Sometimes it helps to scold yourself, to give yourself advice.

Many adults feel that every children's book has to teach them something.... My theory is a children's book... can be just for fun.

The next day, Greg is so large that he cannot even ride the car to school because he can't fit in the car. His parents believe this to have been caused by a food allergy and resolve to take him to the doctor later.

When I write, I try to think back to what I was afraid of or what was scary to me, and try to put those feelings into books.

I started writing when I was 9 years old. I was like this weird kid who would just stay in my room, typing little funny magazines and drawing comic strips.

It's my job, too, to keep up with pop culture and what the kids are into 'cause you don't want to sound like an old man trying to write for kids. I spend a lot of my time spying on them.

I guess I'm way too kind and generous, and a saint - if you can believe that!