Famous for “Beverly Clear, author of beloved children’s books”Henry Huggins, “Ribsey” and “Ramona Qwabi” have died. She was 104.
Harper Collins, his longtime publisher, Announced her death on friday. Cleary, whose books have sold over 85 million copies and translated into 29 different languages, died Thursday in his longtime home in Carmel, California.
“We are saddened by the demise of Beverly Klee, one of the most beloved children’s authors of all time,” the publisher said in a statement. “Looking back, she often said, ‘I have a lucky life,’ and generations of children counted herself lucky as well – lucky to have the very real character Beverly Cleary created, including Henry Huggins, Ramona and Beejus Quabby, and Ralph S. Mouse, as true friends who helped shape their growing up years. We at Harper Collins also feel extremely fortunate to have worked with Beverly Klee and enjoyed her fantastic understanding. Timeless books are an affirmation of their eternal relationship to the pleasures, challenges, and triumphs that are part of every childhood. “
The cause of death was not given, but his publisher mentioned that the family Drs. Special thanks goes to Richard King and the staff of the Health Center in Carmel Valley Manor.
Since his debut children’s novel “Henry Huggins”, Klee’s name has been recorded in people’s hearts everywhere.
For his 90th birthday, Klee told The Post that despite their collective success, they were written forever.
In 2006, the Oregon native said, “I got rid of my typewriter.”
She also said that before writing her first “Henry Huggins” book, it was new to write.
“I didn’t know how to write a book,” she said. “But I did storytelling in the library where we studied a story and then told it. We did not read it aloud, we told. And so, I mentally told ‘Henry Huggins’ and wrote it. “
Cleary also said that her eccentric books were often drawn from her own experiences. When asked about inspiration, she says: “From her experience and the world around her.” In one such example, the “Henry Huggins” story in which he catches a salmon with his bare hands is based on the true story from his cousin.
But as Ramona Qwabi – the enthusiastic but sharp throat who inspired the 2010 film “Ramona and Bezus” – she is just one side of it.
“I wasn’t an insect, but I often had ideas like Ramona,” she said.
But Cleary himself was not an insect. In 2000, the author was named a “living legend” by the Library of Congress as an honor for his contributions to children’s literature. He was also awarded the 2003 National Medal for National Endowment for the Arts.
She was predeceased by her husband, Clarence Cleary, and is survived by their two children, Malcolm and Marianne, three grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Harper Collins said fellow children’s literature superstar Judy Bloom was also inspired by him. Elaine Cooper told him: “When children like to write books, no one does it better.”
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