As a young reader, I eagerly devoured books each week with my father. Our trips to the library were a cherished routine, where I would select over ten books to tide me over until our next visit. I explored many beloved series—Nancy Drew, the Boxcar Children, Roald Dahl, and the Baby-Sitters Club—but one character has remained etched in my memory for over 30 years: Ramona Quimby.
I read every book written by Beverly Cleary, immersing myself in the adventures of Ellen and Austine as well as learning about paper routes with Henry Huggins. Yet, it was the Ramona series that truly captured my heart. I read each installment multiple times and even borrowed the TV series from the library repeatedly.
One memorable moment was discovering “payday,” the day Ramona’s father brought home a special treat after getting his paycheck. I wanted my dad to do the same, insisting that it should be a small item chosen especially for me. I longed to experience the same joy and excitement that Ramona felt. I recognized that, for her, the treat, though inexpensive, symbolized her father’s love. It’s no surprise that my love language is receiving gifts.
The Ramona books didn’t feature magical creatures or epic quests. Instead, they portrayed a girl navigating her everyday life, filled with emotions relatable to real children. Beverly Cleary skillfully wove in themes of financial worries, parental conflicts, and feelings of inadequacy, addressing issues that still resonate even today. Ramona experienced genuine emotions, like the embarrassment of wearing pajamas instead of a costume, or the jealousy of seeing her neighbor eat dinner while she waited. These feelings mirrored my own childhood experiences.
Cleary understood that children notice the weight of their parents’ struggles, and Ramona’s actions often stemmed from these observations. Her misbehavior was not due to being “bad” but a natural response to the pressures children feel. Through Ramona, we learned that feeling anxious or out of place is a normal part of growing up. When Ramona eventually discovers her parents’ love and reassurance, it reminds us that everything will be alright. This comforting message has been a source of solace for me on many occasions.
Years later, after the birth of my daughter, Beverly Cleary’s work came rushing back into my life. I eagerly anticipated introducing Ramona to her. Recently, my five-year-old has begun to explore Ramona’s world, which feels especially relevant as she grapples with the changes and challenges in our lives. She’s witnessed her parents’ worries and exhaustion, but I hope she also sees the immense love we have for her, imperfections and all.
Thank you, Beverly Cleary, for bringing Ramona into my life. You illuminated the ordinary imperfections of life with warmth and humor, showing that they hold significance. As a mother now, I find wisdom in your stories, reminding me that we all navigate our imperfections. After all, “Haven’t you noticed grown-ups aren’t perfect?” Mrs. Quimby asks. “Especially when they are tired.” It’s a good question for both kids and parents alike.
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In summary, Ramona Quimby has been an essential character in my life, representing the everyday challenges of childhood. Through her experiences, I learned about love, anxiety, and the importance of embracing our imperfections. Now, sharing these lessons with my daughter continues the legacy of Ramona.
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