Beverly Cleary Author Study: Ellen Tebbits

 Illustrations by Louis Darling, though my copy has a revised cover.

I liked Ellen Tebbits as a kid because she seemed like a mix of who I was and who I wanted to be. The descriptions of girls in her class are spot on, and I could relate a lot to the way those friendships were portrayed. Also, the way she let her lie about horseback riding grow out of control was so realistic; I’m sure something like that has happened to everyone.

I like this book, but admit I’m biased (as a kid and now as an adult) towards Henry and his crew, so it has a different feel for me. I can’t pinpoint why, but it’s still a light-hearted book to read.

Beverly Cleary Author Study: Henry Huggins

Illustrations by Louis Darling.

I remembered a lot of this book from reading it as a kid - especially the nightcrawlers chapter. (Side note: I also vividly remembered the worm part in Judy Blume’s Superfudge - am I a secret worm fanatic?) Some sections I wouldn’t have remembered off the top of my head, but when I read them, they came flooding back, like how Henry initially got Ribsy, and how they competed in the dog show.

Trying to separate my feel-good memories from this book, I think it’s still a solid chapter book for kids. I’m eager for my son to read it. I think there are interesting storylines, but they’re realistic enough that they can be engaging for all kids. I’m not dissing science fiction or magical elements, but not all kids are into that so I appreciate realistic fiction like this being available.