I was a great reader of fairy tales. I tried to read the entire fairy tale section of the library.

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.

My favorite books are a constantly changing list, but one favorite has remained constant: the dictionary. Is the word I want to use spelled practice or practise? The dictionary knows. The dictionary also slows down my writing because it is such interesting reading that I am distracted.

I was a very observant child. The boys in my books are based on boys in my neighborhood growing up.

Nothing in the whole world felt as good as being able to make something from a sudden idea.

Didn't the people who made those license plates care about little girls named Ramona?

I enjoy writing for third and fourth graders most of all.