Any kid who's dealt with an exasperated adult is sure to appreciate Laura Numeroff's If You Give a... series, where children take on semi-parental roles with unexpected, demanding animal guests. Numeroff is an expert at silly situations and catchy verses that absorb and engage. In our interview, Numeroff talks about the joyful experience of meeting her young fans. "I just love it when I see a little kid clutching one of my books," she admits. "It warms my heart."