“A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” ― C.S. Lewis
I may be biased since C.S. Lewis is one of my favorite authors, but when it comes to children’s books, no truer words have been spoken. I believe that if there is one thing children’s books authors should always remember, it is this quote.
While the children’s book market is shifting, with sales numbers going up and down, the market is still strong. Factors such as reading an eBook instead of a paperback, parents choosing a personalised children’s book instead of a mass-published one, and preferring hardcovers bought in brick-and-mortar bookstores all come together to continue boosting the children’s book industry.
At the end of the day, children’s books are here to stay. They have stories to tell, lessons to teach, and adventures to be enjoyed.
If you’re a children’s book author – or you want to be one – don’t be discouraged. There are people out there waiting for your book, and even if it’s you have an impact on only a handful of readers, that would be worth your while, wouldn’t it?
And, even if you’re not a children’s book author, there are some things you can learn from children’s books. After all, these books do bring out childlike qualities in all of us.
You may not have read all the good children’s books out there, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pick up a gem or two of wisdom from some of the most loved stories. Adult and children alike are affected in countless positive ways by these stories.
Whether you need some inspiration for your story, or you simply need a boost, here are some quotes for children’s books that will perk you up, make you think, and maybe encourage you to read those which you haven’t.
1. “One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.” – The Little Prince
2. “But all the magic I’ve known, I’ve had to make myself.” – Where the Sidewalk Ends
3. “The greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.” – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
4. “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” – Horton Hears a Who
5. “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” – Alice in Wonderland
6. “I don’t understand it any more than you do, but one thing I’ve learned is that you don’t have to understand things for them to be.” – A Wrinkle in Time
7. “When someone is crying, of course, the noble thing to do is to comfort them. But if someone is trying to hide their tears, it may also be noble to pretend you do not notice them.” – A Series of Unfortunate Events
8. “You’re mad, bonkers, completely off your head. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.” – Alice in Wonderland
9. “Courage, dear heart.” – Voyage of the Dawn Treader
10. “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.” – Peter Pan
11. “Keep all your promises, don’t take what doesn’t belong to you, and always look after those less fortunate than yourself, and you’ll do well in the world.” – The Dragon of Lonely Island
12. “Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.” – Where the Sidewalk Ends
Which of these quotes resonate most with you? Do you have any other quotes from children’s books that you want to share?
Leave a Reply