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.

Kevin Cornell and I have worked together a bunch.

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.

Danger is the snack food of a true sleuth.

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.