Beloved Children’s Author Beverly Cleary Turns 104 Today!

• Beverly Cleary turns 104 years old today on April 12, 2020.
• She is the author of the beloved ‘Ramona Quimby’ books.
• In addition, we celebrate National Drop Everything And Read Day today.

Beloved author Beverly Cleary turns 104 years old today! Every year on April 12th, we not only celebrate her birthday but National D.E.A.R. Day (Drop Everything and Read) in honor of her accomplishments. Beverly is the author of the Ramona Quimby books.

During her career, she has published 32 of the Ramona Quimby books. Her last book “Ramona’s World” was published in 1999. However, children and adults all over the world still love all of her books. They have been translated into 14 languages.

Beloved author Beverly Cleary turns 104 years old

Beverly started her career as a children’s librarian and then started writing books. Her first book was published in 1950, called Henry Huggins. Over the years, she has won many awards including the “Living Legend” award by the Library of Congress.

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Beverly admits that she struggled with reading as a child. Her small town didn’t have a library. When she moved, she couldn’t find books she related to. That is why she decided to write funny stories based on characters she knew in real life. Of course, it seems many other kids and adults can relate to these characters and situations too.

Beverly has written about many wonderful characters. According to PEOPLE, she said she identifies most with “well-mannered Ellen Tebbits.” Yet, she admits, “But inside, I had Ramona-like thoughts.”

Happy birthday, Beverly!