Able Quote by Cressida Cowell
“Attention spans are changing. It's very noticeable. I am very aware that the kind of books I read in my childhood kids now won't be able to read. I was reading Kipling and PG Wodehouse and Shakespeare at the age of 11. The kind of description and detail I read I would not put in my books. I don't know how much you can fight that because you want children to read. So I pack in excitement and plot and illustrations and have a cliffhanger every chapter. Charles Dickens was doing cliffhangers way back when. But even with all the excitement you have to make children care about the characters.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Kids Book Talk, 2019
Children’s reading habits demand engaging, fast‑paced narratives; classic depth must be adapted for modern attention spans.
In simple terms: Modern kids need excitement and clear plot.
Key Takeaway
Blend excitement with character depth.
Themes
attention span
children’s literature
storytelling
engagement
Mood
thoughtful
optimistic
Type
practical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- school reading programs
- children’s book publishing
- author workshops
Key Concepts
narrative pacing
visual storytelling
character development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you keep depth while adding excitement?
- What visual elements best support young readers?
A Different Perspective
Over‑simplifying can reduce literary richness.
