I've never turned into a bee - I've never been chased by a mummy or met a ghost. But many of the ideas in my books are suggested by real life.

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.

I have a great office.

I've made myself laugh from some ideas - but I've never scared myself.

I love theme parks but I'm a real chicken on rides. I'd rather invent scary rides for my books than go on them for real.

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.