Which genres do you especially enjoy reading?
Memoirs and biographies. I find stories about other people’s real-life experiences and challenges so engrossing. They teach me a lot and broaden my perspective and understanding of the world. One recent favorite was “Educated,” by Tara Westover. The story — and Tara’s resilience — broke my heart.
What kind of reader were you as a child?
I read everything I could get my hands on, often under the covers with a flashlight. I used novels as a way to learn, to escape and to travel without leaving my little town in Massachusetts. I particularly loved “The Cricket in Times Square,” by George Selden. The idea of a cricket giving concerts in New York City enchanted me.
Who is your favorite fictional hero or heroine? Your favorite antihero or villain?
My favorite book of all time is “L’Assommoir,” by Émile Zola, and I adore Gervaise Macquart. She’s such a strong character, and every time I read the book, I want her life to be different — I want her to have all the opportunities she’s denied as a member of the Parisian underclass. And as far as antiheroes, while I wouldn’t say her husband is my favorite antihero, I would say that he’s the perfect foil for Gervaise’s dreams. Zola is such a stunning writer. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read and reread his work.
Do you have a favorite memoir by an actor?
I don’t, but I do have a favorite biography — “Charles Laughton: A Difficult Actor,” by Simon Callow. Charles Laughton is my absolute favorite actor. He was one of the true greats, and being able to gain insight into his life through this book meant a lot to me.
What was the specific motivation to try your hand at a children’s book?
I’ve always loved drawing and writing, so it’s been in my mind for a long time. Then, suddenly, the idea of a character knowing that they live in a book came to me. As a child, I always felt too tall, like I was taking up more than my share of space, and I tried to shrink myself to fit into the amount of space I imagined I should occupy. In writing “The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page,” I wanted to reach out to kids who feel like I did back then — like they don’t fit in — and reassure them that there is room for them in the world. I want them to realize that they should take up as much space as they need.