Two Times the Fun

For the first time in a chapter-book format, Newbery Medal winner Beverly Cleary’s twin characters, Jimmy and Janet, will charm young children with their humorous adventures.

Jimmy and Janet are twins, but that doesn't mean they are just alike.

When we first meet Jimmy, he wants to dig a real hole. He likes to use a real, grown-up shovel. While he's working, his sister, Janet, pretends to be a bird! She likes to use her imagination. But the twins both like silly jokes, new boots, and talking to Mr. Lemon, the mailman.

As Beverly Cleary writes about Jimmy and Janet's doings, the unique understanding of children that she brings to all of her beloved books is coupled with a keen awareness of duo dynamics that comes from raising twins herself.

Originally published as four separate picture books (The Real Hole, Two Dog Biscuits, The Growing-Up Feet, and Janet's Thingamajigs), these are stories that a Jimmy would like because they are so true-to-life, and that a Janet would love because they are so believable.

Four classic tales of childhood adventure in one beloved book:

• Twin Personalities: Meet Jimmy, who loves real shovels and real work, and his sister Janet, who would rather pretend to be a bird.
• Everyday Adventures: From digging the perfect hole to finding a surprising home for two dog biscuits, these stories turn ordinary moments into extraordinary fun.
• Perfect for Early Readers: Simple language and short, engaging chapters make this an ideal transition from picture books to chapter books.
• From a Beloved Author: Written with the signature warmth and humor of Newbery Medal winner Beverly Cleary, who drew on her own experience raising twins.

Jimmy and Janet are twins, but that doesn't mean they are just alike.

When we first meet Jimmy, he wants to dig a real hole. He likes to use a real, grown-up shovel. While he's working, his sister, Janet, pretends to be a bird! She likes to use her imagination. But the twins both like silly jokes, brand- new boots, and talking to Mr. Lemon, the mailman.

As Beverly Cleary writes about Jimmy and Janet's doings, the unique understanding of children that she brings to all of her beloved books is coupled with a keen awareness of duo dynamics that comes from raising twins herself.

Originally published as four separate picture books (The Real Hole, Two Dog Biscuits, The Growing-Up Feet, and Janet's Thingamajigs), these are stories that a Jimmy would like because they are so true-to-life, and that a Janet would love because they are so believable.

“ … gathers four previously published stories by popular Ramona author Beverly Cleary.… Charming half-tone pen-and-ink-and-watercolor-wash illustrations by Carl Thompson, er, double the pleasure.” - Publishers Weekly

“Charming half-tone pen-and-ink-and watercolor-wash illustrations by Carol Thompson, er, double the pleasure.” - Publishers Weekly