On her 103rd birthday, fans are sharing heartfelt messages with renowned author Beverly Cleary, expressing the profound impact her books have had on their lives. For many, growing up meant diving into the pages of Cleary’s stories, where her characters came to life in relatable ways. As a parent, I can attest to this; Cleary’s “Ramona” series was the first set of books I introduced to my daughter, a way to pass on the joy of reading that I experienced as a child.
National D.E.A.R. Day
April 12, which marks Cleary’s birthday, is celebrated as National D.E.A.R. Day (Drop Everything and Read) to honor her literary contributions. According to her official website, Cleary has often shared that her inspiration comes from her own experiences and the world around her. In fact, she included a segment about the D.E.A.R. initiative in “Ramona Quimby, Age 8,” inspired by letters from children who participated in the program and wished for Ramona to share similar experiences in school.
Cherished Memories
Fans have been eager to recount their cherished memories and favorite excerpts from the beloved books. While Ramona is a standout character, many readers also resonate with Ellen Tebbits, Ralph the Mouse, Beezus, and Henry Huggins. Cleary’s characters depict ordinary children navigating familiar neighborhoods, making them relatable to countless kids.
Inspiration and Legacy
As Cleary once noted, by the time she reached third grade, she had already mastered reading and spent much of her time at the library. It was there that her school librarian encouraged her to write for young readers. Cleary aspired to create the kind of stories she longed to read—humorous tales about the everyday lives of children she knew.
Her writing beautifully captures the essence of childhood, balancing the magical moments with the mundane experiences of growing up. In “Ramona the Pest,” she poignantly wrote about Ramona’s confusion regarding the adults’ conversations about how quickly children grow up, as she believed that growing up was a slow process.
A Living Legend
Cleary has been recognized as a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress, and her works have been translated into 14 languages across over 20 countries. However, it’s likely that her most cherished moments come from hearing from fans whose childhoods were enriched by her stories.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, Beverly Cleary’s legacy continues to resonate with readers of all ages, as fans reflect on the joy her stories brought to their childhoods. Her ability to depict relatable characters and everyday experiences has secured her place as a beloved author in the hearts of many.