Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Socks
    Socks
    Socks
    Ebook104 pages1 hour

    Socks

    By Beverly Cleary and Tracy Dockray

    4/5

    ()

    Switch to audiobook
    Read preview

    About this ebook

    "Both children and adults with roar with laughter."—School Library Journal

    Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary charms readers with yet another lovable character—Socks, a jealous cat who must learn to share his owners with their new baby. 

    Socks is one happy cat. He lives the good life with his affectionate owners, Mr. and Mrs. Bricker. Ever since the day they saved him from a life spent in a mailbox drop slot, Socks has been the center of their world. And he always has everything he needs—tasty kitty treats and all the lap room he could want!

    But when a new baby arrives, suddenly the Brickers have less and less time for Socks. Little Charles William is the one getting all the attention. Socks feels left out—and to show it, he starts getting into all sorts of trouble! What will it take to make Socks realize just how much the Brickers care about him?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperCollins
    Release dateOct 6, 2009
    ISBN9780061972416
    Author

    Beverly Cleary

    Beverly Cleary is one of America's most beloved authors. As a child, she struggled with reading and writing. But by third grade, after spending much time in her public library in Portland, Oregon, she found her skills had greatly improved. Before long, her school librarian was saying that she should write children's books when she grew up. Instead she became a librarian. When a young boy asked her, "Where are the books about kids like us?" she remembered her teacher's encouragement and was inspired to write the books she'd longed to read but couldn't find when she was younger. She based her funny stories on her own neighborhood experiences and the sort of children she knew. And so, the Klickitat Street gang was born! Mrs. Cleary's books have earned her many prestigious awards, including the American Library Association's Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, presented to her in recognition of her lasting contribution to children's literature. Dear Mr. Henshaw won the Newbery Medal, and Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Ramona and Her Father have been named Newbery Honor Books. Her characters, including Beezus and Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, and Ralph, the motorcycle-riding mouse, have delighted children for generations.

    Read more from Beverly Cleary

    Related to Socks

    Related ebooks

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      Totally EMBARRASSING

      Dec 20, 2020

      It all started in P.E, I found a soccer ball behind the school gate and so I started practising with it. Then my crush yelled out, “Pass it to me!” with the cutest smile on his face, so of course I was going to kick it to him. But when I tried, I tri

      2 min read

    • Article

      Kellogg’s: The last wholesome fantasy of the middle-school boy.

      Jan 16, 2014

      It wasn’t like this boy to throw a tantrum in the cereal aisle of the supermarket, and it wasn’t like his mother to give in to one, but here they were, for some reason, both making an exception. “Okay,” she said, and threw the box deep into the f

      24 min read

    • Article

      The WITCH GIRL

      Oct 20, 2021

      The WITCH GIRL
      6 min read

    • Article

      The Witch GIRL

      Oct 24, 2023

      The Witch GIRL
      6 min read

    • Article

      Fuzzy Feelings!

      Jan 13, 2022

      Fuzzy Feelings!
      2 min read

    • Article

      The Traveler

      Oct 1, 2020

      The Traveler
      7 min read

    • Article

      Restoration Drama

      Jun 11, 2023

      Restoration Drama
      8 min read

    • Article

      Counter Waves

      Oct 23, 2020

      Counter Waves
      8 min read

    • Article

      Now That I’ve Arrived

      Dec 30, 2020

      Now That I’ve Arrived
      5 min read

    • Article

      Of Mothballs And Memories

      Oct 2, 2023

      Because we are elderly, we were watching yet another episode of the interminable and increasingly mad series that is Midsomer Murders. A particularly loopy storyline involved a dodgy antique dealer and some “netsuke”. “What are netsuke?” asked Greg.

      2 min read

    • Article

      I Am Tugged Into The Past By A String

      Feb 7, 2018

      Mom saved string, although I don’t believe she’d save it if it were less than two feet long.

      2 min read

    • Article

      Cricket League

      Jan 1, 2022

      It was an unusual birthday. Colorful banners blanketed the backyard. Kids chased each other through the grass. Adults talked. It all went downhill from there. My little sister was turning five. On her birthday cake, painted in frosting, was a fat, pi

      7 min read

    • Article

      Animal Crackers

      Sep 9, 2020

      Animal Crackers
      2 min read

    • Article

      The Big Black Box

      Jan 31, 2023

      The Big Black Box
      3 min read

    • Article

      The Big Black Box

      Jan 31, 2023

      The Big Black Box
      3 min read

    • Article

      The Problem with My Dachshund

      Dec 11, 2019

      The Problem with My Dachshund
      10 min read

    • Article

      Welcome To The DOLLHOUSE

      Mar 7, 2024

      Welcome To The DOLLHOUSE
      2 min read

    • Article

      Broken Wings

      Aug 24, 2020

      Whenever Gemma Faber came to London for work, she stayed at Searle’s. It was a luxurious club-type hotel and every time she visited, she felt she’d really made it. The taxi pulled up and her heart lifted at the sight of the lilac-and-gold striped awn

      5 min read

    • Article

      My Dolls Are Haunted!

      Jan 4, 2024

      My Dolls Are Haunted!
      3 min read

    • Article

      Simply Blessed

      Oct 27, 2022

      Simply Blessed
      3 min read

    • Article

      Chuckles

      Jul 7, 2023

      I don’t have a Facebook or Twitter account. I just walk around announcing out loud what I’m doing at random times. I’ve got three followers so far, but I think two are cops. ■ What does a shoemaker say when he sneezes? A shoe! ■ What’s it called w

      4 min read

    • Article

      Animal Crackers

      Sep 9, 2020

      Animal Crackers
      2 min read

    • Article

      MY MUM’S A hoarder

      Nov 3, 2021

      MY MUM’S A hoarder
      2 min read

    • Article

      The Watermelon Stand

      May 31, 2022

      The Watermelon Stand
      4 min read

    • Article

      The Space Between Us

      Oct 9, 2019

      The Space Between Us
      8 min read

    • Article

      Inner Voices

      Jun 14, 2022

      Inner Voices
      6 min read

    • Article

      Benji’s Magic Boots

      May 8, 2019

      Benji’s Magic Boots
      4 min read

    • Article

      Gift Guide: For teens

      Dec 4, 2023

      Gift Guide: For teens
      2 min read

    Reviews for Socks

    4/5

    264 ratings16 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 4/5
      This was one of my favourite books as a kid. I loved cats, which helped!
    • 4/5
      I marked this one as amazing because it was one of my favorite books to read when i was a kid (but then what do you expect from a cat lover?). I reread it i don't even know how many times I recently found it on one of the bookshelves in my mom's basement and reapprorpiated it for my collection. You have to keep a few things like that (even though i am currently trying to rid myself of all extraneous junk...)
    • 3/5
      Cute story about a cat who finally finds his place and is happy.
    • 3/5
      This is a book from the point of view of a cat starting from when he is first adopted by his new family. The young couple loves him, but they love their new baby boy more, and Socks finds himself displaced with no love any more. It isn't until the baby takes an interest in him that Socks finds his place again.
    • 5/5
      Socks is the adorable story of a cat with four white paws—hence, the name Socks!—who lives with a young married couple, named the Brickers. Socks is spoiled by his family, and gets all of the attention. Until, the Brickers bring home a newborn son. When the attention Socks once got starts going to the baby, Socks feels as though his family does not love him anymore. Socks ends up getting sent to the garage when he misbehaves, which inspires him to go out on a neighborhood adventure. Socks eventually ends up getting in a bad fight with a neighborhood cat and is wounded. Once Socks returns to his family, they realize they had not been paying him very much attention because of the new baby. The story ends quite happily though, because Socks discovers that he now has a new play friend in the baby. I would recommend this book for more advanced-readers in the lower elementary grades, and to struggling readers in the upper elementary grades. This book is great for children that have experienced what it is like to have a new baby and to have to begin sharing attention. Animal lovers will also be fond of this story, especially since it is so cutely and cleverly told from the perspective of Socks.
    • 4/5
      I read this book as a child and recently re-read it. It is still a very charming book, even for grown-up kids at heart. Of course, I'm a cat lover, so I love cat books. This sweet story is about a cat who is adopted by a young couple who end up having a baby and how the cat has to deal with playing second fiddle to this new intruder. Nothing shocking or wild, but a good yarn nonetheless. This book is probably well-suited for 7-10 year old children I am guessing, but I'm not a child book expert. You really can't go too wrong with Beverly Cleary now can you?!?
    • 5/5
      I have a picture of myself holding Socks Clinton, while inside the White House.

      Who doesn't love books about cats? This 8 year old sure did!!
    • 5/5
      kids love this funny book of life with a baby from a cats view. Funny for those kids who have to deal with having a baby or ones who have a pet and wonders what it thinks all the time!
    • 3/5
      I'm wishy-washy on this one. I'm a big fan of Beverly Cleary. I love and recommend many of her books but this one was just rather ho-hum. My 7yo son enjoyed parts of it but wasn't really drawn into the story. He (and I) did enjoy the last chapter, though, it was very funny and we wished the rest of the book had been also. If you want to read Cleary, I would suggest the Ramona, Ralph or Henry books over this one.
    • 4/5
      Another good story by Beverly Cleary, although not quite as good as her "Ramona" books, in my opinion. The viewpoint is mainly from the main character, a tabby kitten who is dubbed Socks for his white paws. After being adopted by a young married couple, his life is bliss with lots of treats and affection, but then something happens in his life...a squalling and annoying addition is made to the family, and Socks finds himself being neglected. If you like Ms. Cleary's books, you should enjoy this one as well.
    • 3/5
      The book is told from a cat's perspective, which is an unusual one for me to read. However, Beverly Cleary has a gift for writing animal and children characters, and this book is no exception. Socks begins the story as a kitten, stuffed in a box with all his other brothers and sisters as a little girl tries to sell them off at the grocery store. He is her favorite, and she is hoping no one will buy him so she can keep him for herself, but when she sees the kind young couple looking with interest at their cats, she changes her mind. She knows Socks will have a good home with them. Thus, Socks begins his life with the Brickers, and at first, everything is ideal. He is pampered. Fresh meat, mountains of affection, and free reign of the house. Imagine the poor kitty's surprise when his idyllic existence begins to change, and he has no idea why. The reader does, though; Mrs. Bricker is pregnant, and soon infant Charles joins the household, much to Socks's dismay. The following chapters chronicle his attempts to adjust to the new life, and his growing loneliness and apathy. When he unwillingly gets in a fight with the mean tomcat Old Taylor, his owners finally begin to notice him again. Even better, in the final chapter of the book, Socks learns that Charles William can be something quite different from a nuisance - he can be a playmate, one that will give Socks even more attention than the Brickers, and all is well in Socks's world once more. The author realistically captures a cat's perspective. One of the delights in reading the small book is seeing a human world through a cat's eyes: how Socks interprets the change in his owners, the new baby's intrusion, and his banishment to the garage. We see that the Brickers frequently misunderstand Socks and his misbehavior, which is a plea for attention or what he considers his just allowance. The irony between what the cat thinks and what the humans think creates much of the humor. Also, the story is full of sweetness; it's about a cat and a baby. The book has seven short chapters that are quick to read, a cast of characters that will certainly appeal to children, and a happy ending. Although this book is not as famous as Cleary's Ramona or Mouse series, don't overlook it. The story provides an entertaining read that has an old-fashioned charm.
    • 4/5
      So cute and great illustrations!This story is about a cat who gets replaced by a baby. Socks gets jealous and runs off. Later in the book, Socks comes to find that he actually enjoys the baby.This is true of any pet because they do normally feel replaced. This is also true of older siblings and so they could be able to relate to Socks.
    • 4/5
      This is the first chapter book I ever read. I remember my 6 year old self adoring it! Great for young readers.
    • 2/5
      Sara and I have taken to reading childrens' books before bed when we both have the time. This was, of course, her choice.She had apparently read and loved it when she was younger, or has been infected with such an acute case of Toxoplasmosis that even the thought of cats creates feelings of euphoria.This is among the only reasons I can see that one would want to reread this book. The plot is...thin. A couple buys a cat and has a baby. The baby distracts the couple from the cat, and the cat doesn't like it. Eventually, he gets used to it. The end. There is no conflict, and no character development. People hove in and out of this cat's life: Babysitter (good!), Mother-in-Law (bad!), but no one changes.This book is abysmally dull if you're not a cat-lover.
    • 5/5
      Just one thing I LOVE CATS!!!!!!!??
      . |?






      ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
    • 4/5
      Somewhat dated, but fun story with a heartwarming ending.

    Book preview

    Socks - Beverly Cleary

    CONTENTS

    1. The Kitten Sale

    2. The Brickers’ Other Pet

    3. Socks and the Formula

    4. The Evening the Sitter Came

    5. A Visit from Nana

    6. Old Taylor

    7. Socks and Charles William

    Excerpt from The Mouse and the Motorcycle

    Back Ad

    About the Author

    Books by Beverly Cleary

    Credits

    Copyright

    About the Publisher

    1

    THE KITTEN SALE

    The tabby kitten hooked his white paws over the edge of the box marked, Kittens 25¢ or Best Offer. The girl with the stringy hair and sunburned arms picked him up and set him down in the midst of his wiggling, crawling, mewing brothers and sisters. He wanted to get out; she wanted him to stay in. The puzzling struggle had gone on all morning in the space between the mailbox and the newspaper rack near the door of the supermarket.

    Nice fresh kittens for sale, called out the girl, whose name was Debbie. She usually held the kitten in her arms, and he expected her to hold him now.

    Stupid, said her brother George, embarrassed to be selling kittens with his younger sister on a summer morning. Whoever heard of fresh kittens?

    Me, said Debbie, as she pushed the kitten down once more. Then she repeated at the top of her voice, Nice fresh kittens for sale. She knew she was not stupid, and she enjoyed annoying her brother. The two had quarreled at breakfast. George said Debbie should sell the kittens, because she played with them and that made them hers. Debbie said George should sell the kittens, because she didn’t know how to make change. Besides, he was the one who had brought the mother home when she was a kitten, so that made her kittens his. Their father said, Stop bickering, you two. You can both sell them, and that was that.

    The white-pawed kitten, unaware of the hard feelings between brother and sister, tried again. He stepped on another kitten and this time managed to lift his chin over the rim of the carton. His surprised blue eyes took in a parking lot full of shoppers pushing grocery carts among cars glittering in the summer heat. He was fascinated and frightened.

    Now Socks, said Debbie, as she unhooked his claws from the cardboard, be a good kitten.

    Socks’s orange-and-white sister caught his tail and bit it. Socks rolled over on his back and swiped at her with one white paw. He no longer felt playful toward a littermate who bit his tail. Now that he was seven weeks old, he wanted to escape from all the rolling, pouncing, and nipping that went on inside the box.

    Unfortunately, no shopper was willing to buy Socks his freedom. Several paused to smile at the sign, and then Socks found himself shoved to the bottom of the heap by Debbie.

    What are you going to do with all the money when you sell the kittens? asked an elderly woman who was lonely for her grandchildren.

    Daddy says we should save up to have the mother cat shoveled, so she won’t have kittens all the time, answered Debbie.

    Spayed, corrected George. She means he said we should have the mother spayed.

    Oh, my, said the woman and hurried into the market.

    Stupid, said George. Anyway, Dad was joking, I think.

    This time Debbie looked as if she agreed with her brother that she might be stupid. What are we going to do? she asked, as she plucked Socks from the edge of the carton once more. Nobody wants them.

    "Mark them down, I guess. Dad said to give them away if we had to." The boy borrowed a felt-tipped pen from a checker in the market and, while Socks peered over the edge of the carton, crossed out the 25¢ on his sign and wrote 20¢ above it.

    Kittens for sale. Debbie’s voice sounded encouraging as she hid Socks under two of his littermates. He promptly wiggled out. On a day like this his own fur was warm enough.

    Why do you keep hiding Socks? George tried to look as if he just happened to be standing there by the mailbox and had nothing to do with the kittens.

    Because he’s the best kitten, and I want to keep him, said Debbie.

    Dad won’t let you, her brother reminded her. He says the house is getting to smell like cats.

    Socks found himself plucked from the litter and cradled in the girl’s arms. Well, at least we can find a good home for him. Debbie was admitting the truth of her brother’s statement. I don’t want just anybody to take Socks.

    You don’t see a line of people forming to buy kittens, do you? asked George. To pass the time he had read the headlines of the newspapers in the rack and the label on the mailbox and was starting in on the signs posted in the windows of the market.

    Socks tried to climb Debbie’s T-shirt, but she held him back while she watched the faces of shoppers for signs of interest. Once a man approached, but he only wanted to drop a letter in the mailbox. A woman paused long enough to look at each kitten and then say, No, I can’t bear to think of anything as warm and furry as a kitten on such a hot day.

    Children entering the market with their parents begged to be allowed to buy a kitten, just one, please, please, with their very own money, but no one actually bought a kitten. "I guess it just

    Enjoying the preview?
    Page 1 of 1