Avi writes:

The Poppy series books took nine years to write. I really loved the characters, Poppy, Ereth, Rye, and Lungwort, to name some who reappear in the stories.  I liked being with them. Enjoyed finding out what they were doing. Every time we got together—which is to say when I was writing these books—it was like a family reunion: lots of people you know, and love, enjoying being together. Still, I felt that six books were enough. I didn’t want to bore anyone or overstay my welcome. Poppy and Ereth is where this long story ends—but it can always go on—in the minds of my readers