Beverly Cleary

Beverly Cleary was one of America’s best-loved children’s authors. Born in Oregon in 1916, she grew up to become a children’s librarian, where young readers often asked her for funny, realistic stories about children like themselves. Their requests inspired her to begin writing.

Cleary created some of children’s literature’s most memorable characters, including Henry Huggins, Ralph S. Mouse, and the spirited Ramona Quimby. With warmth, humor, and a keen understanding of childhood, she wrote about everyday experiences—from sibling disagreements and school troubles to family worries and embarrassing mistakes. Her many honors included the Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw. Beverly Cleary died in 2021 at the age of 104, leaving stories that continue to delight generations of readers.