How do you get the ideas for your books?
When I finish a book, I usually don't know what I am going to work on next, but I do know that I have lots of different ways of getting ideas. Perhaps there is something in the book I have just finished that I want to keep working on (for example, Night City led to Squeaking of Art). Sometimes I do a book about a subject I know alot about (Mr. Cookie Baker). Other times I do a book about a subject I want to learn more about (Firefighter Frank). I constantly jot down words and thoughts, and collect photos and pictures. I have a big box where I put my 'seeds of ideas". I rustle around in it when I am thinking about my next book.

Which comes first, the pictures or the words?
I usually start a book visually, with an idea of pictures I want to paint. I usually start making sketches before I even write any words at all. Both the pictures and words go through many revisions, and I am often still working on the final words after I finish the pictures.

How long does it take you to make a book?
It is different for every book. The longest was two years and the shortest was six weeks. From start to finish, it takes me, on average, about a year to make a book that I both write and illustrate.

Do you use a computer when you make your pictures?
I don't do artwork on a computer. I make my pictures on paper with paints and brushes. I often use gouache, a kind of paint that is sort of a grown-up version of poster paint. Sometimes I do collage, with cut-outs of different papers that I paint or collect, using sissors and glue.

Where do you live, and where do you work?
I live in New York City, in an apartment. My studio space is in my apartment. I love being able to work right at home.

Do you have children?
I have a daughter. She is grown up now and is a professional ballerina, first with New York City Ballet and now Les Ballets de Monte Carlo.

What are your hobbies?
I love going to dance performances, museums and movies. I love everything French and I travel often, especially to France and England. I love to bake desserts and eat chocolate!