Monday, September 18, 2017

Absolutely Killer First Lines in Children's Lit...by Hilary Wagner


"If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book."
The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

The very first line of any story may not make or break your book, but let it be said, it should stick with the reader. It should make them come back to it in their minds, repeat it in their heads for no reason, and most of all, it should make them read on.

Below are some of the most famous openers from children's books. What are some of your favorites?  

“There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.”
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis

"There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife."
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

"If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book."
The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

"The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world."
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson



"It was a dark and stormy night."
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

"Mr and Mrs Dursley, of number four Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much."
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling



"Here is a small fact: You are going to die."
The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak

Do you dare to share your first line?? We would love to it! 

Thanks for reading! 

Hilary Wagner

3 comments:

  1. Neil Gaiman's is certainly one of my favorites, as well as Lemony Snicket. I also really like "There was blood on the snow. White, with a smattering of red. Like petals." from Dreamers Often Lie by Jacqueline West

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  2. I've read all of those books, and their first lines really were memorable.

    One of my first lines: "I learned early on that fathers are dangerous creatures."

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  3. I think I did a whole post about the opening page of The Graveyard Book, way back when.

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Thanks for adding to the mayhem!