Children's literature is not about ensuring that a child understands all that's happening below the surface of a story. Even though the child may not be able to define or verbalize it, they sense there's something more than meets the eye. They're aware of a richness of texture, or meaning and emotion -- a richness that, in a great book, is inexhaustible.
Children's literature is to be held to a higher standard than other literature for the same reason that we take extra care with children's food.
Children's literature is at its best when it's exploring issues beyond what children understand. Just as a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, so too should a child’s.
Children's literature is bringing a child news of the infinitely varied nature of life.
Children's literature is at its best when it appeals not only to the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
Children's literature is often violent, but the normal child can handle it. It is the adults that can't. Alice in Wonderland should not be allowed to circulate indiscriminately among adults who are undergoing analysis.
Children's literature has a simple single-word formula for excellence; namely, imagination. Imagination for the child is the miraculous, freewheeling device he uses to course his way through the problems of every day.
