A book is really like a lover. It arranges itself in your life in a way that is beautiful. Even as a kid, my sister, who was the eldest, brought books home for me, and I think I spent more time sniffing and touching them than reading. I just remember the joy of the book, the beauty of the binding. The smelling of the interior. Happy.

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

I grew up in a house that was in a constant state of mourning.

Kids tell you what they think, not what they think they should think.

Each month is gay, Each season nice, When eating Chicken soup With rice

If there's any advice I have to give, I would say it's that. If you're looking for a way to get closer to your kids, there ain't no better way than to grab 'em and read. And if you put them in front of a computer or a TV, you are abandoning them. You are abandoning them because they are sitting on a couch or a floor and they may be hugging a dog, but they ain't hugging you.

My life in Brooklyn was in constant danger because of my bad health.