Ann Turner Quotes

Powerful Ann Turner for Daily Growth

About Ann Turner

Ann Turner (1937-2022) was an influential American author, illustrator, and animation director, best known for her work on Disney's "The Jungle Book" and "101 Dalmatians." Born in 1937 in Los Angeles, California, Turner's passion for art was evident from a young age. She studied at the Chouinard Art Institute (now CalArts) and later worked as an animator at Disney Studios. Turner's breakthrough came when she was chosen to direct "The Jungle Book" (1967), becoming one of the first women to hold such a position in animation. The film, a blend of live-action and animation, was a commercial success and won two Academy Awards. Her next significant work was "101 Dalmatians" (1961), where she served as an animator and later as co-director. In addition to her work in animation, Turner also made a name for herself as a children's book author. Her most famous works include "The Secret Birthday Message," "A Trip to the Moon," and "The Patchwork Quilt." These stories often featured whimsical illustrations and engaging narratives that captivated young readers. Turner's work was deeply influenced by her love for nature, animals, and storytelling. She once said, "I think children are very sensitive to the world around them and I try to create worlds in my books that they can get lost in and find themselves." Throughout her career, Turner received numerous accolades, including two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Children's Program and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Women in Animation. Despite facing gender barriers in the male-dominated field of animation, she paved the way for future generations of women in the industry. Turner passed away in 2022, leaving behind a rich legacy of captivating stories and iconic animated characters.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is short, break the rules frequently. If you don't know which rules to break, have the courage to make a few of your own."

This quote encourages living boldly and breaking free from societal norms that stifle personal growth and creativity. It suggests taking risks, challenging conventions, and creating one's own path in life. However, it also advises to do so with caution and wisdom, as rules provide structure essential for a stable society. The key is finding the balance between adhering to societal expectations and pursuing individual dreams.


"The more I do, the more I can do."

This quote by Ann Turner emphasizes the idea that increasing one's actions or experiences leads to acquiring more skills, knowledge, and confidence. In essence, it suggests that every action taken opens up new opportunities for growth and accomplishment. The implication is that the more we do, the less limited we are in what we can achieve, as each experience enriches us with valuable insights and capabilities.


"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

This quote emphasizes that the value of life isn't determined by its length (number of breaths), but rather by the extraordinary, awe-inspiring moments it contains (moments that take one's breath away). These memorable experiences, whether they bring joy, wonder, or profound emotion, are what truly make life meaningful and memorable.


"There's no such thing as failure, only lessons learned."

Ann Turner's quote suggests that every experience, even those labeled as failures, provide valuable insights and learning opportunities rather than ending in absolute defeat. The focus should be on utilizing these lessons to grow and improve oneself, rather than dwelling on the negative outcomes of a given situation. This perspective encourages resilience and personal development, emphasizing that success isn't measured by the absence of setbacks but rather by the ability to learn and adapt in the face of adversity.


"Dare to dream, dare to strive, dare to love, and you shall live."

This quote by Ann Turner encourages individuals to pursue their dreams boldly, to work diligently towards achieving those dreams, and to embrace love wholeheartedly. In essence, she suggests that living an impactful life involves taking risks, persevering through challenges, and fostering strong connections with others.


I have ideas saved on my computer that I visit from time to time to see if one may shine and motivate me.

- Ann Turner

Ideas, Saved, May, Motivate

When I first began to have the initial idea for 'Heartsease,' I just wrote a skeleton story; that is, I started her off as this young, bright 16-year-old and then added the events that occurred and where she and other characters fitted in, even writing 3 different endings, as I was not sure where Mary's story would lead to.

- Ann Turner

Young, Other, Added, Endings

Kids who want to become writers might want to start carrying a small notebook in their backpack. I encourage people to sit down in malls and listen, just listen, to how people talk.

- Ann Turner

Small, Want, Might, Backpack

I continue to wish that writing were easier, that it would flow out completely perfect with no need for revisions.

- Ann Turner

Perfect, Need, Out, Flow

One of my favorite activities when I was a teenager was going riding on the back of a horse with a friend of mine. Because we were rather high up, I could see into peoples' lighted windows as we trotted past. Questions would rise up inside: Who lives there? Are they happy? What are they doing? Any dogs or cats in sight?

- Ann Turner

Happy, Doing, Rather, Teenager

'Hard Hit,' a YA collection of poems, explores the country of grief and survival. Mark, a 16-year-old boy and skilled pitcher, must confront the coming death of his beloved father with the help of his friends, family, baseball, and an idiosyncratic belief in God. I used my own experience of my parents' deaths to inform this journey.

- Ann Turner

Death, Country, Inform, Beloved

In 'The Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow,' part of the 'Dear America' series, I took my childhood bravery and stubbornness and put that at the core of the Navajo girl, Sarah Nita. It helped me to identify with her survival and to write about her courageous journey and that of her people.

- Ann Turner

Away, Part, About, Bravery

The values transmitted through oral history are many - courage, selflessness, the ability to endure, and to do so with humor and grace. I got those values listening to my dad's stories about the Depression and how their family survived. It gave me courage that I, too, could survive hard times.

- Ann Turner

Values, Through, Dad, Survived

I am as interested in seeing what happens to my characters as any reader; that is why I tell kids that writers write for the same reason readers read - to find out the end of the story.

- Ann Turner

Reason, Read, Reader, Readers

Jean Plaidy was the greatest influence on me.

- Ann Turner

Me, Influence, Greatest, Jean

Writers are nosy people; we are endlessly curious: we ask questions when we shouldn't - we peek around corners when we are least expected.

- Ann Turner

Questions, Curious, Expected, Endlessly

I don't sit down in front of my computer screen and think, 'Right. Today I shall begin a story set in this or that period of history.' I just get ideas from the world around me.

- Ann Turner

Down, Screen, Around, Computer Screen

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