Fact and fiction are different truths.

Life is made up of circles ... Life is not a straight line ... And sometimes we circle back to a past time. But we are not the same. We are changed forever.

I have to write what I can write, and writing the text of a picture book is like walking a tightrope, if you ramble off... As my friend Julius Lester says, A picture book is the essence of an experience.

I think its important to remember where I began. I know that when I talk to other writers, say, writers from the South or writers from abroad, its where they begin as children that is important to them.

I have great respect for children. And I have great respect for their ability as writers.

All the world can be found in poetry. All you need to see and hear. All the moments, good and bad, joyous and sad.

There is always something to miss, no matter where you are.