What is the best thing that I love about my work?
Reading to a group of little kids, getting to a funny part and hearing them laugh.
What is my idea of perfect happiness?
Being kissed by a baby who has just eaten a peppermint stick.
What is my greatest fear?
Out-living my children.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
I have many, but no one’s perfect. Why beat ourselves up?
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
Mo Willems. Professional tip: do not read one of your own books to a group of kids after you have read a Mo Willems book to them.
What is my greatest extravagance?
Raising two kids in New York City.
On what occasion would I lie?
I have never lied. Ever. In my whole life. Not once. Not even now. Next question.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
Being a picture book author is like being an actor or an artist or a musician: it’s very hard to make a living. If you do it for the money you’re in the wrong job.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
When I got the acceptance offer for my second book. I hadn’t let myself express any emotion over my first book, because I figured it was a fluke. It took two more years to sell the second one, and when I finally did, I cried, because I finally let myself believe that I was a children’s author, and that meant the world to me.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
I would be younger and richer and better looking.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
I can make a toddler laugh and a mom cry in 300 words or less.
What do the words ‘The Financial Freedom to Create’ mean to me?
I’m not familiar with that concept.
Where would I most like to live?
New York City, where I live.
What is my most treasured possession?
Photos and videos of my family, especially when my kids were growing up.
What is my most marked characteristic?
I have the brain of a four-year-old.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
There is an outdoor terrace behind the Museum of Natural History with giant water spouts. Every day in the summer little kids come with their parents or nannies and run through the fountains and laugh and scream. If you ever get depressed thinking about how horrible the world can be, spend ten minutes there and you will be okay again.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?
Shake Shack on Columbus and 77th. Order a Shackburger and a chocolate shake.
What books influenced my life and how?
Anything by Dr. Seuss. I’m a rhymer. I love the metric of rhyme.
Who are my favorite writers?
Aside from Dr. Seuss and Mo Willems, I’d give a nod to Jon Klassen, Kevin Henkes, about fifty others. Ask me tomorrow, I’ll say someone else.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
The complete catalog of The Beatles. That would ensure that I wouldn’t actually die until the next day.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
The Star-Bellied Sneetches, from Dr. Seuss. They learn to embrace who they are on the inside rather than what they look like on the outside.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
Picture book authors, illustrators, editors, publishers, librarians, book sellers, kindergarten teachers. Parents. Little kids. One-year-olds learning to walk.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
“Dumb and Dumber.” It’s the greatest stupid movie in history. “So…you’re telling me there’s a chance.”
What role does art play in my life and work?
There are the things everyone does to put food on the table and a roof over their family’s head. Art is everything else. Art is what makes a life extraordinary.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
Rachel, my agent.
Whom would I like to work with in 2017?
Guy Parker-Rees, who illustrated “Giraffes Can’t Dance,” is illustrating one of my upcoming books. I’m looking forward to working with him.
Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2017?
I enjoy meeting other writers, but honestly, I enjoy meeting readers more. I’d love to meet five hundred little kids in 2017.
What project, in 2017, am I looking forward to work on?
I have four picture books coming out in 2018 that are already written, so I’m most looking forward to seeing the artwork take shape this year, plus just writing more manuscripts and hoping to sell at least one.
Where can you see me or my work in 2017?
I have nothing new out until 2018, so my best advice is to forget about me completely until then.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
Don’t get old and crotchety and forget the importance of love and joy and kindness.
Which creative heroes should Peter invite to tell their story?
Anyone who has big dreams and a big heart.
How can you contact me?
The Hero's Journey 