Ginger Pye is told from the third-person point of view with alternating perspectives. The narrative focuses on Rachel's perspective. In one very funny section, the viewpoint is that of Ginger Pye himself. The author makes extensive use of humor, often through Rachel's fascination with the differences in the sounds and meaning of words—"vilyun" sounds more "vilyunous" than "villain"—or through dialogue, particularly exchanges with Uncle Benny. The author captures the natural rhythm of children's speech and their interest in word play and usage. Rachel and Jerry tell each other an ongoing story about the adventures of Martin Boombernickles, a character who assumes various guises. When Mrs. Pye asks Rachel where she got the name "Boombernickles," Rachel does not know, but readers understand the significance of private naming.

Estes also accurately conveys the importance of imagination and a sense of wonder. Rachel in particular...