In Ramona Forever, Picky-picky’s tombstone is a motif for the novel’s theme on The Highs and Lows of Growing Up. Ramona’s cat’s death is a low point for Ramona, who didn’t expect to lose her pet so abruptly. It is also a potentially upsetting event for the young reader, especially given the lack of warning. The novel uses this low point, however, as a means to model the strength and collaboration of the young characters. While Ramona and Beezus are upset about their cat’s sudden passing, they are determined to handle it themselves and not stress out their mother: “‘I guess we should bury him,’ said Ramona, ‘and have a funeral’” (57). Ramona’s stoic suggestion that she and Beezus take care of it themselves shows that she is willing to put her sadness aside and bury her pet without her parents’ help. Ramona’s ability to take action shows her growing maturity and resilience.

It is Ramona’s idea to create a tombstone for Picky-picky’s grave. She produces a wooden board with crayon writing and illustrations honoring Picky-picky. By taking charge of making Picky-picky’s tombstone, Ramona shows her growing independence. The home-made tombstone marks not only the grave of the family cat, but also the end of Ramona’s early childhood, since she can now cope with challenges and

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