Why did you decide to write picture books?

I’ve always loved picture books. Even when I was reading more grown-up books, I always read picture books too. There’s a lot of truth and beauty in a well-done picture book, and truth and beauty are something you never outgrow.

Plus, I really like the challenge of creating a complete, fully realized story in such a small space. It’s like verbal Sudoku. And when you achieve it, it is incredibly satisfying.

Do you draw your own pictures?

Absolutely not. My artistic expertise is limited to doodling. I am so happy to leave the illustrations to professional artists. In fact, seeing the artwork come back for my books is one of my favorite parts in the process. It’s thrilling to see how someone else interprets my stories and sees my characters.

Do you get to pick the artist?

Nope. That’s up to the book’s publisher. This answer surprises a lot of people, but there’s a reason for it. Book publishers have people who work as art directors. They know so much more than I do about which artists would do the best job.

Sometimes, they ask for my opinion, which is nice, but I wouldn’t want the responsibility of having to choose. There are so many talented illustrators. And every time I sell another book, I get paired with a wonderfully talented person.

What books do you like to read?

I read a ton of picture books – partly because I love them and partly to see what wonderful things other authors are doing. I always have a stack on reserve at the library. Here's my list of favorites.

But I also read middle grade, young adult and adult books. And, I love contemporary memoirs and warm and fuzzy romances. Recent favorite grown-up reads are:

• THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS IS by Laurie Frankel.
• I'LL HAVE WHAT SHE'S HAVING by Erin Carlson.
• PARTY OF TWO by Jasmine Guillory.
• RAPTURE PRACTICE by Aaron Hartzler.
• THE END OF YOUR LIFE BOOK CLUB by Will Schwalbe.
• SISTER, MOTHER, HUSBAND, DOG and LEFT ON TENTH both by Delia Ephron.
• VANESSA YU'S MAGICAL PARIS TEA SHOP by Roselle Lim.

Who are your favorite authors?

There are so many that making a list could get me into trouble, but I adore picture book writers Kari Best, Sandra Boynton, Tameka Fryer Brown, Dori Chaconas, Carolyn Crimi, Kelly DiPucchio, Ame Dyckman, Jill Esbaum, Julie Fogliano, Mem Fox, Vashti Harrison, Kevin Henkes, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Mary Lyn Ray, Jacqui Robbins, Dan Santat, Liz Garton Scanlon, Laurie Wallmark, Joyce Wan, Andrea Wang and Carole Boston Weatherford.

For MG and YA, I like anything by Becky Albertalli, Anne Brashares, Sharon Creech, Barbara Dee, Kate DiCamillo, Donna Gephart, John Green, David Levithan, Ellen Raskin, Gary Schmidt, Jacqueline Woodson and Lisa Yee. And, full disclosure, I’ve read each book in the Hunger Games trilogy at least eight times. Go, Suzanne Collins!

What books did you read growing up?

I was monstrously addicted to the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES series. I also loved THE WESTING GAME, BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA, the ENCYCLOPEDIA BROWN series and THE BOXCAR CHILDREN series. And, I loved WHEN I HAVE A LITTLE GIRL by Charlotte Zolotow.

What are your favorite things?

• Colors – Purple and blue.
• Animals – Cats and kittens.
• Food – Potatoes, served almost any way. And dark chocolate. (But separately, not mixed in with the potatoes.) And, a really good omelet.
• Flowers – Tulips and pansies.
• Activities – Reading. Walking around exploring new places. Singing along to the radio. Learning new things.

What do you wish you could do?

Juggle, act, dance and parallel park. There’s hope for the juggling. The other three? Not so much.