Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Grownups Never Understand Anything By Themselves



What the Dormouse Said: Lessons for Grown-ups from Children’s Books

– collected by Amy Gash



Hopefully you love it already, just from the title. Curious? Good.

This charming book is full of wise snippets from classics like Little House on the Prairie, Sounder, Winnie the Pooh, and Charlotte’s Web. The back cover describes it as, “Wisdom and Whimsy from Harry Potter to Beatrix Potter.”

My favorite bit of praise for this little gem came from the "Colorado Springs Independent":

“The perfect gift for your sister, your mother, your brother, your nephew, your kid’s teacher, your daughter away at college, your son in the Navy, your mailman, your priest, for the old lady next door or for the baby just born. Most importantly, give it to yourself. It will help you remember why you loved reading in the first place.”

Amy Gash has collected and organized children's book quotations dealing with everything from faith and courage to character and individuality, from love and friendship to family woes. As writers of children’s literature, we can all benefit from what is to be found within its pages. I highly recommend it as a book every writer should own.

“Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.” ~ The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, 1943

What grown-up lessons have you learned from children's books?

15 comments:

Tere Kirkland said...

Great post!

I've learned that my imagination is the most powerful tool I have.

Thanks, Max and Maurice. ;)

And I love, love, love The Little Prince to this day.

L. T. Host said...

I totally want this now.

Great, another book to buy... :)

Stephanie Thornton said...

Sounds like a great book! I know I learn a lot from my daughter- having all of society's norms stripped away can be refreshing!

BK Mattingly said...

Oooo, this looks good. Adding to my long list of books to get for Christmas :)

Sara {Rhapsody and Chaos} said...

That is SO cool! I will definitely be purchasing it as a Christmas gift... FOR ME :-)

Sara {Rhapsody and Chaos} said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kelly H-Y said...

Thank you, thank you for the heads-up! It sounds wonderful!

BK Mattingly said...

Also, I've learned to never give up on my dreams and always fight evil. Thank you Harry Potter and The Little Engine That Could. ha ha forgot to learn that...and also, I have an award for you at my blog!

Shannon O'Donnell said...

I'm so glad you're all interested in the book. It's a fun little treasure - I love mine! :)

Bethany - thanks so much for the award. I love your blog, too! :)

Roxane B. Salonen said...

K.I.S.S. Keep it simple, silly. Sometimes I make things WAY too complicated. Children, and children's books, help remind me of what's important and how to cut to the chase of it. This sounds like a great title! What a fabulous idea. Wish I'd thought of it! :)

storyqueen said...

I adore this book. There are a few quote in there about how important a good story is that bring tears to my eyes.

Shelley

Hardygirl said...

I need this one. It looks wonderful!

sf

Jemi Fraser said...

This book is going on my Christmas wishlist!

Books have taught me everything important in life: empathy, sympathy, love, laughter, imagination and a healthy dose of fear :)

Shannon O'Donnell said...

Roxanne - great lesson, Roxanne, and something we should all try to remember more often.

storyqueen - I feel the same way. Each time I read it, something new touches my heart.

Hardygirl - definitely - make sure you get it for yourself. ;)

Jemi - great list of lessons. I love that you included "a healthy dose of fear". That is so true!

Catherine Denton said...

That looks delicious!

Lesson that I've learned (and am still learning): Don't overlook anything. The world is beautiful down to the smallest detail.

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