📖 Overview
Kids Say the Darndest Things compiles Art Linkletter's interviews with children from his long-running television and radio programs. The book captures unscripted conversations between Linkletter and children aged 5-10 during segments of "House Party" and other shows.
The collection presents children's perspectives on topics like family, school, politics, and life's big questions. Linkletter's straightforward interview style allows the children's natural wit and wisdom to take center stage.
Through these interactions, the book reveals the universal experiences of childhood and the unique way young minds interpret the adult world. The conversations highlight how children's unfiltered honesty can bring both humor and unexpected insight into everyday situations.
The enduring appeal of this work stems from its authentic representation of children's voices and its celebration of their innate ability to see the world with fresh eyes. Its influence can be seen in many subsequent works exploring children's perspectives.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate the book's collection of unfiltered, honest responses from children during Art Linkletter's interviews. Many note the humor holds up decades later and brings back memories of watching the TV show. Parents and grandparents often share it with younger generations.
Readers liked:
- The innocent wisdom in children's unexpected answers
- Historical glimpse into 1950s/60s American childhood
- Clean, family-friendly humor
- Simple Q&A format makes it easy to pick up and read in short bursts
Common criticisms:
- Some jokes feel dated or repetitive
- Print quality in newer editions could be better
- Brief length left some wanting more content
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (127 ratings)
Amazon: 4.4/5 (156 reviews)
"The honesty of kids never fails to make me laugh" - Goodreads reviewer
"Perfect coffee table book that all ages enjoy browsing" - Amazon review
"Some answers are timeless in their kid-logic" - BookFinder reader
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Humorous Quotes from Kids by Agnes Henry A collection of authentic statements from children in classroom settings shows their unique understanding of science, history, and relationships.
Out of the Mouths of Babes by Dwayne E. Hunn and Martha J. Hunn Real-life responses from children to questions about life, love, politics, and society reveal their untainted perspectives on the adult world.
The New Kid's Quote Book by Renji Thomas A compilation of children's observations and statements about everyday situations captures their fresh interpretations of the world around them.
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum Stories and observations from young children demonstrate life lessons through their uncomplicated view of existence.
Humorous Quotes from Kids by Agnes Henry A collection of authentic statements from children in classroom settings shows their unique understanding of science, history, and relationships.
🤔 Interesting facts
🎭 Art Linkletter's "Kids Say the Darndest Things" was based on a segment from his radio and television show "House Party," which ran for 25 years from 1945 to 1969.
📚 The book, published in 1957, became an instant bestseller and sold over 2 million copies in its first few months of release.
👶 The concept was later revived multiple times on television, with Bill Cosby hosting from 1998-2000 and Tiffany Haddish in 2019-2021.
🌟 Linkletter's interviews with children were completely unscripted, and he had a special talent for getting honest, humorous responses by asking simple questions about everyday life.
🎨 The original book featured illustrations by the famous cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip, adding extra charm to the children's amusing responses.