Date of Birth: April 12, 1916
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: March 25, 2021
Biography
Beverly Cleary was an esteemed American author, renowned for her contributions to children’s literature. Born Beverly Atlee Bunn on April 12, 1916, in McMinnville, Oregon, Cleary grew up on a farm in Yamhill, Oregon, before moving to Portland. Her love of reading and storytelling was evident from a young age. She attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she received a B.A. in English in 1938, and later earned a degree in library science from the University of Washington in 1939. Cleary’s career as an author began in 1950 with the publication of “Henry Huggins,” a book inspired by her experiences as a children’s librarian. Over the years, she created a beloved series of characters, including Ramona Quimby, Beezus Quimby, and Ralph S. Mouse. Her works have been translated into multiple languages and have sold over 91 million copies worldwide. Cleary’s writing is celebrated for its humor, empathy, and realistic portrayal of children’s lives. She received numerous awards, including the Newbery Medal for “Dear Mr. Henshaw” (1984) and the National Medal of Arts in 2003. Beverly Cleary passed away on March 25, 2021, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire readers of all ages.
5 Interesting Facts about Beverly Cleary
1. Beverly Cleary’s first book, “Henry Huggins,” was published in 1950 and introduced the world to the character of Beezus Quimby.
2. Cleary’s books have sold more than 91 million copies worldwide.
3. She received the National Medal of Arts in 2003, one of the highest honors given to artists in the United States.
4. The Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden for Children, featuring statues of her characters, is located in Portland, Oregon.
5. Cleary’s character, Ramona Quimby, was inspired by a little girl she knew while working as a librarian.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Beverly Cleary
1. “If you don’t see the book you want on the shelf, write it.”
2. “I wanted to read funny stories about the sort of children I knew, and as a librarian, I discovered that children wanted to read about themselves.”
3. “I hope children will be happy with the books I have written, and go on to be readers all their lives.”
4. “I wish that we could stay in the moment longer, savor it, and not let it slip away so fast.”
5. “I think children want to read about normal, everyday kids. That’s what I wanted to read about when I was a child.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Beverly Cleary’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.
Children
Beverly Cleary and her husband Clarence Cleary had two children, twins Malcolm and Marianne, born in 1955.
Relevant Links
1. [Beverly Cleary on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverly_Cleary
2. [Beverly Cleary’s Official Website](https://www.beverlycleary.com/
3. [Beverly Cleary’s Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/writer/beverly-cleary
4. [National Medal of Arts Recipient](https://www.arts.gov/honors/medals/beverly-cleary
5. [Beverly Cleary’s Books on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/403.Beverly_Cleary
