Sendak is in search of what he calls a "yummy death". William Blake set the standard, jumping up from his death bed at the last minute to start singing. "A happy death," says Sendak. "It can be done." He lifts his eyebrows to two peaks. "If you're William Blake and totally crazy.

I'm totally crazy, I know that.

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

I wish you all good things. Live your life, live your life, live your life.

Bumble-Ardy is a very wicked little child as far as I'm concerned. He's not to be trusted.

There's a mystery there, a clue, a nut, a bolt, and if I put it together, I find me.

I can't believe I've turned into a typical old man. I can't believe it. I was young just minutes ago.