I cry a lot because I miss people. They die and I can't stop them. They leave me and I love them more.

Children are the best living audience in the world because they are so thoroughly honest.

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.

Childhood is a tricky business. Usually, something goes wrong.

Kids books Grownup books That's just marketing. Books are books.

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.

My sister had her own room. She also had innumerable boyfriends. I had a yo-yo collection that was beyond belief, and the reason I had it was mostly that I would stand in the doorway of the living room watching her and her boyfriend. Finally she caught on how to get this kid out of the way. Give him a yo-yo!