As a child, I was an avid reader. Every week, my dad and I would visit the library after dinner, and I would spend one to two hours selecting over ten books to get me through until our next trip. I devoured all the classics — Nancy Drew, the Boxcar Children, Roald Dahl’s works, and the Baby-Sitters Club. Yet, more than 30 years later, one character remains etched in my memory: Ramona Quimby.
I explored all of Beverly Cleary’s stories and was captivated by the friendship between Ellen and Austine, and I learned about paper routes from Henry Huggins. However, the Ramona series was my absolute favorite. I read each book multiple times, and when I stumbled upon the TV series on video at the library, I borrowed it time and again.
When I first encountered the concept of “payday” — the day when Ramona’s father surprises her with a special treat after he receives his paycheck — I begged my dad to do the same. He offered me a dollar, but I insisted that the treat had to be a small item he chose just for me. I wanted to experience the same thrill that Ramona felt. I understood that, for her, even a small gift symbolized her father’s love. Unsurprisingly, my love language is receiving gifts.
The Ramona books didn’t feature magical creatures, fantastical realms, or wild escapades. Instead, they told the story of a girl navigating her everyday life, full of genuine emotions that resonated with real children. Beverly Cleary skillfully wove in challenges and themes that still feel relevant over 50 years later. Issues like financial struggles, parental disputes, and feelings of neglect were openly addressed, unlike in many other children’s books. They seamlessly blended into Ramona’s life, illustrating that her experiences were grounded in reality.
I vividly recall the shame Ramona felt when she had to wear pajamas instead of a complete sheep costume like her peers. I could relate to her envy as she watched her neighbor Howie enjoy dinner while she sat hungry, waiting for her late parents to pick her up. I understood her wish to contribute to the family’s finances after witnessing her father’s stress about money following job loss. These feelings existed in both Ramona’s world and my own.
Beverly Cleary recognized that children are observant. We notice the dynamics of our families and how they affect our emotions, often leading to misbehavior or acting out, as Ramona did. Cleary emphasized that Ramona wasn’t bad; rather, she was a child shouldering adult worries. By introducing us to Ramona, she reassured us that feeling anxious or uncomfortable is a part of growing up. And when Ramona eventually realizes that her parents love her and that she is safe, it sends a comforting message that everything will be alright. This reassurance often calmed my own worries.
Years later, after the birth of my daughter, Beverly Cleary’s work re-entered my life. I eagerly anticipated the moment I could share Ramona’s adventures with her. That moment finally arrived this past year. My five-year-old is now discovering the world of Ramona at a time when she’s been exposed to significant challenges and changes in our lives. She has witnessed her parents struggle and feel exhausted, but I hope she also understands that even imperfect parents love her deeply.
Thank you, Beverly Cleary, for introducing Ramona Quimby into my life. You helped me see that the imperfections we face are normal yet still significant in our emotional landscape. You conveyed this with a blend of humor, simplicity, and warmth. In a conversation from “Ramona and her Mother,” Mrs. Quimby reflects on how adults are not perfect. These lessons resonate with me as a mother, reminding me I can still learn from your books. It seems I’ll be back at the library soon.
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