My amazing editor and friend David Levithan is truly responsible for the existence of this book. He gave me the green light sign and a helpful nudge in the right direction at a number of confusing moments, and kept me company throughout the journey. David — thanks over and over for encouragement, advice, expertise and long-distance hugs. My friends at Scholastic are many, and I am grateful for all they do — Ellie Berger; Charisse Meloto; my wonderfully exacting production editor and copy editor, Starr Baer and Jody Revenson; my designer Elizabeth Parisi; and everyone on the Scholastic team who continues to work so hard to support my wild ideas and books.

*  *  *

Doe Coover, whizz-bang agent and friend, was enthusiastic from the start and gave me helpful feedback throughout. Thank you, Doe!

*  *  *

My sister, Julie Lyon Rose, and dear friends Lucy Bixby and Barbara Engel all took the time to read early drafts and cheer me on, which was more than kind. My mother, Elizabeth Balliett Platt, has followed each stage of Pieces and Players and been to the Gardner Museum with me countless times in the past few years. It is she who found the thirty-one lions. Each of our trips has included dessert and something funny; her input has been, as always, a valuable delight.

*  *  *

I can never thank my husband, Bill, and our family enough; he is always there for me, as are our three kids.