When I was young, my favorite picture book was 'Fletcher and Zenobia,' written by Edward Gorey and illustrated by Victoria Chess. It's long out of print now, but its mix of macabre humor and 1960s psychedelia made it a perfect children's book for the times. - Rick Riordan 1 Share Now -
I have a great deal of sympathy for reluctant readers because I was one. I would do anything to avoid reading. In my case, it wasn't until I was 13 and discovered the 'Lord of the Rings' that I learned to love reading. - Rick Riordan 2 Share Now -
I think kids want the same thing from a book that adults want - a fast-paced story, characters worth caring about, humor, surprises, and mystery. A good book always keeps you asking questions, and makes you keep turning pages so you can find out the answers. - Rick Riordan 3 Share Now -
I don't think about being famous, really. Being an author, I don't generally get stopped as I walk down the street. It's not like being a movie star. - Rick Riordan 4 Share Now -
My goal in the classroom was always to make sure they were having so much fun that they didn't realize they were learning. - Rick Riordan 5 Share Now -
I always love it when I hear back from kids who say they discovered Percy Jackson and now wear their learning difference as a badge of honour. - Rick Riordan 6 Share Now -
When I write, I'm still imagining a kid reading it on paper. I read e-books when I travel, but in general I still prefer holding an old-fashioned book in my hands. There's a special, tactile experience. - Rick Riordan 7 Share Now -
I do like to wrap things up and leave some things to the readers' imagination. - Rick Riordan 8 Share Now -
Every child's taste is different. Don't worry if they're not reading 'War and Peace' at age 12. First, build a good foundation and a positive attitude about reading by letting them pick the stories they enjoy. Make friends with a bookseller or librarian. They are a wealth of information on finding books that kids enjoy. - Rick Riordan 9 Share Now -
