's a big ad for the author's Ruby Redfort mystery books (& peripherals).

I liked Granny's advice to not even try to "empty your mind" with meditation... until I saw that she sent CB a portable radio "For cluttering up your mind." See, I thought it would be, add happy thoughts into your squirrel brain that keeps drawing you towards fretfulness... that advice I would take. In fact, I might, because it is akin to the established calming strategy of "imagine yourself at your favorite place." But no, I don't think anyone needs more clutter in their mind.

Still, it's creative of the author to think so, so, um, maybe it's a pretty good book for the right audience?

[chooksandbooksnz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clarice Bean, Don’t Look Now - Lauren Child

Clarice Bean does it again! This is the last CB book in my TBR and I’m a little sad about it. They have been the perfect in-between reads that require minimal effort.

Although Clarice is aimed at 8-12year old kids- as an adult it’s so cool reflecting on the lessons she taught me as a kid and reinforcing them in a fun and entertaining way!

Clarice deals with an array of problems in this book- her best friend moves to America, her house is in disarray due to repairs/renovations, the school bully is causing multiple problems, there is a mysterious new girl at her school and everyone seems to be in a bad mood!

Clarice teaches us perspective when it comes to dealing with our problems. Sometimes we just need a wee reminder not to sweat the small stuff, not all our problems are as big as they seem and that mostly everything works out in the end!

Such a fun, lighthearted read!
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is one I have read several times religiously when I was younger, but reading it now has changed so many things for me. The slight ridiculousness of the novel mixed with its relatable truths actually made the novel even more important to me. Clarice Bean is a young girl who is just trying to live her life with her strange family and it seems that her favourite TV character, Ruby Redfort, is the only one trying to help her. She follows her spy guide to the T, using its tips and tricks to navigate through situations, but not even her guide would prepare her for her best friends Betty to move away. Clarice Bean's witty nature makes this novel an even more interesting read for me.

[Katia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this in a Charity shop for £1 and i knew i had to buy it.
This was a very important book for younger me, my sister would get so annoyed with me bc of the number of times i borrowed it from her haha

re-reading it was so nostalgic, i kept getting flashbacks to how i felt when i would read and re-read it all those years ago. How much i wanted to be like Clarice, wanted a secret compartment to store my books/notebooks, so much so that i carved a hole in the top of my door. I wanted a white radio like the one Clarice got - too expensive :( and ohhh how i wanted to have my room in the attic.

The friendships were so important to me too.

oh just wow, v impactful on me

[Just_Jes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this with my 7yo.
This book skins over a very pointed and standing issue for the main character in the book of a serious bout of depression, where she cannot focus, sleep, and has significant worries, and it brings them to light, but doesn't address them, which I think is a little concerning.
If a book is going to focus so much on these issues for this demographic of reader, perhaps address them, don't ignore them.

[Veronika Pizano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Klára Bôbiková mne osobne nesedí, najmä preto, že to deťom predčítam a v celej knihe sa v podstate nič neudeje. Nemá zásadnú zápletku, je to skôr vnútorný svet hrdinky, takže rozumieme, že môže sedieť deťom, ak si to čítajú samy. Takže ďalšie knihy už ponechám na dieťa, nech si ich číta, keď dorastie do veku, kedy bude zvládať takéto dlhé texty.

[Samina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it to my daughter a few weeks ago. I enjoyed it but it seemed really sad at times and I thought it might be too much for a child. That being said, children are very resilient and so was Clarice Bean. I just didn't like how her mom just fell apart when things were not going well and didn't even feed them well.