The Lines We Remember
I love a good quote. The power of a well-stated thought can offer inspiration, joy, encouragement, and comfort. A good quote is poetry, summing up a thought in a lyrical or startling way. This month I simply want to share with you some of my favorite quotes from children’s literature.
“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 by Shel Silverstein (HarperCollins; 30 Anniversary edition, 2004)
"The tale is often wiser than the teller." In Shadow Spinner, a young girl befriends a storyteller who must enchant the Sultan each night with a story in order to stay alive.
Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher (Aladdin Paperbacks, 1999)
“Today you are You, that is truer than true.There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
I think every child (and maybe every adult!) should receive a copy of this book on his birthday. After all, who wouldn’t want a party like the one described by Seuss!
Happy Birthday to You by Dr. Seuss (Random House, 1959)
"You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes." Children and parents have loved the stories about Winnie and his friends for a long time. Winnie’s wise, gentle advice is good for all ages.
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne (Dutton Juvenile; 80 edition, 2006)
“She was a girl who could not wait. Life was so interesting she had to find out what happened next.” Ramona Quimby is one of my favorite people. Full of spunk and curiosity, she is as close to being a real kid as any character you’ll meet.
Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary (HarperTrophy, 2006)
"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." Dumbledore gets right to the heart of the theme that runs through the Harry Potter series.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling (Arthur A. Levine Books (June 2, 1999)
“One winter morning he looked out of his window as he was dressing. He did not hate the Winter now, for he knew that it was merely the Spring asleep, and that the flowers were resting.” A selfish giant learns about the power of love and friendship in this Wilde classic. Originally published in 1888, this beautifully illustrated version introduces the story to a new generation of children.
The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde (Derrydale, 2001)
"You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you because I liked you." This children’s classic from 1952 is still a favorite of children today.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White (HarperCollins, 2001)
"So please, oh PLEASE, we beg, we pray, Go throw your TV set away,
And in its place you can install,
A lovely bookshelf on the wall."
Well, now that’s just a fine piece of advice!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (Puffin; Reprint edition, 2007)
