In a poignant moment for literary fans, we bid farewell to the cherished children’s author Beverly Cleary, who died at the age of 104 in Carmel, California, where she resided since the 1960s. Cleary’s passing comes just a day after we mourned the loss of actress Jessica Walter, further deepening the sense of loss in the entertainment world.
Suzanne Murphy, President and Publisher of HarperCollins Children’s Books, expressed the collective sorrow, stating, “We are heartbroken by the loss of Beverly Cleary, a titan among children’s authors. She often reflected on her ‘lucky life,’ and countless children feel fortunate to have known her vivid characters, including Henry Huggins, Ramona and Beezus Quimby, and Ralph S. Mouse, who accompanied them through their formative years.”
With over 40 published works to her name, Cleary’s legacy is marked by unforgettable characters. Starting her career as a librarian in Yakima, Washington, she became one of the most beloved authors in children’s literature, amassing sales of around 85 million copies. Her debut book, Henry Huggins, released in 1950, set the stage for her illustrious career.
Author and reviewer Ilene Cooper from ALA Booklist remarked, “When it comes to writing books kids love, nobody does it better than Cleary.” Born on April 12, 1916, in McMinnville, Oregon, Cleary’s passion for reading was nurtured by her mother, who established a library in their small town. After graduating from the University of California at Berkeley, she specialized in librarianship at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Cleary’s literary achievements began in earnest with a Newbery Honor for Ramona and Her Father in 1978. She continued to receive accolades, including the Newbery Medal in 1984 for Dear Mr. Henshaw, and multiple honors from various esteemed organizations throughout her career, such as the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award and the Silver Medallion from the University of Southern Mississippi. In 2000, she was designated a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress, followed by the National Medal of Art in 2003.
Murphy added, “At HarperCollins, we feel incredibly fortunate to have collaborated with Beverly Cleary and to have enjoyed her delightful humor. Her timeless works will forever resonate with the joys and trials of childhood.”
Beverly Cleary is survived by her two children, Malcolm and Marianne, along with three grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Her husband, Clarence Cleary, passed away in 2004.
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In summary, Beverly Cleary’s impact on children’s literature is immeasurable. Her characters and stories have shaped the childhoods of numerous generations, leaving a legacy that will endure for years to come.