From: Dorian Chong <dchong>
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000 11:17:55 -0700 (PDT)

I do not recall reading any Beverly Cleary as a child, but when I read my first Ramona book as an adult I was enchanted. I wished that I had
"known" Ramona when I was a child. As an adult reader, I was especially struck by how credible the Ramona character is and how compelling the books are in spite of the ordinariness of the everyday life they portray. The language Cleary uses is integral to the character of Ramona and her stories. It is child-friendly and casual; it rings true as the language of a child. Cleary strikes a humorous tone and she obviously feels affection for Ramona and the cast of characters. She successfully creates a sense of wonder about ordinary, everyday life.

Beverly Cleary is in a select group of authors whose books are both popular with children and receive critical acclaim. Two of the Ramona books (RAMONA QUIMBY, AGE 8 and RAMONA AND HER FATHER) have been selected (by children) in the Children's Choices survey and also have won a Newbery Honor. It is relatively uncommon to achieve such a high level of success with kids and also receive critical acclaim. (Why is that? - but that is another topic) Cleary has done so and made it look easy.

Dorian Chong dchong at wahoo.sjsu.edu
Received on Thu 10 Aug 2000 01:17:55 PM CDT