In the bedroom time I have generated thoughts, and then in the studio I take those thoughts and try to shape them into something.

I don't think about it that much, but sometimes I am surprised by that. I sometimes wonder why I didn't turn out to be the kind of picture-book writer who has stuffed animals that go with their books. That would be okay with me.

I generally have an idea where I want to go, but I don't know how I'm going to get there.

With most of my books, there are some parts that pop up right away, and other parts I have to wait for.

I don't want to make myself sound that spontaneous, because I'm not.

It's one of my favorite times of day. I'll have an array of notes, things that I want to think about. Something will start to take shape, and I'll play around with it. It's not usually an intense time. It's sort of a playful time. But it's when some really good thoughts arise.

In some ways I'm very structured.