I wish I didn't have ever to sign my long name on the cover of a book, and I wish I could write a story that would seem absolutely true to the child who hears it and to myself.

We speak naturally but spend all our lives trying to write naturally.

A child's own story is a dream, but a good story is a dream that is true for more than one child.

Goodnight stars, goodnight air, goodnight noises everywhere.

A good picture book can almost be whistled. ... All have their own melodies behind the storytelling.

I like dogs Big dogs Little dogs Fat dogs Doggy dogs Old dogs Puppy dogs I like dogs A dog that is barking over the hill A dog that is dreaming very still A dog that is running wherever he will I like dogs.

Quietness is an essential part of all awareness. In quiet times and sleepy times, a child can dwell in thoughts of his own, and in songs and stories of his own.