Skip to content

If I write a book I do it mostly for myself for the child…

“If I write a book I do it mostly for myself for the child in me and for the adult in me. The criterion for my children’s books is: If I were a child would I like it That’s very egotistical but it’s the same thing with my books for adults. I wouldn’t do a book if I didn’t want to partake and share…” quote by Tomi Ungerer
Download Open image
““If I write a book I do it mostly for myself for the child in me and for the adult in me. The criterion for my children’s books is: If I were a child would I like it That’s very egotistical but it’s the same thing with my books for adults. I wouldn’t do a book if I didn’t want to partake and share. With a book I can do both: I give and I share.””

Tomi Ungerer

About This Quote

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

Write for both childlike wonder and adult insight; test appeal with personal imagination.

In simple terms: Write for child and adult selves.

Key Takeaway

Create with dual audience in mind.

Themes

imagination audience purpose

Mood

reflective creative

Type

literary inspirational

When to use this quote

  • author workshops
  • writing retreats
  • self‑reflection

Key Concepts

childhood wonder adult perspective authenticity

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you feel tension between child and adult tones?
  • How do you decide what to share?
A Different Perspective

Balancing two audiences can dilute focus.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Tomi Ungerer

Explore all 5 Tomi Ungerer quotes

More Book quotes

Browse all 29,378 Book quotes