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As a young reader, I devoured books with an insatiable appetite. Every week, my father and I would visit the library after dinner, where I would spend hours selecting a stack of over ten books to tide me over until our next visit. I explored countless classics—Nancy Drew, the Boxcar Children, Roald Dahl’s imaginative tales, and the Baby-Sitters Club series. Yet, three decades later, one character remains etched in my memory: Ramona Quimby.
I eagerly read all of Beverly Cleary’s works and enjoyed the camaraderie between Ellen and Austine and the adventures of Henry Huggins. However, it was the Ramona series that truly captivated me. I read each book multiple times, and when I stumbled upon the television series on video at the library, I checked it out repeatedly.
The concept of “payday”—the day Ramona’s father would bring home a small treat after getting paid—struck a chord with me. I insisted my dad do the same thing. Although he offered me a dollar, I explained that the treat needed to be a tangible item he had thoughtfully chosen for me. I wanted to experience the same thrill and anticipation that Ramona felt. I instinctively understood that for Ramona, even a modest gift symbolized her father’s love. It’s no surprise that my love language revolves around receiving gifts.
The narratives within the Ramona books didn’t feature fantastical creatures or whimsical adventures; they portrayed a girl navigating her everyday life. She experienced genuine emotions, and her story was set against a backdrop of authenticity. Beverly Cleary seamlessly integrated real-life issues like financial strain, parental conflicts, and feelings of inadequacy—topics often overlooked in other children’s literature. They resonated with me, reflecting my own experiences.
Ramona’s encounters with shame for not having the right costume or her envy while watching a neighbor enjoy dinner while she waited, hungry, for her parents hit home. Her desire to contribute to her family’s well-being when her father’s job was in jeopardy mirrored my own feelings. Beverly Cleary understood that children observe their parents and their surroundings closely, and these observations give rise to deep emotions that can feel overwhelming.
Through Ramona, I learned that misbehavior isn’t a sign of being “bad” but rather a response to the weighty feelings children sometimes carry. Beverly Cleary reassured us that it was normal to feel worried and uncomfortable, and that love and security from parents do exist, even amidst chaos. That comfort often soothed my fears.
Years later, I was excited to reintroduce Ramona to my daughter after her birth. This past year, I got to share Ramona’s world with my five-year-old. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as she has witnessed some of the toughest challenges in our lives, including our worries and fatigue. But I hope she sees that even imperfect parents are filled with love for her.
Thank you, Beverly Cleary, for bringing Ramona Quimby into my life. You helped me acknowledge that life’s imperfections are typical, yet they carry significance. You conveyed these truths with warmth and humor. Reflecting on a conversation from “Ramona and Her Mother,” it’s clear that I can still learn from your books now as a mother.
“Haven’t you noticed grown-ups aren’t perfect?” asked Mrs. Quimby. “Especially when they are tired.”
“Then how come you expect us kids to be so perfect all the time?” demanded Ramona.
“Good question,” said Mrs. Quimby. “I’ll have to think of an answer.”
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In summary, Ramona Quimby remains a significant figure in my life due to her genuine representation of childhood experiences and emotions. Her story provides comfort and understanding that resonates across generations, reminding us that love and security are always within reach, even during tough times.