Beverly Cleary, Renowned Author of Ramona Quimby, Passes Away at 104

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Beverly Cleary, the cherished children’s author known for creating beloved characters like Ramona Quimby, has sadly passed away. She died on Thursday in Carmel, California, where she had resided since the 1960s. Cleary was 104 years old.

Suzanne Murphy, President and Publisher of HarperCollins Children’s Books, expressed deep sorrow over Cleary’s passing. “We are heartbroken by the loss of Beverly Cleary, a truly iconic children’s author,” she stated. “She often reflected on her life with gratitude, saying, ‘I’ve had a lucky life,’ and countless children feel equally fortunate to have grown up with her memorable characters like Henry Huggins and Ralph S. Mouse.”

Throughout her illustrious career, Cleary authored over 40 books, selling an incredible 85 million copies. Her debut title, Henry Huggins, was published in 1950, marking the beginning of her significant impact on children’s literature. “When it comes to writing for children, nobody does it better than Beverly,” noted author Ilene Cooper in ALA Booklist.

Born on April 12, 1916, in McMinnville, Oregon, Cleary’s early exposure to literature came from her mother, who established a community library. This nurturing environment sparked her lifelong passion for reading. After earning her degree from the University of California at Berkeley, where a dorm is named in her honor, she specialized in librarianship at the University of Washington.

Cleary’s accolades include a Newbery Honor for Ramona and Her Father in 1978, and she continued to receive numerous awards throughout her career, including the 1984 John Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw. She was also honored with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award and named a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress in 2000.

Her legacy will live on through her two children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, while her late husband, Clarence Cleary, passed away in 2004. HarperCollins reflected on how fortunate they felt to work with her, celebrating her wit and the enduring connection her books have fostered with readers.

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Summary

Beverly Cleary, the beloved author of iconic children’s characters like Ramona Quimby, passed away at the age of 104 in Carmel, California. She leaves behind a legacy of over 40 books and millions of devoted readers. Cleary’s work has had a profound impact on children’s literature, and she is remembered fondly by fans and fellow authors alike.