Beverly Cleary turns 100 on April 12th. Since her first book, Henry Huggins, was published in 1950 over 91 million copies of her books have sold. It’s entirely possible then, that, like me, you read many stories involving Henry, Ramona Quimby and Ribsy, Henry’s dog.
Cleary grew up on NE 37th Street in Portland and she borrowed the names of nearby streets as settings for her fictional characters. Klickitat Street (“It reminded me of the sound of knitting needles.”) is where the Quimby family lived and Grant Park, just five blocks away, is where Henry dug up thousands of nightcrawlers to sell so he could buy a football.
I recently visited Grant Park to take in the Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden for Children. The park, honoring President U. S. Grant, is contiguous with the grounds of Grant High School, and is almost 20 acres in size. Additional features of the park include a large playground, dog park, athletic fields, walking paths, picnic facilities and tennis courts. The Sculpture Garden features three of Cleary’s characters: Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, and Ribsy. (Click on an image for a larger view.)
The life-sized bronze sculptures were created using vintage clothes on wax models to lend a realistic feel. The sculpture of Ramona is dressed in raincoat and boots, with a joyous expression.
Granite tiles placed around the sculptures are inscribed with quotes from Cleary’s most famous books.
Henry sports a winning smile and an apple in his pocket.
And Ribsy has a shiny back and ear tips from the many children who have played on him since the Garden’s 1995 dedication.
While I visited the park another couple was there taking pictures of the sculptures. We chatted about our love of Cleary’s books. The husband, I’d say in his late 30’s, boasted his love for the books because “They taught me to read and to love reading!” That was, of course, Cleary’s goal.
In honor of Cleary’s contributions, April has been Drop Everything And Read month for many years. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a book and settle down!
So enjoyed reading this, Franki! I read these books to my children, and remember them well!
They are timeless books. And at 100 Beverly also seems timeless!
I read all of her books growing up and couldn’t wait to introduce them to Bird! Bird has read just about all of her books now, and we were just talking about BC’s 100th this am on the way to school! Can’t wait to tell her about your post. Don’t forget Runaway Ralph!
Why doesn’t this surprise me? We have so many connections!
What a great post, Franki. Thanks for sharing a little more about your new home town.
Thanks! It’s so fun to find these treasures.