James Howe
James Howe – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes
Explore the life, writing career, and ethos of American children’s and young adult author James Howe. Learn how his works such as Bunnicula, The Misfits, and Totally Joe reflect his values, and discover his most inspiring quotes.
Introduction
James Howe (born August 2, 1946) is an American writer best known for his contributions to children’s and young adult literature. With more than 70 (or 79+) books published, Howe has drawn acclaim for both his imaginative storytelling—such as the Bunnicula series—and his fiction that addresses identity, acceptance, and bullying (e.g. The Misfits, Totally Joe).
“I was lucky in getting my first book published; my first book was ‘Bunnicula,’ which I wrote with my late wife Debbie, for the fun of it.”
“Humor is the most precious gift I can give to my reader, a reminder that the world is not such a terribly serious place.”
“The point is that something I thought was perfect has been broken, and I'm having to find the beauty in what is there instead of what I thought was there.”
“We all start out thinking that there is such a thing as perfection … Then we hate ourselves because we have our own brown spots—pimples or ears that are too big or legs that are too skinny.”
“Sticks and stones may break our bones, but names will break our spirit.”
“Another thing I think about names is that they DO hurt. They hurt because we believe them.”
“Life is short and there will always be dirty dishes, so let’s dance.”
These quotes reflect Howe’s blend of realism, empathy, and gentle optimism.
Lessons from James Howe
From the arc of Howe’s life and work, we can draw several lasting lessons:
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Write playfully, but meaningfully. Howe shows that a love for language and humor can coexist with deep themes of identity and acceptance.
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Address the small wounds. Children and teens often suffer from subtle harms—name-calling, exclusion, internal doubts—and literature can offer healing.
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Be authentic about struggle. Howe does not shy from portraying emotional pain or awkwardness; acknowledging imperfection can foster connection.
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Let stories widen empathy. Through multiple perspectives and diverse characters, his work invites readers into others’ emotional landscapes.
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Persist and broaden. After success with Bunnicula, Howe expanded into YA, picture books, adaptations, and issue-driven fiction—diversifying his voice.
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Small acts matter. In his philosophy, humor, kindness, a thoughtful name—these small gestures can ripple with meaning.
Conclusion
James Howe stands as a vibrant force in children’s and young adult literature. From the quirky, suspenseful premise of Bunnicula to the honest explorations of The Misfits and Totally Joe, he has created work that entertains, consoles, and provokes reflection. His storytelling encourages readers—young and old—to see the humanity in name-calling, to cherish imperfection, and to speak kindly.