In Ruth's own words:
"Sassafras came on the heels of the success of The Kissing Hand. After a publisher panel reviewed many artists submitting samples for this story, they decided that they wanted the same endearing animal style and bright colors as I had previously done.

I did not have the same liberty to design how each page looked, however. This one took me seven months to complete, and again I had a new four month old baby at the time! I discovered watercolor and fell in love with it. It was a journey to discovery and delight again. I painted mostly at night since my son rarely napped...but it was worth it.

What an honor and delight to create books that children will read for years to come!"