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Children's literature as a literary aberration or at best…

“Children's literature as a literary aberration or at best a minor amusement is a notion held most strongly by people who read the fewest children's books. I think it was Ruth Hill Viguers who compared this attitude with asking a pediatrician when he's going to stop fooling around and get down to…” quote by Lloyd Alexander
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““Children's literature as a literary aberration or at best a minor amusement is a notion held most strongly by people who read the fewest children's books. I think it was Ruth Hill Viguers who compared this attitude with asking a pediatrician when he's going to stop fooling around and get down to the serious business of treating adults.””

Lloyd Alexander

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote challenges the belief that children's literature is trivial, arguing that those who dismiss it read the fewest children's books and equates the attitude to asking a pediatrician to stop treating children.

In simple terms: People who read few children's books think they're unimportant.

Key Takeaway

Read more children's books to appreciate their value.

Themes

literature prejudice reading habits value of children's books

Mood

reflective critical thoughtful

Type

analytical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • parents choosing books for kids
  • educators designing curricula
  • authors seeking validation
  • readers expanding horizons

Key Concepts

cultural bias literary merit educational impact

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we undervalue children's literature?
  • How does reading children's books broaden our perspective?
A Different Perspective

Some may argue that children's literature serves different purposes than adult literature.

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