With twins, reading aloud to them was the only chance I could get to sit down. I read them picture books until they were reading on their own.

In this quote, Beverly Cleary reflects on the experience of raising her twins and the importance of reading aloud to them. She humorously notes that reading was the only time she could sit down and take a break. The act of reading aloud to her children not only allowed her to bond with them but also played a crucial role in their literacy development. By reading them picture books, she helped them develop the skills to eventually read on their own.

The meaning behind the quote highlights the role of literacy in parenting and the value of spending quality time with children through reading. Cleary emphasizes that even simple, everyday moments—like reading together—can have a lasting impact on a child's education and growth. Her statement also reflects the joy and reward of seeing her children develop the independence to read on their own.

The origin of this quote likely stems from Cleary's experience as a mother and an author, known for her beloved children's books, including the Ramona series. As an advocate for reading and education, Cleary deeply understood the importance of introducing children to books and stories at a young age. Her personal experience as a mother influenced much of her writing and her philosophy about raising children in an environment rich in literature.

Ultimately, Cleary’s words speak to the significance of reading in a child's development and the valuable time spent with them in those formative years. The quote also reflects the joy of parenthood and how seemingly small moments—like reading aloud—can lay the foundation for a lifetime love of learning.