We put authors on such a pedestal, and it's a moment that humanizes the whole thing, and lends an absurdity to what otherwise is a "please sit with your hands on your lap" kind of event.

It's a sort of patronizing idea that literature for children has to feature role models of exemplary behavior. I think not only is that bogus, but it leads to really boring books.

Danger is the snack food of a true sleuth.

Not only is a good prank harmless, but, like a good story, it reveals an essential truth that would otherwise be hidden.

Kevin Cornell and I have worked together a bunch.

Too often we tell kids pleasant stories devoid of truth, and stories without truth are not good stories. Our audience deserves more from us.

I'd much rather have a book that a few people love intensely than a book that a lot of people like okay.