Children’s literature has the unique ability to inspire wonder in any person who leafs through its pages. By exploring life in such a simple yet profound way, kids' books can inspire wonder in readers of all ages.
Children’s book author and illustrator Mercer Mayer has mastered the craft of writing children's stories. The author joined HuffPost Live host Caroline Modarressy-Tehrani today to discuss his writing process and the ability of children’s literature to ignite the imagination at any age.
“It’s kind of like a big imagination trip,” said Mayer. "I start off in some place… and something just wanders in. My theory is that all stories, all books, they’re independent creatures. If you’re receptive, they wander into you, and if you’re not, then they wander to somebody else, so you have to catch them when they come by.”
Mayer also explained how the simplicity of a children’s book can itself be quite a challenge to create.
“It’s very difficult because it’s so simple,” he said. “For example, the Buddha said that enlightenment is very simple, it’s just very very hard to do. To make it simple, you have to say things in very few words. Sometimes you don’t even use words at all. It’s simple, but not easy.”
To hear more about children’s books, watch the full HuffPost Live clip in the video above.