The opportunity to create a small world between two pieces of cardboard, where time exists yet stands still, where people talk and I tell them what to say, is exciting and rewarding.

Some artists claim praise is irrelevant in measuring the success of art, but I think it's quite relevant. Besides, it makes me feel great.

The Polar Express is about faith, and the power of imagination to sustain faith. It's also about the desire to reside in a world where magic can happen, the kind of world we all believed in as children, but one that disappears as we grow older.

Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe.

I pore over every word on the cereal box at breakfast, often more than once. You can ask me anything about shredded wheat.

At first, I see pictures of a story in my mind. Then creating the story comes from asking questions of myself. I guess you might call it the 'what if - what then' approach to writing and illustration.

As much as I'd like to meet the tooth fairy on an evening walk, I don't really believe it can happen.