Adults Quote by Daniel Handler
“I'm always loath to make generalizations about what is for children and what isn't. Certainly children's literature as a genre has some restrictions, so certain things will never pop up in a Snicket book. But I didn't know anything about writing for children when I started - this is the theme of naïveté creeping up on us once more - and I sort of still don't, and I'm happy that adults are reading them as well as children.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2015
He expresses uncertainty about children's literature boundaries, noting adult readers also enjoy them.
In simple terms: Unclear limits of kids books, adults read them too.
Key Takeaway
Accept ambiguity and explore diverse audiences.
Themes
literature
audience
genre
uncertainty
adult readership
Mood
curious
reflective
Type
observational
analytical
When to use this quote
- writing children's books
- marketing to adults
- library curation
- school curricula
- parental guidance
Key Concepts
children's literature
genre conventions
authorial intent
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide what is appropriate for different ages?
- What benefits arise when adults read children's books?
A Different Perspective
Children's books can also teach adults, blurring strict age divisions.
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
