I think for everybody reading can be a solace, illumination, education.

Reader, you may ask this queston. In fact, you must ask this question. Is it ridiculous for a very small, sickly, big-eared mouse to fall in love with a beautiful princess named Pea? The answer is... Yes. Of course it's ridiculous. Love is ridiculous. But love is also wonderful. And powerful.

I want to remind people of the great and profound joy that can be found in stories, and that stories can connect us to each other, and that reading together changes everybody involved.

And hope is like love...a ridiculous, wonderful, powerful thing.

At the thought of being eaten by rats, Despereaux forgot about being brave. He forgot about not being a disappointment. He felt himself heading into another faint. But his mother, who had an excellent sense of dramatic timing, beat him to it; she executed a beautiful, flawless swoon, landing right at Despereaux's feet.

I was born in Philadelphia and currently live in Minneapolis. I write for both children and adults.

I have done quite a few signings at bookstores, libraries and conferences. I have received phone calls and letters from people who liked the book.