"We finally got to do it for real life," Mr. Child said.

Mr. Child began the garden in 1945 and continued working on and creating new sculptures for it until 1963.

Reading Mr. Child is not only a mentally transporting experience but also, at times, a physical one.

Mr. Child lets the story unfold calmly for a while.

Mr. Child composed more than 75 songs last year, 60 of which have been sold.

Mr. Child compared these writing sessions, in which he usually plays the role of musical director, to group therapy.

Mr. Child expects to go on tour in the fall.

This year, Mr. Child said, he is demanding that campaigns pay in full when they pick up their orders.

Even with his new policy, Mr. Child has encountered problems.

Under these circumstances it might be gratifying to report that Mr. Child is all hot air.