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.

Danger is the snack food of a true sleuth.

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

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

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