Storyteller's Journey

Society's Secret Weapon

Much of April I was in bed battling pneumonia. In addition to reading and resting, I reflected a lot about why I write stories for children, and not adults. I love reading all sorts of books, including adult novels and memoirs. That being said, as a little girl, reading children's books had an immense impact on me; ultimately, it helped me set my own personal philosophy of life.

I believe children's books are society's secret weapon. 

When a child learns ideas about life at an early age, she begins to critically think for herself. She begins to have her own opinions. She begins to understand that the world is a place with different kinds of people - with different customs - all deserving love and kindness. 

I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say online, or even in person, "Oh, she (or he) just writes children's books." The implication being that children's literature is of lesser value than adult literature.

Here are a few quotes from award-winning authors:

"As great scientists have said and as all children know, it is above all by the imagination that we achieve perception, compassion, and hope." Ursula Le Guin

"A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.

C. S. Lewis

"Anyone who writes down to children is simply wasting his time. You have to write up, not down."

E. B. White

"Fairytales do not tell children that dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairytales tell children that dragons can be killed." G. K. Chesterton

"I don't want to write for adults. I want to write for readers who can perform miracles. Only children perform miracles when they read."

Astrid Lindgren

Encouraging children to read - whatever they choose - is the best way for a society to create a more compassionate, curious, and responsible generation for tomorrow. It will also create the kind of leaders our country so desperately needs.