As a young reader, I devoured books with an insatiable appetite. Every week, my dad and I would visit the library after dinner, where I would spend hours selecting over ten books to keep me engaged until our next trip. I explored countless classics—Nancy Drew, The Boxcar Children, Roald Dahl’s delightful tales, and The Baby-Sitters Club. Yet, over three decades later, one character remains etched in my memory: Ramona Quimby.
I eagerly read all of Beverly Cleary’s works, immersing myself in the friendship between Ellen and Austine and discovering the world of paper routes with Henry Huggins. However, it was the Ramona series that truly captivated me. I read each book multiple times, and when I stumbled upon the TV adaptation on video at the library, I couldn’t resist borrowing it repeatedly.
When I first learned about “payday”—the day Ramona’s father brings home a special treat after receiving his paycheck—I pleaded with my dad to replicate this tradition. He offered me a dollar, but I insisted that it should be a carefully chosen item, something small, to replicate the anticipation and joy that Ramona felt. I understood that these inexpensive tokens represented love from her father, and it’s no wonder that my love language is receiving gifts.
The Ramona stories didn’t plunge into mystical realms or fantastical adventures; they depicted a girl navigating her real-world experiences. Ramona’s emotions mirrored those of authentic children, grounded in a world that felt familiar. Beverly Cleary tackled relatable issues—money worries, parental conflicts, and feelings of inadequacy—that resonate even today, more than 50 years later. Unlike many other children’s books, these themes were seamlessly integrated into Ramona’s life, reflecting the reality of childhood.
Ramona felt the shame of wearing pajamas instead of a full sheep costume like her classmates. She experienced envy while watching her neighbor Howie enjoy his dinner as she waited, hungry, for her late parents. She grappled with a desire to help her family financially, especially after witnessing her father’s job loss. These emotions were not just Ramona’s; they mirrored my own experiences.
Beverly Cleary understood that children closely observe their parents and surroundings, and these observations often lead to complex feelings. Ramona’s misbehavior stemmed not from being “bad” but rather from the weight of childhood worries. Through Ramona, Cleary taught us that feeling anxious or uncomfortable is completely normal. When Ramona discovers her parents’ love and her sense of security, it reassured me many times that everything would be okay.
Years later, the birth of my daughter reignited my passion for Beverly Cleary’s work. I eagerly anticipated introducing Ramona to her, and this past year, I finally shared these stories. At just five years old, my daughter is diving into Ramona’s world at a time when she’s witnessing significant changes and challenges in our lives. She’s seen her parents struggle with worries and exhaustion, but I hope she also realizes that even imperfect parents harbor immense love.
Thank you, Beverly Cleary, for introducing Ramona Quimby to my life. You helped me recognize that imperfections are part of life, yet still meaningful. You conveyed these lessons with warmth, humor, and simplicity. As I reflect on a passage from “Ramona and Her Mother,” I see that I, too, can learn from your stories as a mother. It seems I’ll be visiting the library again soon.
“Haven’t you noticed grown-ups aren’t perfect?” asked Mrs. Quimby. “Especially when they are tired.”
“Then how come you expect us kids to be so perfect all the time?” demanded Ramona.
“Good question,” said Mrs. Quimby. “I’ll have to think of an answer.”
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Summary:
Ramona Quimby, a character from Beverly Cleary’s beloved series, has had a lasting impact on my life. Through her relatable adventures and emotions, I found comfort and understanding in my childhood. Now, as a mother, I am excited to share Ramona’s stories with my daughter, hoping she learns that imperfections in life are normal and that love is always present.