In plain terms, a child is a complicated creature who can drive you crazy. There's a cruelty to childhood, there's an anger.

And now," cried Max, "let the wild rumpus start!

I said anything I wanted because I don't believe in children I don't believe in childhood. I don't believe that there's a demarcation. 'Oh you mustn't tell them that. You mustn't tell them that.' You tell them anything you want. Just tell them if it's true. If it's true you tell them.

And it is through fantasy that children achieve catharsis. It is the best means they have for taming Wild Things.

I do not remember any proper children's books in my childhood. I was not exposed to them.

Most children - I know I did when I was a kid - fantasize another set of parents. Or fantasize no parents. They don't tell their real parents about that - you don't want to tell Mom and Dad. Kids lead a very private life. And I was a typical child, I think. I was a liar.

My father could be very witty, even if the humor was always on the darker side of irony.