My bounce-around life had taught me that dreams were dangerous things - they look solid in your mind, but you just try to reach for them. It's like gathering clouds.

The truth can both lift up and knock down.

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

The worst thing of all is standing by when folks are doing something wrong.

I will have to rely on that painful teacher, experience.

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.

It's the company, not the cooking, that makes a meal.