Beverly Cleary

I haven't been very enthusiastic about the commercialization of children's literature. Kids should borrow books from the library and not necessarily be buying them.

Over the years, I have been approached about making Ramona into a cartoon or movie, but I was afraid that no one could really capture the spunky character of Ramona.

I particularly enjoy cello music because our daughter plays the cello. I have listened to her practice for so many hours that I am familiar with the music written for that instrument. I am also fond of the popular music of the 1930s because my future husband and I danced to it so many Saturday nights when we were in college.

I like to read, walk, cook, and travel to cities. We live in the country, so we miss museums and the bustle of city life.

I think adults sometimes don't think about how children are feeling about the adult problems.

I longed for funny stories about the sort of children who lived in my neighborhood.