If the names “Beezus” and “Ramona” instantly prompt a smile, it’s a sign you had exceptional taste in childhood literature. April 12 marks the centennial celebration of one of the most beloved authors in children’s literature, Beverly Cleary. For those who spent their Saturday afternoons in the libraries of the ’70s and ’80s, her name is synonymous with storytelling magic.
My journey to becoming a librarian was inspired by Cleary, who also began her career in a library. From a young age, her talent for storytelling was apparent, evident from her grammar school days when her teacher praised her first story as flawless—no edits needed. Thus, a writer was born.
In 1949, Cleary sat down at her typewriter with the intention of crafting a profound tale about a sensitive young woman. However, instead, her memories of a boy from her library days resurfaced. He had once asked her, “Where are the books about kids like us?” That moment led her to type the iconic opening line: “Henry Huggins was in the third grade.”
Cleary had an extraordinary ability to capture the thoughts and feelings of children, crafting narratives that spoke to their experiences in a way that was unprecedented. Her groundbreaking female characters, particularly Beezus Quimby and her spirited sister Ramona, redefined what it meant to be a girl in literature. Ramona was no ordinary child; she was adventurous, outspoken, and endlessly imaginative—an embodiment of every little girl who spent sun-soaked afternoons lost in books.
Throughout her career, Cleary introduced readers to a host of beloved characters—Henry Huggins, Socks the Cat, Ellen Tebbits, Muggie Maggie, and even Ralph S. Mouse, an adventurous rodent on a motorcycle. One of her crowning achievements came in 1984 when she was awarded the Newbery Medal for “Dear Mr. Henshaw,” a touching novel about a sixth-grade boy’s correspondence with his favorite author. Cleary has also been honored as a Library of Congress Living Legend and received a National Medal of Arts, among countless other accolades.
Today, I owe much of my love for reading to Beverly Cleary. Her books have sold nearly 100 million copies and continue to inspire generations, including my own children. This month, we will collectively celebrate D.E.A.R. Day—a month-long initiative encouraging readers of all ages to prioritize reading, observed on April 12 in honor of Cleary’s birthday.
Thank you, Beverly Cleary, for being a remarkable voice for young girls and boys everywhere, for gifting me my cherished childhood literary companions, and for filling my formative years with imagination and inspiration. Here’s hoping your narrative continues to resonate with many future readers.
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Summary: Beverly Cleary, a cherished children’s author, turns 100 on April 12. Her characters, like Ramona and Henry Huggins, transformed children’s literature with their relatable stories and vibrant personalities. Cleary’s impact on reading continues to inspire new generations, leading to celebrations like D.E.A.R. Day.