Beverly Cleary, the cherished author who created the iconic character Ramona Quimby, has died at the age of 104. Cleary passed away on Thursday in Carmel, California, where she had resided since the 1960s.
Suzanne Murphy, President and Publisher of HarperCollins Children’s Books, expressed profound sadness at the news, stating, “Beverly Cleary was one of the most beloved children’s authors of all time. She often reflected, ‘I’ve had a lucky life,’ and countless children feel fortunate to have grown up with her unforgettable characters, such as Henry Huggins, Ramona and Beezus Quimby, and Ralph S. Mouse.”
With a remarkable career, Cleary authored over 40 books, achieving sales of approximately 85 million copies worldwide. Her journey began as a librarian in Yakima, Washington, which laid the foundation for her future success in children’s literature. Her debut book, Henry Huggins, was released in 1950, marking the start of her illustrious career.
Author and reviewer Ilene Cooper praised Cleary’s talent, stating, “When it comes to writing books kids love, nobody does it better.” Born on April 12, 1916, in McMinnville, Oregon, Cleary’s passion for reading was nurtured by her mother, who established a town library above a bank. After earning her degree from the University of California at Berkeley, she specialized in librarianship at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Cleary’s accolades include the Newbery Honor for Ramona and Her Father in 1978, followed by the John Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw in 1984. She also received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career, including the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award and the National Medal of Art. In 2010, she was honored with the Los Angeles Times Robert Kirsch Award, making history as the first children’s author to receive this recognition.
Murphy added, “We at HarperCollins feel extremely fortunate to have collaborated with Beverly Cleary and enjoyed her vibrant wit. Her timeless stories resonate with the joys and challenges of childhood.” Cleary is survived by her two children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Her husband, Clarence Cleary, passed away in 2004.
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In summary, Beverly Cleary’s legacy will continue to influence generations of readers. Her characters, stories, and the joy they bring to children will always be remembered.