Children are tough, though we tend to think of them as fragile. They have to be tough. Childhood is not easy. We sentimentalize children, but they know what's real and what's not. They understand metaphor and symbol. If children are different from us, they are more spontaneous. Grown-up lives have become overlaid with dross.

I'm not jaded. I never have been jaded. I've always been surprised at my success. I've always enjoyed it.

We're animals. We're violent. We're criminal. And if I've done anything, I've had kids express themselves as they are.

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.

We’ve educated children to think that spontaneity is inappropriate. Children are willing to expose themselves to experiences. We aren’t. Grownups always say they protect their children, but they’re really protecting themselves. Besides, you can’t protect children. They know everything.

I would infinitely prefer a daughter.

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