Beverly Cleary

Children's Literature

Beverly Cleary is another biography in the ABDO Publishing Company's "Children's Authors" series. Cari Meister follows a formula in these books, writing a short introduction, an early childhood chapter, and chapters about working life, marriage and family, and success as a writer. Cleary is known for her "Ramona Quimby" fiction series, although her first book was about a boy and his dog. Born in Oregon and living on a farm, Beverly was an only child who loved books. She also enjoyed writing stories. One teacher told her she should become a writer, but Cleary went to college and became a librarian. She then married and had twins and didn't have much time for writing. Eventually, she wrote the Ramona adventure stories, which became a popular series. She wrote six of these books in addition to others. Cleary also wrote two memoirs. Today she lives in California and still writes books. Once again, Meister does a good job of presenting interesting information in a short, clear format. The illustrations are color and black-and-white photographs. 2001, ABDO, $19.92. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Della A. Yannuzzi