The Books That Inspired Me as a Writer

The Books That Inspired Me as a Writer

Growing up, I was surrounded by stories that fueled my imagination, shaped my creativity, and made me fall in love with the magic of storytelling. Picture books, in particular, held a special place in my heart. The stories I cherished as a child continue to inspire my writing today, influencing the way I craft narratives, build characters, and connect with young readers.

Classic Authors Who Shaped My Love for Storytelling

Some of the greatest inspirations behind my work come from legendary children’s book authors. Each of these storytellers brought something unique to the world of picture books:

• Dr. Seuss – His whimsical rhymes, imaginative worlds, and playful language taught me the joy of rhythm and wordplay. His ability to weave important messages into fun and engaging stories continues to inspire me.
• Margaret Wise Brown – Her poetic, lyrical writing in books like Goodnight Moon showed me how simple words can create profound emotions and a deep sense of comfort.
• Eve Bunting – Her ability to tackle real-life themes with sensitivity and warmth has influenced the way I approach meaningful storytelling.
• Maurice Sendak – Where the Wild Things Are taught me that children’s books don’t always have to be light and simple; they can be bold, adventurous, and emotionally rich.
• Ludwig Bemelmans – Madeline introduced me to the power of strong, independent characters and the beauty of detailed, immersive illustrations.

How These Stories Influence My Writing Today

When I write books like Big Girl, Big Feelings, Max & Bear, and A Day with Gram, I think about how these authors made me feel as a child. I strive to create books that:

• Evoke strong emotions – Whether it’s joy, comfort, excitement, or nostalgia, I want my readers to experience the full range of emotions.
• Balance simplicity with depth – Picture books may be short, but they can carry powerful messages that stay with children long after they’ve outgrown them.
• Encourage imagination and curiosity – Like Where the Wild Things Are, I want my books to inspire young readers to dream big and explore the world around them.

Looking to the Future

As I continue writing, I draw on these childhood favorites while carving my own unique path. My upcoming book, Timmy Parker and the Magic Toy Chest, blends nostalgia and adventure, bridging the past with the present through heartwarming illustrations. I’m also working on The DNA Chronicles, a chapter book series that merges fiction with real science to inspire young readers to embrace a love for discovery.

No matter what I write, my goal remains the same: to create stories that resonate with children, spark their imaginations, and make them fall in love with the power of books—just like the stories of my childhood did for me.

What books inspired you as a child? I’d love to hear about the stories that shaped your love for reading!