There is no right or wrong way to tell a story. You have to find your own way. You can get your idea from listening, looking, or imagining. Stories are everywhere. All you have to do is pay attention.

Do you think everybody misses somebody? Like I miss my mama?” “Mmmm-hmmm,” said Gloria. She closed her eyes. “I believe, sometimes, that the whole world has an aching heart.

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

I am just always, always paying attention - waiting for the words, or image, or name that will be the beginning of a story.

Sometimes strange and wonderful things will pop into my head. And sometimes I will see something in the world that is the beginning of a story. I always have a notebook with me so that I can write down what I see and hear.

Life is hard. Life is beautiful. Life is difficult. Life is wonderful.

Rats have a sense of humor. Rats, in fact think the world is very funny. And they are right, dear reader. They are right.