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 feel sometimes that in children's books there are more and more grim problems, but...

I feel sometimes that in children's books there are more and more grim problems, but...

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 enjoy writing for third and fourth graders most of all.

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

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...

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

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

Children want to do what grownups do.

Children want to do what grownups do.

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

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

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 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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

Otis was inspired by a boy who sat across the aisle from me in sixth...

Otis was inspired by a boy who sat across the aisle from me in sixth...

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.

Writers are good at plucking out what they need here and there.

Writers are good at plucking out what they need here and there.

I grew up before there were strict leash laws.

I grew up before there were strict leash laws.

I read my books aloud before they were published.

I read my books aloud before they were published.