I still pinch meself when I wake up of a morning...Who ever thought I'd be a children's author -- let alone a best-selling children's author? I feel I should still be driving a truck, or (working as) a longshoreman.

I enjoy walking my dog and completing crossword puzzles.

Food to eat and games to play. Tell me why, tell me why. Serve it out and eat it up. Have a try, have a try.

He came with death held in his paw Which no rat born could face Oh woe to those who break the law Of Sunflash and his mace!

I wrote about a bird that cleaned a crocodile's teeth. The story was so good that my teacher could not believe that a ten-year-old could write that well. I was even punished because my teacher thought I'd lied about writing it! I had always loved to write, but it was then that I realized that I had a talent for it.

I am a people watcher and I have a very good memory.

Weapons may be carried by creatures who are evil, dishonest, violent or lazy. The true warrior is good, gentle and honest. His bravery comes from within himself; he learns to conquer his own fears and misdeeds. —Matthias