American writer-illustrator Rosemary Wells' stories have been delighting children and adults alike for over 40 years. The award-winning author has published over 120 books, and her whimsical animal characters are loved around the world.

Among her best-known creations are Max and Ruby, a pair of perky bunny siblings, and McDuff, a West Highland terrier. Recently in Tokyo for visits to several international schools and a workshop with local members of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI Japan), Wells took time out from her busy schedule to speak with The Japan Times about writing for children.

Many of her fans assume Wells must have strong ties with Japan because of her popular series starring Yoko, a Japanese kitten coping with life in an American school. Asked about this assumption, however, Wells, shakes her head.