beverly atlee cleary (née bunn; april 12, 1916march 25, 2021) was an american children's writer. she was the author of over 80 books for young adults and children. her characters are normal children facing challenges of growing up, and her stories are filled with humour. some of her best known and loved characters are ramona quimby and her sister beatrice ("beezus"), henry huggins, ralph s. mouse, and ribsy.