Quite often somebody will say, What year do your books take place? and the only answer I can give is, In childhood.

Quote by Beverly Cleary

Topics: Beverly Cleary Quotes

I enjoy writing for third and fourth graders most of all.

I enjoy writing for third and fourth graders most of all.

I was an only child; I didn't have a sister, or sisters.

I was an only child; I didn't have a sister, or sisters.

People are inclined to say that I am Ramona. I'm not sure that's true, but...

People are inclined to say that I am Ramona. I'm not sure that's true, but...

People are usually surprised to hear this, but I don't really read children's books.

People are usually surprised to hear this, but I don't really read children's books.

Children want to do what grownups do.

Children want to do what grownups do.

Children should learn that reading is pleasure, not just something that teachers make you do...

Children should learn that reading is pleasure, not just something that teachers make you do...

I read my books aloud before they were published.

I read my books aloud before they were published.

I don't necessarily start with the beginning of the book. I just start with the...

I don't necessarily start with the beginning of the book. I just start with the...

I had a very wise mother. She always kept books that were my grade level...

I had a very wise mother. She always kept books that were my grade level...

My mother would read aloud to my father and me in the evening. She read...

My mother would read aloud to my father and me in the evening. She read...

I don't think children's inner feelings have changed. They still want a mother and father...

I don't think children's inner feelings have changed. They still want a mother and father...

With twins, reading aloud to them was the only chance I could get to sit...

With twins, reading aloud to them was the only chance I could get to sit...

We didn't have television in those days, and many people didn't even have radios. My...

We didn't have television in those days, and many people didn't even have radios. My...

I was a very observant child. The boys in my books are based on boys...

I was a very observant child. The boys in my books are based on boys...

I was a great reader of fairy tales. I tried to read the entire fairy...

I was a great reader of fairy tales. I tried to read the entire fairy...

I was a librarian.

I was a librarian.

One rainy Sunday when I was in the third grade, I picked up a book...

One rainy Sunday when I was in the third grade, I picked up a book...

I wanted to be a ballerina. I changed my mind.

I wanted to be a ballerina. I changed my mind.

What interests me is what children go through while growing up.

What interests me is what children go through while growing up.

I grew up before there were strict leash laws.

I grew up before there were strict leash laws.