Just Like Beverly is a charming and perceptive picture book biography that introduces young readers to the inspiring life of beloved author Beverly Cleary. Vicki Conrad sensitively tells Cleary’s story, from her struggles as a reluctant reader and the many challenges she faced in school to her eventual triumph as a beloved author, making a landmark contribution to library shelves everywhere with books that reflected the real lives of children.
One of the book’s strengths is its rich and engaging narrative, which offers more detail and complexity than many other picture book biographies. While this may make it less suited for the very youngest readers, elementary school children will find Cleary’s journey both relatable and inspiring. David Hohn’s sweet illustrations beautifully complement the text, bringing Cleary’s world to life with warmth and nostalgia.
As an adult reader, I found this book utterly compelling. I was especially struck by Conrad’s remark that, even as a young girl, Cleary had already envisioned where her stories would belong on library shelves. This book is a valuable addition to any living books library—whether in a school, a private lending collection, or a home library seeking to foster a love of reading and storytelling.
