Renowned Writers Reflect on Their Influential Childhood Reads

A group of prominent authors recently shared their cherished childhood books, revealing how these early reads shaped their literary journeys. From tales of adventure to narratives that explore complex themes, these works left a lasting impact on their writing styles and storytelling approaches.

Michelle Rahurahu: Finding Depth in Complex Narratives

Michelle Rahurahu, an award-winning author known for her Ockham-winning novel, *Poorhara*, highlighted the significance of *A Series of Unfortunate Events* by Lemony Snicket (the pen name of Daniel Handler) and *Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons* by Dugald Steer. Rahurahu described her childhood as complex yet filled with joy, noting that the *A Series of Unfortunate Events* books encouraged her to engage critically with literature. The series features a narrator who guides readers through moral dilemmas while presenting a unique perspective on the narrative.

Rahurahu reminisced about spending hours exploring the world of dragons with a friend through *Dragonology*. This book ignited her passion for self-directed research, leading her to document her observations of nature and even create traps for imaginary dragons. She revealed that, at the age of 11, she believed herself to be quite knowledgeable, a sentiment that the book validated.

Richard Osman: Discovering Inspiration in Adventure

Author of the acclaimed *Thursday Murder Club* series, Richard Osman, credited *The Famous Five* by Enid Blyton as a major influence in his formative years. Osman noted that a friend pointed out his writing echoed the beloved series featuring four children and a dog on thrilling adventures. He fondly recalled the joy of discovering multiple installments in the series, which he later recognized as a source of inspiration for his own storytelling.

Poet laureate Robert Sullivan also reflected on his childhood reading experiences, mentioning the *New Zealand Encyclopedia* alongside classic tales like *Charlotte’s Web* by E.B. White and *Where the Wild Things Are* by Maurice Sendak. He shared how the encyclopedia nurtured his interest in New Zealand’s history, while *Charlotte’s Web* left a profound emotional impact during his school years.

Alison Wong and the Power of Language

Alison Wong, the 2024 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate, expressed how *Owls Do Cry* by Janet Frame opened her eyes to the creative power of language. Wong grew up writing poetry and prose but lacked guidance in her reading choices. Her English teacher introduced her to Frame’s work, which influenced her understanding of character development and emotional depth in storytelling.

Filmmaker and author Michael Bennett reminisced about his unusual reading choices at a young age, including *In Cold Blood* by Truman Capote and *Textbook of Abnormal Psychology* by Roy M. Dorcus and G. Wilson Shaffer. Despite their dark themes, these books profoundly shaped his writing style, particularly Capote’s narrative techniques.

Dame Fiona Kidman and the Joy of Childhood Adventures

Novelist and poet Dame Fiona Kidman fondly recalled her love for *Swallows and Amazons* by Arthur Ransome. Set in the Lake District, the story’s themes of freedom and exploration resonated deeply with Kidman, who appreciated the companionship portrayed among the child characters. She noted how these stories filled her imagination during a time when children’s literature was limited.

Finally, children’s writer Sacha Cotter shared her enthusiasm for the whimsical narratives of Roald Dahl. Cotter described Dahl’s stories as a blend of adventure and playful language that inspired her to pursue a career in writing. She acknowledged that Dahl’s influence can be seen in her own works, where she incorporates elements of humor and magic similar to those found in Dahl’s stories.

As these writers reflect on their formative literary experiences, it becomes clear that childhood books play a significant role in shaping not only their identities as readers but also their careers as authors. Each writer’s unique journey underscores the importance of literature in understanding oneself and the world.