Otis was inspired by a boy who sat across the aisle from me in sixth grade. He was a lively person. My best friend appears in assorted books in various disguises.

My mother would read aloud to my father and me in the evening. She read mainly travel books.

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 don't think children's inner feelings have changed. They still want a mother and father in the very same house; they want places to play.

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.

People are usually surprised to hear this, but I don't really read children's books.

She means well, but she always manages to do the wrong thing. She has a real talent for it.