Peggy Rathmann Quotes

Powerful Peggy Rathmann for Daily Growth

About Peggy Rathmann

Peggy Rathmann is an accomplished American children's book author and illustrator, best known for her distinctive style, whimsical characters, and enchanting storytelling. Born on March 30, 1954, in Evanston, Illinois, Peggy grew up surrounded by books, developing a deep love for reading and storytelling at an early age. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Rathmann moved to San Francisco where she worked as a graphic designer and illustrator before making her debut in children's literature with the 1986 publication of "Good Enough to Eat." This book was the first of many collaborations between Rathmann and her husband, Richard Egielski. One of Rathmann's most celebrated works is "The Good for Nothing Button" (1992), a story about a child who discovers a magic button that makes everything she touches disappear. The book was praised for its humor, creativity, and thought-provoking themes about responsibility. In 1996, Rathmann published another critically acclaimed book, "Officer Buckle and Gloria," which tells the story of a police officer who finds his life changed by adopting a stray dog. The book won the Caldecott Honor for its charming illustrations and heartwarming narrative. Throughout her career, Peggy Rathmann has been influenced by various artists and writers, including Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak, and Edward Gorey. Her work continues to captivate readers of all ages with its unique blend of humor, imagination, and poignant storytelling. Today, she resides in California and continues to create enchanting tales that inspire and delight children around the world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Just because something doesn't do what you planned it to do doesn't mean it's useless." - Peggy Rathmann

Peggy Rathmann's quote emphasizes the value in unexpected outcomes. It suggests that if an endeavor fails to meet the intended goal, it does not necessarily imply that the effort or result is without merit or purpose. Instead, one should consider alternative possibilities and adapt accordingly, as sometimes unforeseen consequences can lead to greater insights or opportunities.


"Remember: Everyone smarter than you was once a beginner too." - Peggy Rathman

This quote encourages empathy, patience, and understanding. It emphasizes that everyone, regardless of their current level of expertise or intelligence, was once a beginner. In other words, it's a reminder to be kind and supportive to those who are new to a skill or subject because one day, we were all in the same position. It encourages humility and fosters an environment where learning can take place without fear of judgment or ridicule.


"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." - Peggy Rathmann

This quote emphasizes that taking action, starting something new, is more important than being exceptional from the outset. It encourages individuals to begin their journey towards greatness, regardless of their current skills or abilities. The implication is that greatness can be achieved through effort, practice, and persistence, rather than requiring innate talent or perfection at the start. In essence, it's a call to action for anyone who wants to reach their potential.


"Don't give up on your dreams, or your dreams will give up on you." - Peggy Rathmann

This quote emphasizes the importance of persistence in achieving one's dreams. It suggests that if an individual abandons their aspirations, those dreams may cease to be viable due to lack of effort or commitment. In other words, maintaining determination and optimism in pursuing goals is essential for realizing them.


"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Peggy Rathmann (often attributed to Steve Jobs but it was actually Peggy Rathmann first)

This quote, often linked to both Peggy Rathmann and Steve Jobs, emphasizes the importance of passion in achieving greatness. It suggests that one can only produce outstanding work when they genuinely love what they are doing. This sentiment underscores the significance of finding fulfillment and enjoyment in our professional pursuits as a key driver for success and productivity.


When a kid graduates from being the youngest in a family to being a big brother or sister, there's an amazing transformation. They have to make a big effort, and when they accept their new position in the family, everybody breathes a sigh of relief. All of a sudden they seem bigger, and they seem smarter, and they feel good about it, too.

- Peggy Rathmann

Big, Big Brother, Everybody, Sudden

When you look at children, they're so beautiful, and they seem so peaceful because their faces aren't all wrinkly and worried. They're like beautiful little pieces of pottery or something. You want to think they have this peace because they have no big responsibilities, but it's just not true.

- Peggy Rathmann

Peaceful, Big, Seem, Pottery

It's really an interesting problem, trying to earn a living and serve art and serve kids. What I try to create are these visual layers so that readers feel the possibility exists that there might be something in the book they never saw before.

- Peggy Rathmann

Book, Feel, Before, Possibility

I lived at home off and on until I was 37. I have about a million college credits. I'd worry about writing about anyone else because I'd be invading their privacy, but you can use your mom and dad and their dog for everything!

- Peggy Rathmann

College, Use, Dad, Credits

When you make illustrations, you're supposed to have a subtext; you're not just communicating words - you're actually adding another story altogether.

- Peggy Rathmann

Illustrations, Subtext, Communicating

Opening myself to criticism was a big door to go through. You can be afraid about something your whole life, about being out in public where people know your name but not you, and it can cripple your ability to try new things.

- Peggy Rathmann

Door, Big, Through, Opening

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