We're animals. We're violent. We're criminal. We're not so far away from the gorillas and the apes, those beautiful creatures.

I never spent less than two years on the text of one of my picture books, even though each of them is approximately 380 words long. Only when the text is finished ... do I begin the pictures.

Kids don't know about best sellers. They go for what they enjoy. They aren't star chasers and they don't suck up. It's why I like them.

I never set out to write books for children. I don't have a feeling that I'm gonna save children or my life is devoted.

It is such an abundance of idiocy that you lose courage. That you lose hope. I don't want to lose hope. I get through every day. I'm pretty good. I work. I sleep. I sing. I walk.

I remember my own childhood vividly...I knew terrible things. But I knew I mustn't let adults know I knew. It would scare them

Emeralds,' said the rabbit. 'Emeralds make a lovely gift.