India, Aug. 22 -- You have won the prestigious Caldecott Medal twice - for your books Hello Lighthouse and Finding Winnie. What does the medal represent to those who are on the lookout for good books for children?

The wonderful thing about the Caldecott Medal is the big gold sticker that you get on your book. That is much more important than the actual medal. It is a sign for parents, teachers, librarians and children that the book they are holding in their hands is a good book. As a child, I used to look out for books that had those gold stickers. The medal carries a great legacy, and I am just one in a long line of other illustrators who have won it.

How do publishers respond when an award comes your way?

I feel very fortunate that I...