Nathaniel Philbrick Quotes

Writing, for me, really started in the '70s as a young child. I used to read a lot of nursery rhymes, and I learned a lot of those rhymes word for word.

One of the first serious attempts I made to write a novel was when I was in Grade 6 and I had read 'Matilda.' I wrote my own version and my teacher had it bound and permitted me to read it to the class - cementing my love of reading, writing and Roald Dahl!

I always loved strange stories like the Dr. Seuss stuff. 'Go, Dog. Go!' was one of my favorite stories - it still is. It's just such a bizarre yet true book. And I did well reading and writing as a kid throughout school. I think early on that's what made me realize what an advantage that is.

I do not remember any proper children's books in my childhood. I was not exposed to them.

You might want to write 'War and Peace,' but that might not be who you are. You might be better off with nursery rhymes.

When I was 14 years old, I was crazy about Dr. Seuss. I loved the words he made up, and I just thought, 'Well, if he can make up words, then I can make up words.'

I was taking my first uncertain steps towards writing for children when my own were young. Reading aloud to them taught me a great deal when I had a great deal to learn. It taught me elementary things about rhythm and pace, the necessary musicality of text.

Once upon a time, I sat in my mother's lap as she turned the pages of Golden Books, and I gradually learned to read.

Most of the books I remember from my childhood were Dr. Seuss-type books. They were fun to read, but there wasn't a real story behind them.

I remember reading Dr. Seuss books, and he's rhyming so many words together and I just loved the way it sounded. It became a challenge for me, to put words together that nobody would ever think about putting together.

Experts in literacy and child development have discovered that if children know eight nursery rhymes by heart by the time they’re four years old, they’re usually among the best readers by the time they’re eight.

Okay, this is a secret, but I think that nursery rhymes are the most relaxing and fun songs.

When I was growing up, Dr. Seuss was really my favorite. There was something about the lyrical nature and the simplicity of his work that really hit me.

I think picture books should stretch children. I think they should be full of wonderful, amazing words.

Inspiring passion in children for books, and the world of imagination and creativity fuelled by them, is a fundamental reason for why the Children's Laureate post exists.

I always imagine that if I met Dr. Seuss, he would be very similar to Crispin Glover.

I did have a child, and I was reading a lot of picture books to her, but at the same time writing a children's book was something that I'd been wanting to do for many years, pretty much since the start of my career.

Making reading an enjoyable activity for children is a challenge. So I ensure that I write in a way that is fun for children to read.

I teach for the Book Trust, which promotes reading and writing with children.

I'm a voice for children's books and children's reading.

As a father, I understand the importance of the bond that develops through reading picture books with your child.

I want to write a book of poetry, as well as children's stories.

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.

If one can judge from the letters that I receive, it would seem that there are many thousands of children who would like me to speak or to read to them.

Writing for young children I find I often use particular jokes with words and exaggerated, funny events, but some of these haunt the more complex stories for older children too.