I have no idea why this isn't more widely read. I admit I haven't read, nor even heard of, the first three in the series - maybe they're not as good and so kids didn't get around to this one?

I loved the brothers' interactions. I loved that Edward is so loving he immediately befriends the new boy next door and understands how to help him deal with his ADHD(?), even though he's a few years younger. I love how the mom is taking Clown classes, but the reason is only revealed to us later in the book. I love the exploration of the idea that a boy turning 8 can have friends who are girls, but a boy turning 9 cannot invite girls to his birthday party.

The story is very fast-paced, mostly dialogue, very little introspection & narration - we have to figure things out just by being observant, as kids generally do in real-life.

It's not a perfect book - when hollow eggs were desired mom said to let the insides go down the drain rather than save them for scrambled eggs, and helium balloons were released into the air. But I think it is what it is billed as, a successor to Ramona Quimby, with boys and cell phones.

Anyway, I'm glad I found it in the thrift store and will look for more. ( )