My purpose in illustrating is to match the exuberance, delight, and vitality of children. My books depict how I feel about being an illustrator - the utter joy of imagination gone wild.

My father was an artist. I grew up surrounded by his paintings, my mother's writing and the boundless creativity of my brothers and sisters. At an early age, I was encouraged to follow my heart. That led me to traveling around the world and living in both Europe and the United States. At 17, I discovered that art was what gave my life meaning and satisfaction.

For 15 years, I worked exclusively in pen and ink. I have always been fascinated by how incredibly expressive a humble little line drawing can be. After completing 200 very detailed and complete pieces of line art in a two-year stint in France, I returned to the U.S. All my work was lost in the mail and never recovered. Depressed, I went to an art store and asked to be shown color. Thus began my love affair with bright, dynamic color.

In every art class I took, my instructor cried, "You have no talent. Give it up!" I could not. I would not. Painting is my life. I love illustrating picture books. I receive deep satisfaction and pleasure from working with children. They continually inspire me and bring laughter into the bargain. Remember, if you have a dream - never, never, never give it up.

As an artist and author, I work with every school as a complete new moment. Every program has its own set of challenges and needs, and I am willing to address those needs. My books are displayed at the San Francisco Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Smithsonian, and compared to Picasso, Matisse, Miro, Stuart and Davis in reviews. Still, my favorite reviews have come from the children and teachers I have worked with in public shool.