All of God's creatures have names, every last one of them. Of that I am sure: of that I have no doubt at all.

I write two pages - that's all I write. It takes me about an hour. I've learned that's all I'm capable of and to push myself beyond that is foolhardy. It's a very delicate thing, and I will not abuse it. So I write two pages, then I get up from the computer.

Have you, in truth, ever seen something so heartbreakingly lovely? What are we to make of a world where stars shine bright in the midst of so much darkness and gloom?

I'm grateful for every teacher or librarian who reads a book and says, "This is exactly the book that so-and-so needs to read; I'll get it in his hands." I'm amazed at the network of adults who make sure that kids get books.

I always go to the Agriculture Building, where they make apple cider popsicles for a dollar.

Most of my books begin with an image or a voice - one small thing - and I don't know what it is going to become.

Reading is my passion.