Buzz
While titles like Henry Huggins, Ramona Quimby, and The Mouse and the Motorcycle are widely recognized, have you explored Otis Spofford or Leigh Botts? With over 30 children's books to her name, Beverly Cleary's collection includes some lesser-known yet equally charming works.
1. ELLEN TEBBITS (1951)
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In Cleary’s second novel, 8-year-old Ellen Tebbits forms a close bond with Austine after realizing they both wear woolen underwear. Their friendship blossoms but faces a challenge due to a misunderstanding orchestrated by their mischievous classmate, Otis Spofford. This story offers a poignant exploration of the joys and struggles of young friendships. Cleary later expanded on Otis's character in the sequel, Otis Spofford.
2. MITCH AND AMY (1967)
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Inspired by her own children, Malcolm and Marianne, Cleary crafted the tale of twins Mitch and Amy. While Amy excels in reading and Mitch in math, their differences often lead to arguments. However, they unite when a bully targets them both, showcasing the enduring bond between siblings despite their disagreements.
3. FIFTEEN (1956)
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Jane Purdy, a seemingly average high school sophomore, finds her life transformed when Stan Crandall, a charming and popular boy, asks her out. Cleary masterfully captures the emotional journey of a teenager navigating first love with her signature observational style. This theme continued in her other teen-focused novels: The Luckiest Girl
4. LEAVE IT TO BEAVER (1960)
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Cleary received an unexpected call from a TV executive who wanted her to adapt Leave It To Beaver into books as tie-ins for the TV series. Despite finding the task tedious, she authored three books: Leave It To Beaver, Here’s Beaver, and Beaver and Wally.
5. DEAR MR. HENSHAW (1983)
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This Newbery Medal-winning book follows sixth-grader Leigh Botts as he writes letters to his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw. Through his correspondence and later a diary, Leigh expresses his struggles with being the new kid, dealing with lunch theft, and coping with his parents' divorce. The story continues in its sequel, Strider.
6. TWO TIMES THE FUN (2005)
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Cleary also ventured into writing picture books for younger audiences, including stories about twins Jimmy and Janet. This collection combines four of her picture books into one volume: The Real Hole, Two Dog Biscuits, The Growing-Up Feet, and Janet's Thingamajigs.
7. EMILY'S RUNAWAY IMAGINATION (1961)
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Cleary’s sole historical fiction work, this book follows Emily, a girl living in early 20th-century rural Oregon. Her vivid imagination leads to hilarious mishaps, such as intoxicating pigs with rotten apples, bleaching a horse, and convincing herself she’s seen a ghost. She also plays a key role in establishing a public library in her town.
8. MUGGIE MAGGIE (1990)
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Cleary crafted a delightful tale centered around cursive writing. When Maggie’s teacher mocks her handwriting as “Muggie,” she resolves to avoid learning cursive. However, after being chosen as the class mail messenger, she’s tasked with delivering notes she can’t read—written in cursive. To uncover their contents, Maggie realizes she must finally master the handwriting style she once dreaded.
9. SOCKS (1973)
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Following her success with Ribsy, a story about Henry Huggins' dog, Cleary penned Socks, narrated from the perspective of a tabby cat owned by Bill and Marilyn Bricker. When the couple welcomes a baby, Socks struggles to adjust but eventually learns that the Brickers still care for him and that the new family member isn’t so bad after all.
10. A GIRL FROM YAMHILL (1988)
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Cleary’s memoir, A Girl From Yamhill, recounts her early years in Oregon during Prohibition and the Great Depression. It delves into her life on a farm, academic challenges, and a strained relationship with her mother. She later continued her story in the sequel, My Own Two Feet, which chronicles her journey from college to marriage and her eventual rise as a published author.
