I think kids need to be allowed to be more creative and learn more about artists these days, so I'm all about that.

When I'm not working on a children's book, I'm painting abstract paintings. That's probably the most joyous thing for me as an artist. But I do love children's books.

Awards are great, but they're not who you are, and pop culture isn't who you are.

I loved to draw. I always did. I started when I was about five years old.

I grew up as this little Catholic girl who just wanted to make beautiful things. I expressed myself with paint.

I was quite nauseous every day at school - I had some real stomach problems. The thing that saved me was sitting in church and trying to get into these statues and windows and colors. Truly, it transported me. And I can see it now in my own work - my pictures have kind of that look.

In creating the Harry Potter artwork, I try to bring a certain amount of realism and believability to the characters and setting, but still add an element of wonder and the unknown.