I gotta pound the keys for the ideas to flow.

The wren and the nightingale sound nothing alike, but think how dull the world would be without the songs of both birds.-Miss Kanagawa

Remember picture books are the closest form of writing to a poem. Even though they don't have to rhyme, they must be poetic. They must be written so the worst actress can read with comfort and expression.

Well, before writing became all-consuming, I was a quilter, like Hattie and Perilee. I don’t do that anymore, but I do knit, garden and watch the birds in my backyard. I also take lots of walks, do yoga and talk my husband into taking me out to dinner as often as possible.

Life was like a batch of biscuits without the baking powder: flat, flat, flat.

Hattie.' Grace patted my arm. 'My cows sing better than you do.

Hon, when someone's a true friend, there's no need to miss 'em." She patted her chest. "'Cause they're always right here.