Beverly Cleary has written 34 children's books.

For seven years, children _ and some adults, too _ have enjoyed the Newbery award-winning book, Dear Mr. Henshaw.

Finally, author Beverly Cleary has written a long-awaited sequel. Strider is available at local bookstores and continues the tale of Leigh Botts and his trucker dad.

Like Dear Mr. Henshaw, it is written almost entirely in diary form. Two new relationships are added _ one with the title character, a dog, and the other with one of Leigh's female classmates. It is sure to be a hit, for its predecessor continues to be very popular and is considered a children's classic.

Cleary is one of children's literature's most prolific authors. In a career stretching over 42 years, she has written 34 books and has been published in approximately 10 countries. Most children are familiar with her Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins series, about plucky young children who get into all sorts of scrapes but always manage to end up on top. These books are written for kids 7 to 12 years old because they can relate to the main characters.

If you think Cleary's books are only for younger kids, think again. Older kids or young teens will absolutely love the books Fifteen, (1956), The Luckiest Girl (1958), Sister of the Bride (1963) and Jean and Johnny (1959).

Although the books were written decades ago, their themes _ dating, school and friendship _ are universal. Another wonderful series is the Ralph S. Mouse books. Ralph S. Mouse, Runaway Ralph and The Mouse and the Motorcycle are about a lively mouse and his misadventures as he roars around on a mouse-size motorcycle. Because of its humor and action, children 8 to 13 years old will probably like these books. Younger children should try reading Socks, about the adventures of a cat.

Ten- to 13-year-old girls will like Cleary's Mitch and Amy, about a girl who has to put up with her rowdy brother, as they will like Ellen Tebbits, a humorous book about school, friendship and ballet lessons. Boys of the same age will probably like the sequel, Otis Spofford.

Older children and adults should check out Cleary's recent autobiography, A Girl From Yamhill, if they like her books and want to learn more about the author.

What is obvious about Cleary is that she is observant and not so far removed from her childhood experiences that they are forgotten. She writes as if she is in Ramona's head and thoughts. All of her characters are realistic and could be the kids next door.

If you haven't discovered Beverly Cleary, then you've missed out on a great treat. Find her!