When you’re brainstorming ideas for a book, anything anyone around you does or says may become creative fodder. And working in a school provides the perfect creative landscape, because, as they say, kids say the darnedest things.

Here is the start of a not-so-comprehensive list of things overheard during my many years in a classroom:

• “I keep scissors in my pocket at all times in case of a craft emergency. I have gluestick in my other pocket.”

• “I went into the restroom, and the floor was a giant river of urine.”

• “My mom put a pole in our living room so we can learn pole dancing.”

• Kid 1: “What’s a mentor?”
  Kid 2: “I think it’s a half-man, half-horse thing.”

• Kid 1: “Is Mexico a city or a state?”
  Kid 2: “Duh! It’s a state.”

• Kid speaking to me: “You should be a witch for Halloween, because — no offense, but your nose kinda goes out like this (demonstrating pointy shape with hand).”

This is all I can remember at the moment, but I will add to this list as I think of more fantastic sayings.

Disclaimer: This is in no way poking fun at children. All of my kids over the years have been sweet, clever, and an absolute delight. I have only the fondest memories, even of the more challenging ones.