Author and children’s librarian, Beverly Cleary died March 25th, 2021 at the age of 104. Creator of both the Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins series, Cleary was a prolific and influential force in the world of children’s literature. Published in 25 languages, her works proved formative for generations of readers. Winner of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, National Book Award, Newberry Medal and Honors, and Hans Christian Andersen Award, Cleary was well recognized for her ability to create vivid and relatable characters that caught reader’s hearts.
During her career as a children’s librarian, Cleary’s passion for writing stemmed from her difficulty finding books with which her young patrons could relate. As she struggled learning to read herself, her books notably told stories full of humor and relatable examples of daily life for children. Author of over 45 books, she has left us with the vibrant legacy of Ramona and Beezus, Henry Huggins and his dog Ribsy, and the antics of Ralph S. Mouse.
