When you write for very young children what they want is something familiar and safe and stereotyped.

Multitasking? I can't even do two things at once. I can't even do one thing at once.

Why do you put your self esteem in the hands of complete strangers?

Who wants to be normal when you can be unique?

I drink a lot of Diet Coke and belch. I've been known to use the ''f'' word.

I've never had white teeth. To be honest, I've never been told to do any of those horrible things - get your teeth whitened or your nose straightened.

Imperfection is underrated. Perfection is overrated.

You just have to do what suits you, and it doesn't matter if you don't look like everybody else. Be you. That's our gift and we've got to celebrate that.

I don't think kids have a problem with death. It's us older ones who are nearer to it, that start being frightened.

Wear what you feel comfortable with. People say nasty things about what I wear in the street. I'm always in worst dressed lists, but you just have to dress for yourself and ­nobody else.

I'm drawn to emotionally damaged characters because there is more to unlock.

If you are humble enough to admit to your flaws then you are capable of correcting them.

Living well and beautifully and justly are all one thing.

Human nature is complex. Even if we do have inclinations toward violence, we also have inclination to empathy, to cooperation, to self-control.

Laughter is much more important than applause. Applause is almost a duty. Laughter is a reward.

You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.

While I am alive, I intend to live.

The truth about intimate relationships is that they can never be any better than our relationship with ourselves.

The problem is I got a lot of brains but no polish.

I am 26 and, and I don't recover as fast as I have in the past.

From the Eucharist comes strength to live the Christian life and zeal to share that life with others