ORIGINS OF STORY: On Writing for Children

by Barbara Harrison, Gregory Maguire, Erik Blegvad (Illustrator)

Presents a collection of 16 essays by children's book writers and artists originally presented at lectures sponsored by Children's Literature New England

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1999

Reviews

[Stephanie Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those amazing books that you read—and have a LIFE-CHANGING moment occur: for me, it was 1999, and newly married I was ever eager to begin my life in all ways, armed with a BA in English (ah, one of those anything-goes degrees) I happened upon this little book on the upper east side of Manhattan where my husband and I had just secured a cute pied a terre. Three hours later—I knew: I was going to be a children's author. "Story is as new for children, as experience itself," - just one terrific quote from this magical tome, seventeen children's authors tell their stories, their memories of childhood and their passion for making morals fun. Just a treasure trove of wondrous stuff - connecting all that is magic with all that is in between the pages of a children's book! 15 stars!

[veverzay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty inspirational stuff
Especially liked Madeleine L’Engle’s chapter
Would recommend to writers and parents

[C.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incomparable goldmine of storyteller's telling tales on themselves, of themselves, and of the stories they tell. Each author is a luminary in his or her own right, with wisdom, wit, and mystery to impart. The essays are wonderful reading, entertaining reading, and marvellous reading, and worth every second spent. I especially loved Creech, and Sendak, and Pat O'Shea, who truly tips the dreams out of her head, her childhood, and the eerie, buoyant and poignant Irish folklore into a short but sticking piece of food for wondering.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edited by Harrison and Gregory Maguire (yes, the 'Wicked" guy), this is a volume of essays by notable children's writers such as Sharon Creech, Maurice Sendak, Susan Cooper, Madeline L'Engle, and Katherine Patterson (the current Library of Congress National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.

As I experience and struggle with my own attempts at writing for children (young people) it is extremely heartening to read about the thoughts and artistic process of these accessible luminaries.

[Shelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This may deserve a higher rating, but I just couldn't get through it. I wound up closing it after the second chapter and never opening it again.