Pranking is a great way to indicate the underlying absurdities of the world.

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.

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.

I think the trick of writing a good picture book manuscript is to leave that space for illustration. An illustrated novel can do the same thing.

Pranking is a great way to indicate the underlying absurdities of the world.

I'm not sure we're presenting ourselves as real role models. I don't think literature has ever been a real place for role models.

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