“Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “

Pullman Philip 2

Wise words from Philip Pullman, who received the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2005:

Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. If you don’t give a child food, the damage quickly becomes visible. If you don’t let a child have fresh air and play, the damage is also visible, but not so quickly. If you don’t give a child love, the damage might not be seen for some years, but it’s permanent.

But if you don’t give a child art and stories and poems and music, the damage is not so easy to see. It’s there, though. Their bodies are healthy enough; they can run and jump and swim and eat hungrily and make lots of noise, as children have always done, but something is missing.

It’s true that some people grow up never encountering art of any kind, and are perfectly happy and live good and valuable lives, and in whose homes there are no books, and they don’t care much for pictures, and they can’t see the point of music. Well, that’s fine. I know people like that. They are good neighbours and useful citizens.

But other people, at some stage in their childhood or their youth, or maybe even their old age, come across something of a kind they’ve never dreamed of before. It is as alien to them as the dark side of the moon. But one day they hear a voice on the radio reading a poem, or they pass by a house with an open window where someone is playing the piano, or they see a poster of a particular painting on someone’s wall, and it strikes them a blow so hard and yet so gentle that they feel dizzy. Nothing prepared them for this. They suddenly realise that they’re filled with a hunger, though they had no idea of that just a minute ago; a hunger for something so sweet and so delicious that it almost breaks their heart. They almost cry, they feel sad and happy and alone and welcomed by this utterly new and strange experience, and they’re desperate to listen closer to the radio, they linger outside the window, they can’t take their eyes off the poster. They wanted this, they needed this as a starving person needs food, and they never knew. They had no idea.

That is what it’s like for a child who does need music or pictures or poetry to come across it by chance. If it weren’t for that chance, they might never have met it, and might have passed their whole lives in a state of cultural starvation without knowing it.

The effects of cultural starvation are not dramatic and swift. They’re not so easily visible.

And, as I say, some people, good people, kind friends and helpful citizens, just never experience it; they’re perfectly fulfilled without it. If all the books and all the music and all the paintings in the world were to disappear overnight, they wouldn’t feel any the worse; they wouldn’t even notice.

But that hunger exists in many children, and often it is never satisfied because it has never been awakened. Many children in every part of the world are starved for something that feeds and nourishes their soul in a way that nothing else ever could or ever would.

We say, correctly, that every child has a right to food and shelter, to education, to medical treatment, and so on. We must understand that every child has a right to the experience of culture. We must fully understand that without stories and poems and pictures and music, children will starve.

Written by Philip Pullman for the tenth anniversary of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2012. More from Philip Pullman here.

301 Responses to ““Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “”

  1. Mariana Laxague Says:

    Reblogged this on Il Blog dell'Albero di Antonia.

  2. Läs Philip Pullmans ord | Läsambassadören Says:

    […] Här!  […]

  3. Raquel Redmond Says:

    Congratulations, hope parents and Early Childhood Teachers read this. That wonderful feeling of wanting to engage in art, music and poetry is the creativity we all have in our inner self but it hasn’t been developed.

    • Suzy Grindrod Says:

      Early childhood teachers KNOW this! It’s the administrators, policy makers and school board members who need to read it.

      • Celia Mason Says:

        AGREE, Suzy Grindrod! You were such a great teacher for my Sophia, you fed her art, stories, poetry, music and dance. She still craves these things and collaborates non-stop. Teachers already know for sure– wish that the administrators, policy makers and school board members would internalize this and get radically progressive.

  4. rcrnkovich831 Says:

    Reblogged this on Valuing Art and commented:
    An exceptional piece by an exceptional man. I share in this opinion completely.

  5. Maria lemos Says:

    So so true. Each word .

  6. Tripti Says:

    Very truly said…children do need stories and art and music and poems for their complete nourishment…The world of poems and stories help them become creative or maybe good visionaries…The art and music introduce them with themselves…
    They say books are man’s best friends and the music his soul’s…
    I, myself, feel the void of not becoming an expert in any of these four areas but I have found a way out..I am living my dream with my son and it’s truly amazing…

  7. melissacreate Says:

    A timely article reminding us that stories, poems and art should be part of every childhood. There are so many fantastic children’s stories being published every year, we just need more a society push to spread access to those stories.

  8. Jeanette Clawson Says:

    Reblogged this on lunanista and commented:
    I have never reblogged a post, but this one really resonates with me.

  9. Things to do for Xmas when you’re with kids – zmax mama Says:

    […] time with your children. Do silly stuff. Do nice stuff. Do arty stuff. There is a whole world of non-tangible treasures you can give to your […]

  10. Bailey Gillespie Says:

    LOVE. Awakening that hunger is one of the most beautiful things we can do — for it also awakens our sense of wonder for the world and for God.

    • seeuser Says:

      Well said

    • Maria Hodovanec Says:

      awesome words and a big truth behind 🙂

      • Mosa Makwela Says:

        That’s true my children buy lot of books and they have a log where they’re writing or commenting when is finished reading .They play music on Trace on channel 325 they know all this song’s MTV channel 322, channel O
        That’s great

      • Ann Marie Hannon Says:

        I am heartened to find out that so many still believe in reading great stories. I offer interesting and down to earth stories for children that have been awarded the Mom’s Choice Awards seals of excellence. I was gratified and humbled but confident enough to stay at it with more books that both parents and children love to read over and over.

  11. Weekly Reader 34: Back to the Real World Edition | Tangerine Wallpaper Says:

    […] Children Need Art and Stories and Poems and Music as Much as They Need Love and Food and Fresh Air a… […]

  12. Fredrik Engstrom Says:

    I agree with this, it is verry ovious diden`t reflect on that it as inportant as food before though!

  13. A Conversation with Hannah Wang – er|4|schen Says:

    […] the success of restored arts programs in schools with high populations of homeless children or that cultural deprivation is actually harmful to a child’s development, as well as numerous studies about arts effects on the brain. In fact, there’s a neat program […]

  14. KL Caley Says:

    Reblogged this on new2writing and commented:
    Read something similar by another WordPress blogger yesterday too. All writers saying the same thing – children need stories.

  15. Τα παιδιά χρειάζονται τέχνες και ιστορίες και… – yourTuTors Says:

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  16. Veronica lumumba Says:

    I really agree to what has been said.The art, poem and the culture where the child comes from identifies him and exposes them to variety of things when they grow up.

  17. Pat Graham Says:

    I couldn’t agree more but would like to add that children and adults with learning disabilities, particularly those with severe learning disabilities also benefit enormously from exposure to the arts. However even though their need is often greater than their counterparts without disability the opportunities to be involved in the arts are significantly less, if at all. Storytelling, picture books, hands on art, music, drama and many other artistic pursuits are avenues through which people with learning disability can enjoy a more stimulating lifestyle, communicate more effectively, have more fun and even be educated. The latter is of such importance as there is little if any lifelong learning for people with severe learning disability when In fact they have much greater need of it than those who have no such disability. If only there was an awareness of the advantages of the involvement of these people in the arts, a willingness to consider the manifold benefits and just a little bit of funding.

    • Jesse Lu Says:

      Pat, I appreciate your comment so much and agree with you whole-heartedly. The arts often provide a means for expression when other forms of communication have failed a person- either from language barrier, learning disability, trauma, or intellectual difference. Every human being has a need for communication, and I’ll go out on a limb here, but also for self-expression. That need may vary from culture to culture, person to person, yet it is there nonetheless. When we disregard the arts, we disregard an essential aspect of the human experience. Children growing up without exposure are at a disadvantage- even those, as Mr. Pullman puts it, who will evolve to have no interest in the arts whatsoever. For how is one even to know that they do not appreciate the arts if they have never had the exposure in the first place.

      I am a brand new student in an art therapy graduate program, and the institutions that led me to this career path are such as the ones you described. I have witnessed the empowering effect of community art spaces and the blossoming of confidence at art studios for the differently-abled. I have watched the minds of less-advantaged youth burst open when exposed to arts programs. The positive influence of the arts is undeniable and I only hope that our work makes the arts more and more available to everyone and especially those who need them most.

  18. Napoleon Nalcot Says:

    A child’s brain is more than capable of concentrating intensely, searching and scanning everything he or she comes in contact with in order to get information and meaning. If this special ability of a child to pay attention is left undeveloped or not nurtured from day one, there would be a deficiency disorder for that particular thing that should have been supplemented in the first place. Exposing our children to art, stories, poems, and music is very important. It is a food for their developing brain.

  19. Ellie Says:

    I do agree though also dance tennis sport and MOST OF ALL CONSISTENT LOVE seen by a Belgium tennis coach Steve Verkouter sharing his passion for tennis< with love in it 🙂 , to the refugees children in Dunkirk giving them some semblance of childhood 🙂

  20. Megi Says:

    Reblogged this on HappyNest in America.

  21. lisa Says:

    Can I just say your article stinks absolute middle class and snobbery and complete hate of the working class. Who you view as sub human creatures eho don’t value art and the fine things of life. In your mind they eat sleep excrete in that order. Culturaly starved a phrase to describe the working class who are beneath you. You feel sorry for their offsprings that you want them to experience middle class luxuries such as the theatre and art galleries like missionarys that went to Africa to preach the gospel to the heathens.

    • Ian Simkin Says:

      Lisa, you have completely missed the point.

    • Josh Says:

      Read it again from the top, Lisa. Try to read it without the bias you brought to your first reading. Books and music and posters and radio and so on, can be, and are, experienced by all classes. The point is that children should given, as a right, the opportunity to have these experiences with culture, many which can already be had for free (see: Libraries), such that, should there be some greater call to create works of art lurking in their bones, they will see it awakened and further enrich our shared culture. Nourish the mind, body, and soul of all of our children — how can you be angry about something so lovely?

      • Chris Says:

        Well said, that’s it, you’ve got to open the doors of opportunity bring it to all, so to inspire and spark that imagination in the young edgar minds and so creating room to explore and celebrate our own and others cultures.

    • Jesse Lu Says:

      Lisa… I agree that there is a class bias in regards to access to the arts. There are many people who are trying to change that. One way to begin is to work towards reintegrating the arts into core curriculum in our public schools (easier said than done I know.) It is also the responsibility of individual municipalities to establish programming that increases access to the arts. I live in a very poor state and our children lack in many areas of life. But I know that our museums regularly host free community days, there are countless free community art events throughout the year. We have several art studio spaces that offer free or very affordable art programs for children and adults alike. Our public libraries host creative events on the regular for children especially, and even have museum passes that families can check out like they would a book. We also have a healthy culture of public art in the city of a wide variety of styles.

      Sometimes access to these opportunities is limited still by the fact that lower income families often don’t receive information about the available programs because their access to information channels is obscured, sometimes language or legal status provides a barrier to even a free public library card, and still yet we have single parent families who don’t have the time available to accompany and supervise their children at such events. All this needs to be considered as well. Your concern is legitimate. We need to be aware that the arts aren’t easily accessible to everyone, and we need to continue to work to change that.

    • kerryjennings82@hotmail.com Says:

      I am working class and sang opera and played the violin. Class has nothing to do with it. Everyone has the right to be able to express themselves artistically

    • Madeleine Says:

      Lisa, one can find art in re-arranging fallen leaves from a tree which will cost one nothing and listen to the song of bird which is also free! I played with pieces of glass to dress a stone (my doll) and am happy just to sing a song but I am lucky to have the opportunity to learn to play the piano and can now teach children of all ages and cultures to enjoy music and see the appreciation on a daily basis! Any Granny can make up a story or poem to entertain her grandchildren without having books or pictures but just having a pencil and paper, can do the trick.

    • Teddy Roosevelt-Sierra Says:

      Lisa, sorry, but art in all its expressions can be found free, radio, tv , public libraries,museums, community centers.
      You will find it if you want it

    • Arunima Shekhar Says:

      Lisa…Stories and art have nothing to with class. Yes, it may be difficult to extract time for what you term as luxuries. But accessibility in this age and date is definitely not lacking, not while you are reading this online and expressing your views.
      That said, in most parts of the world, art and stories are very much alive sans class divide. In India, storytellers in urban settings scour the villages looking for stories to tell. The working class is, in fact, closer to stories than the upper or middle class, even with their limited means.
      At Tell-A-Tale, we have featured many storytellers who are working tirelessly to keep this tradition alive and make art accessible to all.

    • JG Alegria Says:

      Hi Lisa, anything, including sports, swimming, running, can be experienced and participated in at the elite level, which might mean a big financial investment. But any child can kick a ball around the oval or shoot hoops down at the school on weekends or jump into the local swimming pool. Art, poetry, stories, music, drama are exactly the same. You can get into the most elite schools in the country or you can simply read books from the library, sing to the radio, get a blank art pad and some paint from the craft shop and do a painting. Kids are great at writing poems, using their imagination and putting on plays. There are plenty of free performances they can go to. Most of the art exhibitions around town are free and community theater or amateur theatre is really affordable…. so basically you are the only one who is making class distinctions about creativity.

  22. Diana Says:

    Y los adultos también =) lo necesitamos

  23. Samuel De Lemos Says:

    Reblogged this on My Words and commented:
    Agreed, cultural education is imperative and necessary for a well rounded upbringing.

  24. devarya Says:

    Reblogged this on devarya.

  25. G.W. Sophia, Sophiology Says:

    Reblogged this on PROMISED LAND and commented:
    “Many children in every part of the world are starved for something that feeds and nourishes their soul in a way that nothing else ever could or ever would.”

  26. Tho Loves Food Says:

    Reblogged this on Petit Hanoian.

  27. Mercurial Wombat Says:

    Reblogged this on Thoughts & Ideas and commented:
    “But other people, at some stage in their childhood or their youth, or maybe even their old age, come across something of a kind they’ve never dreamed of before. It is as alien to them as the dark side of the moon…Nothing prepared them for this. They suddenly realise that they’re filled with a hunger, though they had no idea of that just a minute ago; a hunger for something so sweet and so delicious that it almost breaks their heart…They wanted this, they needed this as a starving person needs food, and they never knew. They had no idea.”

    – Philip Pullman

  28. solaris1274 Says:

    Reblogged this on dosalpelo.

  29. 1marylou Says:

    Wonderful words.

  30. Minneapolis Superintendent Search Rushes to a Potential Close | Bright Light Small City Says:

    […] –Author Phillip Pullman, 2012 […]

  31. secularhomeschoollife Says:

    Reblogged this on Secular Homeschooling My Owlet and commented:
    The importance of artistic beauty.

  32. Judy Says:

    Reblogged this on judithwill56 and commented:
    Such truth here. Every child needs their souls nourished

  33. elishagabriel Says:

    Reblogged this on Elisha Gabriel and commented:
    Mazlo’s hierarchy of needs should be revised. The inner fire needs to be stoked through the imagination too.

  34. “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ | CENmag Says:

    […] Story by: Philip Pullman Source: https://astridlindgrenmemorialaward.wordpress.com […]

  35. Audrey Nowitz Says:

    Very intelligent piece of writing. BUT if theres no entichment at home its up to schools to provide it. Thats why i think king david victory park is an incredable school. Rugby players ( whatever tbats supposed to make you ) are involved in drama. Theatre. Back stage experiences. Dancing in Fiddler on the Roof, man, that scool has my back.!!!

  36. Sathyanarayana Murthy Says:

    There’s no gain saying that finer sensibilities grow in a human being only through exposure to art in one form or the other. Those who are deprived of an artistic upbringing remain permanently debilitated, their other intellectual attainments not withstanding. Sad but true!

  37. Φίλιπ Πούλμαν: “Τα παιδιά χρειάζονται τέχνη και ιστορίες και ποιήματα και μουσική όσο χρειάζονται αγάπη και φαγητό και καθαρό αέρα και παι Says:

    […] και μουσική, τα παιδιά θα πεινάσουν.  Πηγή: Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award/Μετάφραση: The Whole […]

  38. Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator Says:

    Reblogged this on Dayne Sislen Illustration and commented:
    It’s important to exposed kids to reading, poetry and music as part of culture. It expands their minds, they need to know there is more in the world than their little corner. Phillip Pullman says it so much better.

  39. Halla Ingimars Says:

    Thank you!

  40. Frances Macaulay Forde Says:

    Reblogged this on Perth Words… exploring possibilities. and commented:
    “Children need art & stories & poems and music, as much as they need love…”

  41. prateeksha sharma Says:

    Reblogged this on Parts That Make Me Whole and commented:
    This is an interesting bit of writing, in which the author Philip Pullman touches upon the significance of aesthetic education for the growing mind of children. Am sharing for my own reference later.

  42. Dr Nutakki Sateesh Says:

    Sir
    Right to Life includes comprehensive growth of ever child it includes physical and mental health of children. You explained it very well.

  43. Φίλιπ Πούλμαν: “Τα παιδιά χρειάζονται τέχνη και ιστορίες και ποιήματα και μουσική όσο χρειάζονται αγάπη και φαγητό και καθαρό αέρα και παι Says:

    […] Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award/Μετάφραση: The Whole […]

  44. rbeckley58 Says:

    To my working class family books, art and music were always important. We even learned French while waiting at the laudramat, and never ate out to save money for beauty and inspiration. At the same time, I know well-to-do families that don’t bother with culture at all. A multifaceted life doesn’t correlate 100% with class.

  45. Mandy_jane @juno.com Says:

    I’m 67. I love to listen to poetry on tapes or CD as I oil paint. If I mention poetry at bookclub I feel the wall go up. A poem has cadence and must be read correctly or it will fall flat. Poetry is not only rhyming, it weaves a tale or a great story. Poetry is like music , it has rests and many notations used by musicians. Robert Lewis Stevenson’s poems are perfect for children. My life would be bland without the insight poertry has given me with regards to humanity. The verses are deeply embedded so I take note when I hear them referenced in articles. People don’t know what they are missing. This is my son, my own Telemachus to whom I leave the scepter and the isle…..Tennyson’s “Ullyses ” when read with the right cadence and feeling does not fall flat due to its length. It is art in the spoken word. Mother to Son by Langston Hughes is another perfect poem where almost everyone could find meaning.

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  48. Liberty On the Lighter Side Says:

    I also think the urge in some to create works of art in any form is just as great as that passion you describe. Wonderfully the two marry into a relationship that provides joy on both sides.

  49. Karen knight Says:

    This is so true and why the work of C31 Chilren’s Rights to Culture, a small NGO in Serbia is doing such vital work with ” children on the move” designing structured play and activities for front line workers to be able to foster and encourage imagination, curiousity and creativity in refugee children “on the move”. This small team of three young professionals in education, social sciences and history need any support they can find to keep this thinking being made real at a practical level. For more information contact me via LinkedIn or email.
    Karen Knight

  50. 200 Fingers and Toes Says:

    Reblogged this on 200 Fingers and Toes and commented:
    So many times I see parents asking what is the point to a silly book that is assigned or a list of poetry books that are included in literature I have to agree that art and poetry are the kindling for a creative child we must constantly feed it to them while they’re too young to find it for themselves. If done well the insatiable desire for beauty and creativity will last them the rest of their lives.

  51. Iris Miller Says:

    Music is a valuable way to express emotions. Every child should have the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument. Music soothes the soul.

  52. Children Need Art – Colored Skies Says:

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  53. Luis H. Garcia Says:

    Enjoying art in any way feed our souls and make us feel closer to god….

  54. Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award | klunskunstkultur Says:

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  55. boysedrulz Says:

    Reblogged this on boysedrulz.

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  57. germanadaloisio Says:

    Reblogged this on germanadaloisio.

  58. Vanessa Kilvin Says:

    Wow good read

  59. kirsteenelaine Says:

    Reblogged this on The Forever Years and commented:
    Wise words from an incredible author… children’s souls are nourished by the arts: music, visual art and literature.

  60. adventureswithmonster Says:

    Absolutely this!

  61. Nogen kan ikke leve uden, andre couldn´t care less - Kunst på arbejdspladsen Says:

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  62. Nicola Dunklin Says:

    Reblogged this on My words work for you and commented:
    He speaks sense, about sense

  63. Wendy Says:

    Wonderful article- thank you! As a grandparent and primary classroom music teacher, I couldn’t agree more!

  64. Riana Says:

    I agree. Absolutely and profoundly true. Beauty and art in whatever form nourish the soul like nothing else. But more than that, cultural treaures foster the resilience that is needed to carry us in times of hardship. Please, please read or watch the YouTube video of The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore. This short movie and book came about as a result of having observed the wonderful therapeutic value books and reading had on children in shelters after Hurricane Katrina. There would be fewer drug addicts if children / people found a refuge in stories, in art, in beauty, in nature.

  65. whirlyred Says:

    Reblogged this on Whirly Red Writing.

  66. Victoria Robinson Says:

    Wow such insight and passion and so very true.

  67. Hasmik Isaghulyan Says:

    That’s true !

  68. Maureen Prewitt Says:

    This song about the connection between human wholeness and art:

    “Look on beauty to undo me
    To unite my disparate parts
    To receive me and reweave me
    Knit my hands to head to heart”

  69. zeinab ayoub Says:

    I can`t imagine the world without music or books cuz the world full of war and capitalism so those things make the world better

  70. Moens Michelle Says:

    Thanks Philip Pullman!

  71. Birgit Speulman Says:

    Reblogged this on AlleskAn and commented:
    Hoe belangrijk is cultuur voor kinderen? Philip Pullman (winnaar van de Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award) vindt dat ieder kind recht heeft op cultuurervaringen: “We must fully understand that without stories and poems and pictures and music, children will starve.”

  72. Marvin Says:

    I think we are witnessing some of the effects of children growing up with cultural starvation in the world today. If those on lower incomes have restricted access to culture, the social consequences can be immense. The effects can perhaps be more profound than we realise. People without a developed imagination can lack empathy or compassion for others. People not exposed to art can fail to question, think abstractedly or properly investigate and test their own feelings and beliefs. Art and culture isn’t something that’s nice to experience, it’s presence (or lack of presence) in our lives can shape our whole world.

    • N Says:

      I agree. What you said is very true! I’ve met people that you mentioned in your comment. And they have no clue they are lacking that because of that deprivation.

  73. Creative Life Institute Says:

    Reblogged this on Autoethnography and commented:
    Love Pullman! Absolute genius.

  74. L&B Counseling, PLLC Says:

    I think visual art is a great part of learning culture

  75. Les enfants ont besoin d'art et d'histoires et de poèmes... Says:

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  76. VANDANA KANORIA Says:

    Beautifully written and I believe in it fully.

  77. Linda Wilson Says:

    I can vouch for all…. a painting, sculpture, story can reduce me to tears and excitement.

  78. TheKibblingProject Says:

    Reblogged this on TheKibblingProject.

  79. Amy Hemmens Says:

    Outstanding article and I enjoyed to returning to my childhood, which was filled with music, poetry and art. It has made such a lovely impact on my life over the years and can not imagine not sharing these passions with others. Thank you for the reminders of being a part of these wonderful pieces of life.

  80. Barnet behøver ro til kunstnerisk utvikling | Kunst bevegel sen Says:

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  81. Amalia Jarosi Says:

    Agree…my best memories are when my Mom laid with me in bed and recited poetry from memory…I mean, Epic long poems…My imagination was on fire…I loved those times, as she spoke i was transformed in to other worlds…:)

  82. Lori Mills Says:

    In my Embodyoga Teacher Training course, when resting in savasana after the poses, I love hearing my teacher’s voice (Karen Miscall-Bannon) telling the mythological stories from Hindu philosohy about the antics of the spirited characters in their creation stories. No matter what our age, to lie on one’s mat covered by a warm blanket in the safety of the yoga studio is so delighful. It is never too late to experience this by creatively envision it in one’s mind or to be the storyteller and gift this experience to another child or kid-at-heart. Sharing stories enriches brains and nurtures hearts.

  83. Karina Magaña Says:

    I loved this article. It’s very true. By the way, I am a translator and I would like to translate this article to Spanish. Let me know if you’re interested. I’d do it for fee.

  84. Akwmuse Says:

    And there are also traditional arts and music and oratory from other cultures, different than books or paintings on the wall, but filling those same needs.

  85. Alleen Cater Says:

    Wonderful, beautiful article, masterfully stated. Going off on a bit of a tangent here, so naysayers can load your word-cannons: imho, cursive is one way for children to explore and search for a way of identifying and presenting themselves to the world. Does anyone remember the learning process of cursive, where you had a model handwriting as a suggestion, maybe to trace/emulate? How many people maintained that ‘copy’ without trying out other handwriting styles? I submit that handwriting is a form of artistic self expression, and that not teaching cursive in schools is a disservice to children; each child should be encouraged to pick up a pencil/pen and experiment, doodle, discover an individual style, hopefully legible. Gaining confidence from that experience can enhance enjoyment and understanding of other forms of art. My remarks are in no way intended to diminish the point of the very fine article.

  86. “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ | Happiness Now Says:

    […] Find the original post here. […]

  87. Douglas Thorburn Says:

    Personally is all I can comment on in the spirit of discovery. I was shown at home and in school and church, Art, Music, Poetry was everywhere in society in Toronto and as radio spread via that newfangled transistor thing making it so you could carry it around with you. Then 8-tracks , stereo , fm .. like its been a long time since there was isolation from these things. Again going personally, I, for as long as I can remember had my taste in these things. Did the school assignments adequately but with only minor passion. Most of my friends had no real passion for these things until a more mature mind became one of those ”’ others ”’ he spoke about. Now with the internet globally spreading. Its readily available to just about everyone that develops that passion. Can’t afford those ” star ” art concerts live but its now on youtube real soon. If the passion for art/music/poetry enlightens… well we can only dream that everyone feels it …. but reality is , those good neighbours you speak of are not just a few. And again , personally , my thinking I suck doing various forms of art at various stages in my life was and is a constant hurdle. My taste varies and most of my friends somehow fit into similar taste but not always into the taste of each other. … I ramble. What was my point? Children need to have it available at their own pace and that pace will most often relate to their piers. Similar to the pier bonding and life developing of sports. The Arts should have equal billing so to speak but at present seem way behind in public/private sponsorship and involvement. Go Buckeyes. …. Tear down the wall … and she’s buying a stairway to heaven. Like nobody is isolated anymore. Encourage art’s creation and enjoyment by creating and enjoying yourself. The children will see that and open up to it themselves a little quicker if they are into it. Just don’t expect them all to be into it and some for some reason or another lash out at it. Let’s go Blue Jays. .. Why?, Why not?

  88. Rajasree Nambiar Says:

    It’s beautiful. I too believe in children growing up listening, seeing and experiencing the environment around. Been always with Pre schoolers and Primary levels and seen the enthusiasm when exposed to varied culture. Parents and facilitators need to be made aware of these strategies.

  89. Pullman on the importance of culture – STORYmin.es Says:

    […] These are the words written by Philip Pullman for the tenth anniversary of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2… […]

  90. Paula Says:

    Words of wisdom. However for many parents music and art lessons are financially beyond their reach. It is wonderful now that schools do offer cultural experiences to children. Music and art are “therapeutic” for children, adults, the elderly. I work in aged care and have seen the transforming power of music especially for those with dementia. It is like “food” for their souls!

  91. silvia faregna Says:

    Bellissimo e molto vero!

  92. sugatohazra Says:

    Reblogged this on Parallel Thoughts.

  93. kenichi Hase Says:

    I also came across poems on children. Can now also write poetry and are protected by focusing the mind.

  94. Se7en's Fabulous Fun Post #349 - se7en | se7enSe7en's Fabulous Fun Post #349 - se7en Says:

    […] And if you need a little magic in your day: Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air a… […]

  95. Anne Maureen Scarff Says:

    Yes, yes yes and again yes.

  96. Teddy Roosevelt-Sierra Says:

    Excellent article. Thank you

  97. “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ | Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award | Lim e dintorni Says:

    […] Sorgente: “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh ai… […]

  98. Joan Says:

    It feeds a hunger in the soul that allows the entire being to grow and flourish in a way that they couldn’t have done otherwise. Having it all in the background from a young age is such a blessing; however it can be taken for granted until it is missing. If someone is discovering it for the first time… oh my!!! The world is brand new again! Our schools have already been cutting these programs, so we need to try to keep what we can for our kids.

  99. fishpoet1 Says:

    Poignant, beautiful and sad that we have to draw attention to the presence of art, which is as natural as breathing for many people.

  100. haydnseancrespan Says:

    Reblogged this on haydnseancrespan.

  101. professorcastillo Says:

    Reblogged this on DrLearnALot's House of Edumacation.

  102. Top Picks Thursday! For Writers & Readers 03-09-2017 | The Author Chronicles Says:

    […] Philip Pullman asserts that “children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air a….” […]

  103. kiranchaturvedi Says:

    Reblogged this on Birdsong & Beyond. and commented:
    How beautifully and simply Pullman puts this need for art in life.

    “It’s true that some people grow up never encountering art of any kind, and are perfectly happy and live good and valuable lives… Well, that’s fine. I know people like that. They are good neighbours and useful citizens.

    But other people, at some stage in their childhood or their youth, or maybe even their old age, come across something of a kind they’ve never dreamed of before…Nothing prepared them for this. They suddenly realise that they’re filled with a hunger, though they had no idea of that just a minute ago; … it almost breaks their heart. … welcomed by this utterly new and strange experience …they needed this as a starving person needs food, and they never knew. They had no idea.

    That is what it’s like for a child who does need music or pictures or poetry to come across it by chance. “

  104. “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ | The Key to the Imaginary Door Says:

    […] https://astridlindgrenmemorialaward.wordpress.com/2015/12/17/children-need-art-and-stories-and-poems&#8230; […]

  105. Ewa Says:

    Absolutely agree because via art or poem they can express themselves. they can describe their feelings at times perhaps nobody there to listen. They can develope their imagination and get inspired by different stories rhymes characters. They can than see the world the colours in changing seasons.

  106. Pekka Termonen Says:

    Thank You! So true. I am a retired librarian. When working I never got tired of the bright and happy eyes of children checking out a stack of books.

  107. Approaching Teaching: Week of March 19, 2017 | Approaching Teaching @ AISK Says:

    […] feeds and nourishes their soul in a way that nothing else ever could or ever would. Read more in this statement from award-winning author, Philip […]

  108. Natasha Says:

    What can I do?

  109. Children need art and stories and poems as much as they need… – Stefani K O N G U H L E R Says:

    […] https://astridlindgrenmemorialaward.wordpress.com/2015/12/17/children-need-art-and-stories-and-poems&#8230; […]

  110. bazarirani.ca Says:

    Terrific Website, Preserve the useful job. Many thanks! http://bazarirani.ca/author/blairmoye2/

  111. thavagovender Says:

    Reblogged this on sacruminstitute.

  112. Del Says:

    In BC we took out Band, Music teachers, Art teachers, Art Classroom and gave the kids drugs instead! It was cheaper we thought.

  113. diakiwsblogJerry diakiw Says:

    A companion piece to this is the power of fiction in teaching children how to live and love.
    Power of engaged reading
    http://www.cea-ace.ca/education-canada/article/power-engaged-reading

  114. flickingonthebook.wordpress.com Says:

    Reblogged this on Flicking on the book and commented:
    Books are so important in our children’s lives (and ours too) We need to embrace books as an essential part of our daily routine.

  115. Paul Cedrone Says:

    María Montessori knew this over 100 years ago. Why is that no one acknowledges this???!!!!

  116. soudaz Says:

    Reblogged this on Il Blog di Tino Soudaz 2.0 ( un pochino) and commented:
    “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “

  117. taniyapandey Says:

    Reblogged this on Breathe and believe and commented:
    Couldn’t have explained this better.

  118. Lindy Hudson Says:

    YES❣

  119. Maria-Christina Nottebohm Says:

    Please look at my book which helps children look at Old Masters
    . https://www.amazon.com/Old-Masters-Rock-Look-Children/dp/1910258040/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494001188&sr=8-1&keywords=old+masters+rock

  120. Carol Sloane Says:

    I should like to reprint this at my Blog https://sloaneview.blogspot.com
    -Carol Sloane

  121. missbushgirl Says:

    These have to be the most refreshing words and I am reading them on the first day of Mental Health Awareness Week.

  122. Reading List (9/5) | Philosophy and Madeleines Says:

    […] creativity is important for young […]

  123. Pandora Says:

    There is something else: As education becomes a form of programming, rather than learning, and art and books the tools of assimilation, what will these children have to interest them as adults?
    Gambling is certainly pushed unchecked through all the media, so that’s got entertainment covered. Brave New World indeed.

  124. What I Learned This Week – ordinarydelights Says:

    […] 1. This. So true. Children need art and music and writing: https://astridlindgrenmemorialaward.wordpress.com/2015/12/17/children-need-art-and-stories-and-poems&#8230; […]

  125. Monica Pappas Says:

    Perhaps children can go a far way without music, art, stories and poems, but I believe they are deprived beyond all hope to see, hear and experience another dimension where their souls live. That’s the greatest sadness of all.

  126. yvonnemarjot Says:

    Reblogged this on The Knitted Curiosity Cabinet.

  127. jfreos Says:

    Reblogged this on the interpretOr.

  128. Sanjeevani Prasad Atre Says:

    Its simply nice!!!!

  129. Theresa Rodrigues Says:

    Yes yes yes!!

  130. alex Says:

    Yes.but first they need food and water and love

  131. Children need art and stories and poems and music – Music.Creative Arts Says:

    […] Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air a… […]

  132. sandies1204 Says:

    Very true

  133. Mary Critikos Says:

    This should be posted in all obstetricians’ offices and in all maternity wards – and having it on walls where marriages are performed wouldn’t hurt, either!.

  134. Why Children Need Art & Stories - Parenting Guidelines Through Art Says:

    […] This article was first published here under the title “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play.”  […]

  135. Philip Pullman: "Los niños necesitan arte". - Plom Gallery Says:

    […] Si quieres leer el texto completo, clica aquí. […]

  136. alliesimpson2013 Says:

    Wonderful insights

    • Linda Wilson Says:

      I can vouch for those sentiments as a Child starved of culture, our Mum gave us the security she had lacked as a Child but nothing beyond food, clothes and a doctor when needed. Which made me crave for creativity and become the creative person I am now and at the age of 68 I am still trying to fill the gaps that should have been filled in Childhood through my Children and sweet Grandchildren.

  137. Rebecca Huntley Says:

    This is the first time I’ve heard anyone say it so well: this is exactly what I believe and have tried to instill
    In all of the many children I’ve known. A love of beauty that draws us in is as much a need for a human as the other things you mentioned.
    Thank you for the reminder: these things have been integral to me!

  138. Betty Says:

    This is all so very True! I grew up in a somewhat poor family that came from hard working backgrounds. We had all we needed to survive, but very little in the way of enrichment. I loved visiting a particular neighbor that had low, built in bookshelves around the perimeters of her very large livingroom/music room. National Geographics, Readers Digest and various other books and periodicals filled those shelves and I would be in heaven, lying on a large braided rug in a spot of sunlight and practically inhaling the words and pictures I saw. I remember collecting shoeboxes and “building” rooms, oh so carefully with pictures from old magazines. Making art and dreams from scraps and using thumbtacks to hang the boxes on my bedroom wall. My surroundings were filled with very little in the way of beauty and aesthetics, but my imagination, fed and filled with exotic places and beautiful stories helped me to create a bit of loveliness that always cheered me. That was so long ago but I am sure those books and periodicals enriched my childhood immeasurably.

  139. James Sinclair Says:

    Beautifully put. I think there’s more. We are creatures of great emotion and it has been long realised that we need to earn to understand and control our emotions so they don’t control us and so we can use their inspiration as a positive force and focus. Art, music, poetry, stories are tools to channel and explore, and reveal the architecture of emotion. They may be the key to our spiritual and emotional evolution. Frankly we should be clinging to them like driftwood in a raging torrent / a flood of negative emotion that currently threatens to engulf us all.

  140. abresoles Says:

    Reblogged this on Abresoles.

  141. Why should we read to children? – A Writers Notebook Says:

    […] If there is anyone out there that still needs convincing of the power of reading, or of any cultural activity, I would urge everyone to read these words from children’s author Philip Pullman on the importance of cultural education for chil…. […]

  142. Jo schoolfield Says:

    So true! …So true! Can not say that enough.

  143. Inkedinword Says:

    Reblogged this on inkedinword.

  144. Bits and Clips for March 2018 | Polly Castor Says:

    […] Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air a… […]

  145. Lea Grove Says:

    Imagination, feelings and getting touched is also being human.

  146. Magriet Says:

    Agree one hundred percent. Fortunate to had parents who knew that so that we knew to introduce our children to it and now they introduce their children to music, art, song, dance and drama and they love it!

  147. Brij Kul Deepak Says:

    It touched me…

    Let us think and connect children with their 3H = HEAD HEART & HANDS

    Be joyous

    a travelling toy activist

  148. Nourishing, universal, and breathing life into stories: the highlights of our Music & Storytelling campaign Says:

    […] we used from Philip Pullman, taken from an article on the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award website, to kick-start it. Art, music and stories provide nourishment for children’s souls. They […]

  149. Φίλιπ Πούλμαν: «Τα παιδιά χρειάζονται τέχνη όσο χρειάζονται αγάπη και φαγητό» – Σύλλογος Γονέων & Κηδεμόνων Γυμνασίου Ιερισσού Says:

    […] Πηγή: Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award […]

  150. Colette Says:

    Perfect!

  151. Derick Tulloch Says:

    Wonderfully put.
    Have read all the comments, some of which are as profound as the original essay.

    Art and beauty, so often born of pain, is as essential as air.

    Painters, pick up your brushes; poets, your pens. And let us begin

  152. Small Change Says:

    Brilliantly written piece. Philip Pullman was a literary hero of mine as a kid. His prose was magical escapism and i couldn’t get enough of it. Now there is nothing i love more than writing. Writers like Pullman sparked my love of the english language and i am utterly in their debt

  153. Valary Kawega Says:

    This is just lovely..
    I mean how would I have got to know about this information if a facebook friend of mine didn’t share it.
    I’m thrilled.. I rarely get thrilled.

  154. Teresa Says:

    É verdade, além de tudo o resto as crianças precisam de arte, históriaas e poemas

  155. Philip Pullman says “Children need art and stories” – Reading with Babies Says:

    […] you, Astrid Lingren Memorial [http://www.alma.se/en/about-the-award/] for awarding him this prize which encouraged him to write this […]

  156. Arte, música, poemas e histórias: crianças precisam disso? – CRB-8 Says:

    […] do Prêmio Memorial Astrid Lindgren, em 2012. Traduzido e publicado com permissão. Original AQUI! Fonte e tradução: Como educar seus […]

  157. Ineke Says:

    This is so true. I am so grateful to my father who took me from the age of 5/6 to concerts expositions etc.
    I think that wars will stop when all (:youth)children will be connected to culture.

  158. fosteringinlondon Says:

    Fostering Services given better facilities for a child and a presents also arrange some seminar and training for those with tech and realize them that all children need better education when real once or fostering.

  159. Anupa Datta Says:

    Please suggest admission policy of a preschool

  160. Poonam Says:

    Beautiful article. I totally agree with Philip Pullman. Art, poetry and stories are a must to touch the heart of every child and bring out the creativity in them.

  161. “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ « Declassical Arts & Entertainment Says:

    […] “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fres… Wise words from Philip Pullman, who received the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2005: […]

  162. Art Gallaries in Bluffton | Socitey of Bluffton Artist | Visual Arts Says:

    […] Good read about Children and Art. Click Here. […]

  163. Children need art... - Art 4 Kids Says:

    […] https://astridlindgrenmemorialaward.wordpress.com/2015/12/17/children-need-art-and-stories-and-poems&#8230; […]

  164. Sane Says:

    Well you hit the nail on it’s head..in the beginning God-created ..use discernment..we were meant to be as we are created in his image…

  165. Vandana Sharma Says:

    Sir ,
    What ever u said I agree with that
    but in today’s competitive system one can’t find time for kids after school , tuitions, homework ,projects…. Like can’t explain u hw difficult it becomes after that to tell ur kids that come let’s do story telling . Actually ,I think In India complete academic sytem needs a change . It’s always easy to say others that don’t run after percentage but for a middle class family if child doesn’t score for admission in good college u need to pay donation n it becomes out of question if the person has more than one kid .

  166. kevinaldrich2013 Says:

    Something in me wants to disagree with Pullman, but my entire life contradicts my own opinion.

  167. Ten Things that Caught My Eye Today (June 24, 2019) - Conservative Action News Says:

    […] 6. “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air a….” […]

  168. Ten Things that Caught My Eye Today (June 24, 2019) – Conservative T's Says:

    […] 6. “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air a….” […]

  169. “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ - SheVille Says:

    […] It’s true that some people grow up never encountering art of any kind, and are perfectly happy and live good and valuable lives, and in whose homes there are no books, and they don’t care much for pictures, and they can’t see the point of music. Well, that’s fine. I know people like that. They are good neighbours and useful citizens. Click to continue reading […]

  170. Ed Says:

    Word.

  171. Faye Says:

    Thank you.

  172. “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ | Says:

    […] Link Original:https://astridlindgrenmemorialaward.wordpress.com/2015/12/17/children-need-art-and-stories-and-poems&#8230; […]

  173. Dagmar Helbig Says:

    Your words alone are like a poem, like a dream, are opening the fantasy for a story, for flying on a carpet to find places of secret beauty.
    I would wish deeply that we are able to bring this into the world of children who have no access to all this wonderful art. Iam working on it from time to time, when I work with children, paint with them, sometimes together with old people. To see their joy is like a gift.
    Iam a painter all my life, I love this work and the process itself makes me happy. Without that I could not be, and I love stories and music. I know my world is rich.
    Thank you for your wise words to open our eyes – to think of all who do not know, who are longing for that immense surprise of finding the paradise of arts.
    How nice to meet you!
    Dagmar Helbig

  174. Rachel Says:

    So true and believing wording to share sprak this believe 🍀🙏🌸✨💖

  175. "Chıldren need art and storıes and poems and musıc as much as they need love and food and fresh aır and play." | İlkyaz Says:

    […] Source […]

  176. Marc Says:

    It’s the same as adult. You are in love with your partner, love your kids, have friends, like your job and, nevertheless, you feel deeply tha’ts somthing is missing. And one day, suddenly, by chance, you discover an artistic practice (no matter the level of your pratice) that’s feeds you soul deeply : your life is definitely transformed. I wish to everyone to live this experience.

  177. Lindy H Says:

    Love this profound piece and the connections several people have made between art, poetry and storytelling and robust early childhood development. Neuroscience tells us that 80% of the brain’s architecture is framed by the time a child is 3 or 4 years old. Since the child’s brain is like a sponge in these early days, infants, toddlers and preschoolers are extraordinarily receptive to emotional and cognitive nurturing. In fact, the more a caretaker/parent interacts and the greater the variety of touch points, the faster the brain expands with new and different neural connections, shaping the child’s foundation for love, language and learning that lasts a lifetime.

    Poetry, art, music and storytelling are superfoods for young children, providing endless opportunities for attachment, joyful nurturing and play. The best part is they are free, democratizing access to emotional and intellectual growth. Every parent, grandparent and caregiver can provide these at home or on the go. Whether it’s singing a nursery rhyme on the way to the doctor’s office, creating a homemade art project at the kitchen table, collecting fall leaves to make a sculpture on the sidewalk or simply, sharing a simple story, the benefit is exponential to a child’s feeling of self worth and inner happiness. These little teachable moments become love moments, expanding a child’s trajectory with new tangents of life, curiosity and an ongoing hunger for more enrichment. Arguably, they’re the language of love that every parent can impart from the very first day a child is born.

    And when that child grows up to be a parent, that beautiful cycle is often repeated. Because consciously or subconsciously, the nostalgia and joy of listening to stories and poetry, creating homemade art and endless chit-chat spurs a parent to renew the cycle — expanding love, language, play and learning from that very first day; every day…

  178. Peter S. Says:

    “…Their bodies are healthy enough; they can run and jump and swim and eat hungrily and make lots of noise, as children have always done…”
    Well, I’m missing just that!
    When i was a little chap I read Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, Stevenson’s “Treasure Island”, Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn’s Adventures” and Cooper’s “The Leatherstocking Tales”, so as many generations of boys did before. These books inspired us youngsters for our own adventures. We couldn’t get out far of the large city of Hamburg, but we explored streams and river banks, abandoned air raid shelters and harbour scrap yards.
    Recently I went to a large book store in the city, but I couldn’t find any of the books of my childhood. Neither at the young people books nor at the classics. The tastes have changed. I wouldn’t care much about but I also miss young boy gangs roaming about backyards, climbing trees and building branch huts in the copse. Where have they gone? What do they do? What inspires them today? Do you know it? What is your experience?

  179. Ragnar Says:

    query
    Is this the same Philip Pullman
    the creator of “The Golden Compas” trilogy ?

    thank you

  180. Marion Arot Says:

    All life is art, allblife is music, all life is poetry. But Life is all a BIG STORY! So what is life without art, music, stories or poetry. Children need an early brain surge into all that life is because they too appreciate it in their own little ways.Pullman says it beautifully!

  181. maitreyeemishra Says:

    Reblogged this on Maitreyee Mishra and commented:
    Cultural Starvation.

  182. Ricardo Says:

    Art is one thing. Art culture is another.
    Art is everywhere, within and around us. Feeding on it is a personality subject.
    Art culture is an access matter. The further you are from the survival line, the more you care for such things. It is exclusive by nature. It is also a good thing that nobody really needs it.

  183. divorce tammy wynette song lyrics Says:

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    “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ | Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award

  184. Best Art Gallaries in Bluffton | Socitey of Bluffton Artist | Visual Arts Says:

    […] Good read about Children and Art. Click Here. […]

  185. Gwendolyn Green Says:

    ABSOLUTELY true. Passing on our culture is an obligation that we each should embrace and work diligently to accomplish.

  186. Stefan Schindler Says:

    But then they might start a revolution in the name of — and for the sake of — peace and justice, equality and dignity, egalitarian opportunity for the joys of self-realization, and ecosocialist respect and reverence for the biosphere, marching to the tune of the Beatles’ “Love Is ALL You Need”, and revolutionizing the educational system under the banner of Buckminster Fuller’s declaration … “There are no passengers on space-ship earth; we are all members of the crew.” So, yes, indeed … let us give children art, stories, poems and music — and most of all, let us encourage them to create their own, for they might then offer society’s uncivil “civilization” what it now most needs … A Children’s Brigade forging a Path to The Peaceable Qeendom on Earth. Which is why the Dalai Lama just gave Greta Thunberg a big hug, and lots of encouragement and praise for her courage of conscience.

  187. Susanne Lorraine Johnston Says:

    Essential. Everyone needs uplifting, inspiring stories throughout their lives. Even the old need them. Where are the free spaces for our story-tellers? I’m a good, old take teller.

  188. “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ | Harmless Blog Says:

    […] “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fres… […]

  189. Faye Moore Says:

    So true. I started reading and singing to my children when they were babies in my arms. As they grew after lunch was a quiet time and the time for a story. Shortly after they would fall asleep. To this day they are avaid readers, especially my daughter.

  190. LEILA KANSO Says:

    Absolutely true. I am an artist painter. It males a bit different in a child’s LIFE STRUCTURE. Through he or she becomes VERY sensitive her FOR THEIR won advantage in a personas character formation.

  191. Dallas Morrison Says:

    That’s a ridiculous premise.
    Offer a book to a starving child.
    Tell them they need it as much as food.
    What would he say?
    Probably something like this, “What am I supposed to do with this? EAT IT?”
    Books, music and art, all ARE important but NOT as important as the life sustaining things to which they were compared.

  192. Kasia Catt Says:

    Life without music, books and the arts is unimaginatively poor.One who has no hunger for beauty is like a cripple and we should feel pity for such a creature.

  193. Jongsill Lee Says:

    Wow, that’s great. It’s very interesting and touching.

  194. Yannis Lobaina Says:

    Reblogged this on EN LA RED DEL TIEMPO and commented:
    “Los niños necesitan arte e historias y poemas y música tanto como necesitan amor, comida, aire fresco y juegos. “

  195. vaishalisudhakar@gmail.com Says:

    Very good advice.

  196. Bobby Lee Says:

    An effective teacher teaches you what you know an ineffective teacher teaches you what they know.Children learn by feel and speaks louder than words x

  197. Bobby Lee Says:

    ‘Music Speaks louder than Words’

  198. Nawal Says:

    We can volunteer to teach Indian Music and Cultural Education to your children and people. Nawal moudgil 61-403167441

  199. Bina Says:

    Very true

  200. Marketing research process Says:

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    “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ | Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award

  201. Hedvig Ekstrand Says:

    I feel so happy reading your textil! I totally agree. I’ve been working with children my whole life.
    I love children . Let them grow in liberty with all senses open to experiance and grow into a wonderful human being enjoying all the beautiful things in life.
    Lot’s of love to all the children in the world and love to all parents .

  202. miatoll Says:

    Thanks for that article… it’s given me just the prompt I needed to start feeling eager about going back to school 👌

  203. Rita dhame Says:

    Art of any kind help in bringing out their hudden potential. It also helps in understanding the personality and interest of a child. We can use it to groom and guide kids in better way

  204. James Wambeo Says:

    A very superb argument. I love it
    Keep on!

  205. Christopher SEARS Says:

    Words of wisdom indeed. The Arts are the one REAL MAGIC & they can work MIRACLES.

  206. Patricia Says:

    So very true! Music, art, poetry and books stimulate the minds of children and aids in all the other subjects like math, English, etc. Exposing them to these “extra-curricular” activities broadens the mind and a wealth of knowledge is gained.

  207. Dan Alan Says:

    Truer words were never spoken!!! Art feeds your soul and help develop all of your emotions so that you know what they are and can relate other humans who may be experiencing things you have know knowledge of…except the emotional impact they feeling!!! They are also a great way to work through your emotional difficulties and exorcise them in a way that is not detrimental to oneself or others!!!

  208. Russ Currey Says:

    As an Art Education grades 1-12 in the 50’s we had required reading, “ Creative and Mental Growth “ by Victor Lowenfeld at Marshall University! Victor Lowenfeld was at Penn State! This became my Bible throughout my career! It never failed me.

  209. Meminie Says:

    Reblogged this on My Mango Trees.

  210. Kanakpriya loyalka Says:

    Very true. Totally mesmerized by the thoughts

  211. calmcarl Says:

    Reblogged this on calmcarl.

  212. Neeti Tibrewala Says:

    Thank you so much. It brings so much more meaning to me, I generally share stories with my child because he demands for one. But now it’s getting within me to do it for sole benefit for my child. I am glad that I read this article, now I would not put cultural expressions secondary.😊

  213. David Says:

    Pullman also said “ ‘In the Beginning’ speaks to the mind but ‘Once upon a time’ speaks to the heart”.

  214. Zamzaman Says:

    True! Art, music, stories and poem are soul soothing and constructive activities.

  215. allan ince Says:

    Feed the ducks and hens collect the eggs milk a cow, feed a lamb, climb a tree, make a den, go hiking, the list is endless

  216. rosross Says:

    Which is why the modern trend toward real-life stories is so destructive. Children living in dysfunctional families do not need to read about other dysfunctional families they need to escape into their imagination. I know, I did and it created a lifelong love of reading and a life tool which carried me through many dark times.

  217. Mike Says:

    Spot on

  218. Eugenio L. Imfiel II Says:

    Wow very amazing, indeed we need to correct our culture of teaching…where most of the public school children are so hungry to experience different culture in music, art, poems and pictures.

  219. Patrick Says:

    Not just young people aka children, all people need this in their lives.

  220. Vera Severing Says:

    Reading is wishdom, I always prefered to give children a book because they can create their own fantasy and reality with it…

  221. Judith Spencer Says:

    For my brother and me, the fascination started when we heard a recording of Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas read aloud by Richard Burton. We were hooked! We didn’t understand half of it but we loved the alliteration and resonance of it.

  222. Jessica Norrie Says:

    As one would expect from Philip Pullman who is himself an ex teacher, this is beautifully written and absolutely true. I retired early from teaching 3 years ago, finally pushed out after years of tickbox culture. Having to teach regular past participles on Wednesday and then contradict it all with irregular past participles on Thursday, to a class of six and seven year olds who just wanted to write stories was the last straw for me… Grammar has its place, but not at the price of imagination and creativity. My response was to write my own novel, “The Magic Carpet”, about a school that issues a storytelling challenge for the whole family. I weave the ways five diverse families respond and how it helps them grow individually and as members of a community, whether they’re the school pupils, the parents or the grandparents – as Patrick says above, “not just children, all people need this in their lives”. I’m independently published on Amazon, because when my agent approached UK traditional publishers, they praised the writing and the story but didn’t know where they’d place it in the cautious UK publishing market. Which is another side of the same coin really – the more we err on the side of safe rules and known limits, the less room there is for varied interpretations and imaginative responses.

  223. Frough Says:

    Nice article , we are not only physical body, we are human beings which is composition of body, thought, emotion and spirit. We really need art , poems , music , literature, philosophy and so on.
    As human beings we are multi dimensions , we must not pay attention only to the physical part of our existence.

  224. “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ | Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award – GreatCosmicMothersUnite Says:

    […] Wise words from Philip Pullman, who received the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2005: Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. If you don’t give a child food, the damage quickly becomes visible. If you don’t let a child have… — Read on astridlindgrenmemorialaward.wordpress.com/2015/12/17/children-need-art-and-stories-and-poems-and-mus… […]

  225. Zohra Khanum Says:

    So true and very much relates to my life. Children deserve every chance to flourish their soul and music, dance and other forms of art provide that nourishment. Love your article.

  226. Tercia Swan Says:

    Loved reading this. Very inspiring thanks for sharing. I’m a new artist and have reached people and children by drawing and painting with them. My grand children loves being creative when they visit. And I learned how much talent they have. Making time for people to be creative is a great way for my own inspiration to paint.

  227. Marketing Secrets Says:

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    “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ | Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award

  228. Nikki Says:

    7th and 8th grade kids just created this, in a week or so. https://youtu.be/AYw8NJJqomE

  229. Belinda Verdone Says:

    For some children, it’s the very brightness to their day.

  230. Jeanine Says:

    Absolutely! We were a poor family growing up in the Salinas valley of California, as the eldest child of four to an unwed mother,our lives were hard and there was no money for most material things. My childhood joys were the radio,library books that I devoured, and making endless paper dolls for my younger siblings. Had I not read, listened to music, or drawn countless fantasies, or walked miles to and from school, I would never have enjoyed using my 156 IQ,which has led me to a fulfilling life!

    • Tami Burgoyne Says:

      Loved reading your comments … took me back to my own childhood. Sounds like your mother was a saint and did a great job with exposure on a budget. Mine did the same !! Moms rock 🥰

    • Dani Moreno Says:

      @ Jeanine
      I too remember paper dolls, writing hiku poems which started getting back into.
      Reading Edgar Allen Poe, RL Stine books some romance novels as I became teenager and loved the radio as well all radio personalities and classical radio stations to relax and upwind from my day.I personally enjoy Mozart Beethhoven and Chicago symphony orchestra which is on tape not radio.
      I dont what it would like with music or art my life would seem dull and lifeless.Alot thing revolve around music nowadays and art.

  231. Cynthia Anne Voigt Says:

    What a delight it was when my daughter was born because I had an opportunity to share with her the tales and stories that I remember and of course current children’s literature. Music her father and I enjoyed,although our preference was classical music,but she developed her own Musical tastes. She with the encouragement of both her father and I began to write poetry,and her father felt she should expand her talent and write lyrics which she did in her late twenties. Culture ha a humanizing quality which leads to empathy,and compassion and an esthetic experience similar to a spirit experience. All children need so much to be exposed to painting,literature,stories,poems , music as it stimulates the imagination.

  232. « Les enfants ont autant besoin d’art, d’histoires, de poèmes et de musique que d’amour, de nourriture, d’air frais et de jeux. » | Cogiito Says:

    […] Par Cogiito – 6 octobre 2019 0 14 Partager Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest WhatsApp Email “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fres… […]

  233. Pat Woolley Says:

    You are so right . Luckily I come from a family of artists and my children and grandchildren are musical and artistic and love nature, as well as realizing that a good education and reading books helps one enjoy life to the fullest .

  234. « Les enfants ont autant besoin d’art, d’histoires, de poèmes et de musique que d’amour, de nourriture, d’air frais et de jeux. » • Indigo Says:

    […] “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh ai… […]

  235. Tuttle Says:

    People who do not appreciate art are a disaster, especially in a longer perspective. They can look like useful “neighbous and citizens”, yet they are cripples without knowing it, criplles who’ve unconsciously given up the very foundations of humannes as such and in fact slowly ruin the human society.

  236. 5)Play.. Note by Senthil – Uyyale Collective’s Blog Says:

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  239. Children need art, stories, poems and music in order to grow | Fully Human Says:

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  240. Monroe Says:

    I do not know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else experiencing issues with
    your website. It appears as though some of the written text within your posts are
    running off the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback
    and let me know if this is happening to them as well? This could be
    a problem with my browser because I’ve had this happen previously.

    Thanks

    • awardoffice Says:

      Dear Marta,
      Thanks for telling us. Do you mean the official website (www.alma.se) or this blog? Maybe it is something with your browser, because we have’nt heard this before. Thanks!

      Kind regards,
      Mariela Kucer,
      Communications Officer
      Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award

  241. KD Bota Says:

    Reblogged this on YSM | ink.

  242. Satyabrata Rout Says:

    I am overwhelmed to read the article. We, Indians are suffering with cultural starvation in this 21st century society. Our children have forgotten to read a book or watching a play. They are unfamiliar with poetries and paintings. They are deaf for classical music. By the mid of the century we are going to be a bunch of heartless machines. This is due to socio political conspiracy to destroy the world. Oh God! Save us…😭😭😭

  243. awd vehicles Says:

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    “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ | Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award

  244. David Irvine Says:

    Great content, as a poet I read poems to my children all the time. It makes them smile and I find them trying to speak their own poetry which is fantastic. My youngest are 3 and 6 and they always tell me to read them a poem.

  245. "CHILDREN NEED ART AND STORIES AND POEMS AND MUSIC AS MUCH AS THEY NEED LOVE AND FOOD AND FRESH AIR AND PLAY." - Kidyaan Says:

    […] Source: Philip Pullman […]

  246. tulikaaswarnishadblog Says:

    Very true. Totally agree with this point. Every body should have some exposure with these art forms. These forms are very useful for healthy brain and overall function of body. It is definitely a delight for our souls too.

  247. bvillareal Says:

    Reblogged this on Gianna the Great.

  248. Chris and Gabs World Cycling Tour Says:

    We want someone to help publish short stories for children about our adventures as we cycle around the world, it would be very educational for them and fun too! our books would be sold and all proceeds would go to our charity Prevent Breast Cancer, the UK’s only charity that’s main focus is for prevention of breast cancer.
    Please visit our website to see more about our mission: http://www.chrisandgabsworldcyclingtour.com

  249. Maheshwari Says:

    So true! Art in any form is food for the soul. A hungry soul cannot help the body it lives in!! Art deprivation in a child can only help them grow into soulless adults. Art, stories and music must become a family tradition, a part of one’s schooling and an important part of childhood.

  250. artistontheroad Says:

    “Culture is not your friend.” Terence McKenna

  251. artistontheroad Says:

    Culture is a plot to keep you childish:

  252. Tami Burgoyne Says:

    From your mouth to God’s ears !! Thank you for stating the obvious … with lots of genuine and respected authority 💕💕

  253. June Says:

    Oh how true this is that’s why as a single parent we went to the art museum they were in concerts as children they were in plays ,I loved music all my life and my children as adults still do and so do my grandkids

  254. ebamidele Says:

    Their own.

  255. Hakima NARJIS Says:

    Great words

  256. Neela Says:

    Wow everything I’ve felt and I’m 62 tmrw . Hunger and cultural starvation as you say is something I’ve experienced

  257. Fizza Says:

    Thoughtfully written

  258. June Akemi Nako Says:

    As an artist I totally agree and am so thankful that my parents bought me a little organ when I was a little girl. I am so grateful for that gift and then I developed a relationship with keyboards and expanded my musical experience and would never be the same person that I am if I hadn’t started with that little organ.

  259. H Carroll Says:

    I am a special ed teacher and are interested in more articles

  260. Isabelle Says:

    I know this website gives quality dependent artticles and other information, is there any other web site
    which presents these kionds of stuff in quality?

  261. Patti Says:

    Art, music, books, stories and poems are crucial to academic learning. It provides a wholesome life experience

  262. Vieri Says:

    Yes

  263. Ann Marie Hannon Says:

    Wow! I have authored such books and all 3 have recently been awarded the Mom’s Choice Awards seal of excellence. Without a don’t there are many chapters for me still to write and the words here from Mr. Pullman give me even more fortitude and resilience to move forward and to go beyond to meet his ideals and beliefs on behalf of young children. Thank you Sheila Bender for sharing this remarkable moment.

  264. fiqhonomics Says:

    Just curious, is there anyone here who is not white (European descent) and is equally blown away by this author’s sentiment?

    • Daniella Moreno Says:

      Im half hispanic Mexican.
      I love the art culture and poems!
      I also have strong passion for music such as piano playing and singing.
      Im just amateur player.
      It ignites great fire and passion in me.
      It also makes great hobby by yourself to relax or enjoy with friends or group of people with same interest.

  265. David Randall Says:

    I was lucky. My parents were artists.

  266. Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play – What is Education Says:

    […] “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fres… […]

  267. Juliette Kings Says:

    Reblogged this on West Coast Review and commented:
    Yes! THIS. Everything. I hope everyone I know reads this and shares it. Thank you Philip Pullman.

  268. “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ | The Tomorrow Project Says:

    […] “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fres… […]

  269. Fiona Milne Says:

    Beautiful…

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  271. "Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play." | Poe in Wonderland Says:

    […] art of any kind, and are perfectly happy and live good and valuable lives, and in whose homes there are no books, and they don’t care much for pictures, and they can’t see the […]

  272. Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. » Says:

    […] READ MORE […]

  273. Children Need Art, Music, Stories and Poems-repost - Cynthia Winfield Says:

    […] “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fres… […]

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