Posted by Angie on Monday, Apr 4, 2016
Happy (almost) 100th Birthday to beloved author of Ramona, Beezus, Henry, the Mouse and more!
Born April 12, 1916, Beverly Cleary, has become one of the most beloved and successful children’s author, whose work has affected generations of readers and writers. With over 91 million copies of her books sold worldwide, she began writing stories for children while working as a librarian in Yakima, Washington. She realized the children at her library didn’t have chapter books that represented them and what they liked to read. She began writing relatable fiction that spoke to children in her community and soon around the world.
Her first book published was Henry Huggins in 1950, she followed it with several more Henry books with stories including two supporting characters, Beezus and Ramona, who would soon have their own series of books in 1955. Beverly has gone on to write over 40 books, with many having TV or movie adaptations. She won the prestigious Newberry Medal in 1954 for Dear Mr. Henshaw, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award in 1975 and was named a Library of Congress Living Legend in 2000.
In honor of her upcoming birthday, check out your favorite Beverly Cleary book to reread or share with a new generation! My favorite is a toss-up between Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and The Mouse and the Motorcycle. Both have distinct memories attached to them!
What is your favorite Beverly Cleary book?
For more information on Beverly Cleary check out her website here.
Children should learn that reading is pleasure, not just something that teachers make you do in school. -Beverly Cleary
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About the Author
Angie is the Children's Services Coordinator at the Iowa City Public Library. You can find her in the Ellen Buchanan Children's Room or occasionally on the Bookmobile.
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