"When I was young, my favorite picture book was 'Fletcher and Zenobia,' written by Edward Gorey and illustrated by Victoria Chess. It's long out of print now, but its mix of macabre humor and 1960s psychedelia made it a perfect children's book for the times."
"Poison!"Grover yelped. "Don't let those things touch you or...""Or we'll die?"I guessed."Well...after you shrivel slowly to dust, yes.""Let's avoid the swords,"I decided."
"She glared at me like she was about to punch me, but then she did something that surprised me even more. She kissed me."Be careful seaweed brain."She said putting on her invisible cap and disappearing.I probably would have sat there all day, trying to remember my name, but then the sea demons came."
"Leo had seen Tia Callida in action; she liked knives, snakes and putting babies in roaring fires. Yeah, definitely let's unleash her rage. Great idea."
"I think kids want the same thing from a book that adults want - a fast-paced story, characters worth caring about, humor, surprises, and mystery. A good book always keeps you asking questions, and makes you keep turning pages so you can find out the answers."
"Hope does not leave without being given permission."