If you have no intention of loving or being loved, the whole journey is pointless.

Look at me, he said to her. His arms and legs jerked. Look at me. You got your wish. I have learned how to love. And it’s a terrible thing. I’m broken. My heart is broken. Help me. The old woman turned and hobbled away. Come back, thought Edward. Fix me

Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark. Begin at the beginning. Tell Gregory a story. Make some light.

[Our first dinner with Alison McGhee] was at Figlio's [in Minneapolis]. I know exactly what I had, because it was so good: their three-cheese ravioli. But I can't remember what I said to Alison that night that made her laugh so hard. But she got me right away and I got her right away.

What would make me happiest is if kids read these books [Bink & Gollie] and think: there is so much to love in the world; and words are so much fun.

Going out and not only meeting the kids, but meeting the teachers and the librarians and seeing the world, fills me up.

There are so many difficult things and stories can make them palatable. That's the way I have always felt.