I read my books aloud before they were published.

Ramona stepped back into her closet, slid the door shut, pressed an imaginary button, and when her imaginary elevator had made its imaginary descent, stepped out onto the real first floor and raced a real problem. Her mother and father were leaving for Parents' Night.

With twins, reading aloud to them was the only chance I could get to sit down. I read them picture books until they were reading on their own.

Quite often somebody will say, What year do your books take place? and the only answer I can give is, In childhood.

I grew up before there were strict leash laws.

I think the best teachers had a real interest in the subject they were teaching and a love for children.

He was dressed as if everything he wore had come from different stores or from a rummage sale, except that the crease in his trousers was sharp and his shoes were shined.