Of all the birthday milestones worthy of celebration, the 100th has got to be the big one! Author and former librarian Beverly Cleary celebrated her 100th birthday on April 12th. While we may not be invited to the family’s private festivities, we are all invited to celebrate her life through the delightful books she has written over the course of her career.
Maybe you’ve forgotten how Ramona and Beezus helped you navigate grade school and annoying siblings. Or how Ellen Tebbits taught you empathy while reading about her struggle to make it through ballet class with that itchy woolen underwear bunched up under her leotard. Perhaps you begged your parents for your very own dog after reading Henry and Ribsy. Well, just like the lovely Beverly Cleary herself, those books are still around, and they are just as fun and full of life lessons as they were when you read them as a kid.
With a legacy of 41 books written with the intent for children to see themselves in the characters, Cleary has given us much to choose from. So grab a copy of The Mouse and the Motorcycle and curl up for a bonding family read-a-loud. Or share your personal favorite Cleary title with your son, daughter, grandson, niece, or neighbor. Pass on your appreciation for Cleary’s books and the joy of reading for pleasure. What a perfect way to celebrate the 100th Birthday of an iconic author. Happy Birthday, Beverly Cleary!
Join us to watch Ramona and Beezus at the Downtown Chandler Library on Saturday 4/16 at 2:30pm. No registration required.