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

- Beverly Cleary

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

- Beverly Cleary

I am not a pest," Ramona Quimby told her big sister Beezus.

- Beverly Cleary

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

- Beverly Cleary

I read my books aloud before they were published.

- Beverly Cleary

Didn't the people who made those license plates care about little girls named Ramona?

- Beverly Cleary

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

- Beverly Cleary

If she can't spell, why is she a librarian? Librarians should know how to spell.

- Beverly Cleary

With twins, reading aloud to them was the only chance I could get to sit down. I read them picture books until they were reading on their own.

- Beverly Cleary