This Thursday, April 12, is D.E.A.R. Day (Drop Everything And Read Day)!  The date is the birthday of beloved children's author Beverly Cleary, whose most famous creation, Ramona Quimby, is the event's official fictious spokesperson.  It's an occasion to drop everything, grab a favorite children's book and read it as a family.  And if all goes well --if the adventures of Ralph S. Mouse don't prove too exciting for delicate adult temperaments; if mom and dad can handle hearing about Henry Huggins' travails-- then feel free to celebrate D.E.A.R. Day as often as you like.  Ramona would approve!

Begin your reading adventure with one of Beverly Cleary's classics: