Well, when I was 13, for my bar mitzvah I received my first typewriter. And that was special.

Most fears are basic: fear of the dark, fear of going down in the basement, fear of weird sounds, fear that somebody is waiting for you in your closet. Those kinds of things stay with you no matter what age.

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.

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.

I've lived in New York for 40 years. I came right after college.

After spending 22 years in Ohio, I love everything about New York.

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