Henry Huggins’ dog Ribsy was lost for an entire book. They faced more interesting and relatable problems. Golly gee, the boys and girls were actually friends. 'Cleary’s characters had more nuance and depth.

Liz Maurer, former director of programming for the National Women's History Museum and current Curator of Education at a federal museum, says that as a woman coming of age in the late 1970s, Cleary's stories reflected versions of herself that she did not see in other authors’ work. As she celebrates her 103rd birthday, it is worth nothing that what makes Beverly Cleary important is not the longevity of her life and career, but how her stories have stood the test of time, creating a lasting impact that readers carry with them throughout their lives. The mastermind behind my beloved childhood-favorite book character has become a living legend since writing her debut novel, Henry Huggins, in 1950. The playful, inquisitive, and courageous adventures of Ramona were written so eloquently and reflected themes and challenges I had in my own life. When I was a preteen, I wore out copies of every Ramona Quimby book I could get my hands on. Romper published this ode to Cleary’s work on the occasion of her 103 birthday in 2019. She wrote dozens of stories, including several about the iconic sisters Ramona and Beezus and motorcycle-riding mouse named Ralph. His work is celebrated and immortalized by generations of fans.Beverly Cleary, the beloved author who published her first children’s book, Henry Huggins, in 1950, died yesterday at the age of 104.

His illustrations filled the pages of Beverly Cleary’s books until his death in 1970. Louis Darling was an illustrator, writer, and environmentalist who was born and lived most of his life in Connecticut. Her characters, including Beezus and Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, and Ralph, the motorcycle-riding mouse, have delighted children for generations. Henshaw won the Newbery Medal, and Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Ramona and Her Father have been named Newbery Honor Books. Cleary's books have earned her many prestigious awards, including the American Library Association's Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, presented to her in recognition of her lasting contribution to children's literature. And so, the Klickitat Street gang was born! She based her funny stories on her own neighborhood experiences and the sort of children she knew. When a young boy asked her, 'Where are the books about kids like us?' she remembered her teacher's encouragement and was inspired to write the books she'd longed to read but couldn't find when she was younger. Before long, her school librarian was saying that she should write children's books when she grew up. But by third grade, after spending much time in her public library in Portland, Oregon, she found her skills had greatly improved. As a child, she struggled with reading and writing.

Beverly Cleary is one of America's most beloved authors.

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