Beloved children's book author Beverly Cleary has passed away. Harper Collins Publishers says the "Ramona Quimby" writer died Thursday in Carmel, California at the age of 104 with no cause of death was given. Her first book, "Henry Huggins," was based on the children of her childhood of Portland, Oregon and was published in 1950. Dozens more books followed, captivating audiences for decades. Cleary's books have sold more than 85-million copies and been translated into nearly 30 languages. She spent time as a children's librarian before pursuing writing in her early 30s.
Harper Collins' president and publisher of children's books Suzanne Murphy released a statement: “We are saddened by the passing of Beverly Cleary, one of the most beloved children’s authors of all time. Looking back, she’d often say, ‘I’ve had a lucky life,’ and generations of children count themselves lucky too — lucky to have the very real characters Beverly Cleary created, including Henry Huggins, Ramona and Beezus Quimby, and Ralph S. Mouse, as true friends who helped shape their growing-up years."