We forget that the simple gesture of putting a book in someone's hands can change a life. I want to remind you that it can. I want to thank you because it did. - 2010 Indies Choice Award

As Elmore Leonard says, I write to find out what happens.

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.

The sound of the king's music made Despereaux's soul grow large and light inside of him.

I hate to cook and love to eat.

Nobody ever learns anything.

As a kid books changed how I looked at the world and helped me understand things. Books still deepen me and open my heart.