Here are the early returns on our updated list of reasons to write for children, building off of Isaac Bashevis Singer's definitive Top Ten. I think it's a pretty good (awesome) list. Maybe not Nobel Prize material, but darn good nonetheless. We even got two reasons from Maxwell Eaton III, who has actually written and published books for children... which means there's a good chance that he might know what he's talking about!
And this is a standing challenge, so keep 'em comin! Once I throw my gauntlet, there's no going back. (To see who wrote which comment, check out the comments section here.)
Why [We] Write [Or Would Write, As The Case May Be] For Children
Number 11: They don't equate good writing with super sophisticated words and obscure references. The simpler, the more beautiful.
Number 12: When children drool all over a book, it’s because they like the way it tastes... not because there is a picture of Fabio on the cover.
Number 13: Because judging a children's book by its cover is more acceptable.
Number 14: A children's book with the title Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus might actually be fun to read.
Number 15: A made up word is as good as, if not better than, a real one.
Number 16: Because kids tend to hate spelling, so you don't have to double check for typos.
Number 17: Because you don't have to sit for a ridiculous black and white sexy-nerd author photo. Just draw a picture of a chipmunk in a top hat, and that's good enough.
Number 18: Because Reading Rainbow reviews are only rarely scathing, and they always end with a thumbs-up and an upbeat note. Da-dute-dute!
Number 19: When you write for children, you don't have to use swear words to sound impressive. Words like "underpants," "poop" and "stinky" will simultaneously elicit laughter from children and shock from grownups.
Number 20: After reading a story that they enjoy, children will write their own.
Number 21: Adults don't spend enough time throwing their books. Nothing is more satisfying than taking a book that you don't want to read and chucking it at the far wall.
Number 22: Even if your book isn't particularly funny, there's still a good chance that your reader will pee their pants.
To be continued...?
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