If My Heart Was a House Quote I

If my heart was a compass you'd be North.

-If My Heart Was a House by Owl City

Miracle on 34th Street Quote I

Kris Kringle: Now, you've heard of the French nation and the British nation. Well, this is the Imagi-nation.

-Miracle on 34th Street, 1947

The Christmas Box Quote I

(Previously posted at The Muddy Duck)

"This is not a trivial question," she added firmly. "Understanding the first gift of Christmas is important."
"I'm sure it is, Mary, but this is important right now."
"No," she snapped, "you don't know what is important right now." She turned abruptly and walked from the room.

-The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans

Vladimir Nabakov Quote I

A Girl Writing by Henriette Browne

The pages are still blank, but there is a miraculous feeling of the words being there, written in invisible ink and clamoring to become visible.

-Vladimir Nabakov

Titanic: The Long Night Quote II

"Me own heart was hurtin', not knowin' where you'd got to, not knowin' if you was safe." There, she'd said it. Let him do with it whatever he wanted. She watched as the look on his handsome face changed from confusion to disbelief, and back to confusion again.
His jaw dropped, and he asked, "What are you sayin'? Say it again, so I don't get it wrong."
"I love you, Paddy."

-Titanic: The Long Night, Diane Hoh

Henry David Thoreau Quote I



Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh



The world is but a canvas to our imagination.

-Henry David Thoreau

Thirteen at Dinner Quote II

"Poirot," I said, as he remained rapt in thought, "hadn't we better go on? Everyone is staring at us."
"Eh? Well, perhaps you are right. Though it does not incommode me that people should stare. It does not interfere in the least with my train of thought."
"People were beginning to laugh," I murmured.

-Thirteen at Dinner, Agatha Christie
(previously published as 'Lord Edgeware Dies')

King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table Quote II

'The mightier mine enemies be, the greater my honour if I conquer them,' said Sir Gareth.

-King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table, Roger Lancelyn Green

The Better Part Quote I

"Was Christ a man like us? Ah! let us try
If we then, too, can be such men as he!”

-The Better Part, Matthew Arnold

Aung San Suu Kyi Quote I

 It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.

-Aung San Suu Kyi

Inkdeath Quote I

Dustfinger's expression gave nothing away. He really didn't know yet! Ah, love. What a perfect tool of revenge. Even the fearless heart that Dustfinger had brought back from the dead was powerless against it. "You should really go to her. She's sobbing in the most heartrending way, tearing her beautiful hair." The look in his eyes! Got you, thought Orpheus. Got you both on the hook now, you and the Bluejay. "My black dog is guarding your daughter," he went on, and every word tasted as good as spiced wine. "I expect she's terribly afraid. But I've ordered my dog not to feast on her sweet flesh and soul...just yet." There--so fear could sting Dustfinger after all. His unscarred face turned pale. He stared at Orpheus's shadow, but the Night-Mare did not emerge from it. The Night-Mare was outside the cage where Brianna sat weeping and calling for her father.
"I'll kill you if it so much as touches her. I don't know much about killing, but for you I'd learn!"

-Inkdeath, Cornelia Funke

Inkspell Quote II

And Meggie had realized that there was no return from death, even for creatures made of nothing but words.

-Inkspell, Cornelia Funke

King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table Quote I

'Damsel,' answered Beaumains politely, 'you may say to me what you wish, but never will I turn back. For I have promised King Arthur to undertake your adventure—and achieve it I will, or die in the attempt.'

'You'll achieve my adventure, will you!' jeered Linnet. 'Why, before long you will meet with such an adversary that you'll give all the broth in Camelot to be allowed to go back to your kitchen alive!'

'That we shall see,' answered Beaumains quietly, and they rode on in silence, the Lady Linnet a little way in front.

-King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table, Roger Lancelyn Green

St. Augustine Quote II

Resentment is like taking poison and hoping the other person dies.

-St. Augustine

Les Misérables Quote III

There is neither foreign war or civil war; there is only unjust war and just war.

-Les Misérables, Victor Hugo

Shen of the Sea Quote II

The way is long. The way is steep. But hearts must be served.

-Shen of the Sea, Arthur Bowie Chrisman

Inkspell Quote I

"Heroes end up on the gallows, Fenoglio," she continued, lowering her voice, and Meggie could hear the fear behind the mockery. "It may be different in your songs, but in real life princes hang them, and the finest of words don't change that."

-Inkspell, Cornelia Funke

Les Misérables Quote II

No man had ever touched him but to bruise him.

-Les Misérables, Victor Hugo

Remember by Christina Georgina Rossetti

Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.

Confucius Quote I

When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it--this is knowledge.

-Confucius

Lions! Quote I

You don't have to feel safe

to feel unafraid.

-Lions! by Lights

Glory Road Quote II

Willie Cager: They're trying to take our dignity away from us.

Don Haskins: Your dignity's inside you. Nobody can take something away from you you don't give them.

-Glory Road, 2006

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Quote II

"But in general, take my advice, when you meet anything that's going to be Human and isn't yet, or used to be Human once and isn't now, or ought to be Human and isn't, you keep your eyes on it and feel for your hatchet."

-The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C. S. Lewis

Taran Wanderer Quote II

"If I find what I seek, it will be more to me than gold."
"So?" Dorath bent close. "But what would such a treasure be, Lord? Jewels? Fine-fashioned ornaments?"
"Neither," Taran answered. He hesitated, then said, "I seek my parents."

-Taran Wanderer, Lloyd Alexander

Tony DiTerlizzi Quote I

Never abandon imagination.

-Tony DiTerlizzi

Mattimeo Quote I

"I will not stand here to be insulted by you, hedgepig," Mangiz fumed.
"Then stand somewhere else and I'll insult you there, featherbag!"

-Mattimeo, Brian Jacques

Aquamarine Quote I

All last night he had dreamt of the ocean, and now it seemed to him that he might be dreaming still.

-Aquamarine, Alice Hoffman

Francis Bacon Quote I

A little philosophy inclineth man's mind to atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth men's minds about to religion.

-Francis Bacon

Inkheart Quote VIII

Fear is not red. Fear is pale as a dead man's face.

-Inkheart, Cornelia Funke

Charlie Bone and the Beast Quote V

The Flame cats' work had only just begun. Their voices fell silent and they walked on, toward the three thirteens. There was a deadly purpose in their strong swift pacing. They had come to keep a child safe, to protect her against a stone troll, a wicked step-mother, and a spell-making brother.

-Charlie Bone and the Beast, Jenny Nimmo

Steve Jobs Quote I

Picture by Richard Davies

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle.

-Steve Jobs

Charlie Bone and the Beast Quote IV

"Murder!" cried Mrs. Onimous. "Just because people are"--she glanced at Mrs. Pike's coarse, red-dish-colored hair--"outsiders, it's no excuse. Whatever we are, whoever we are, murder is murder."

-Charlie Bone and the Beast, Jenny Nimmo

Gypsy Rizka Quote III

"And you," said Sharpnack, "you've been warned. If you're trifling with us, I'll make you wish you'd never been born."
"I'd never wish that," said Rizka.

-Gypsy Rizka, Lloyd Alexander

Inkheart Quote VII

"Fire is a dangerous creature!" he had shouted at Farid. "Fire is not your friend. It will kill you if you don't respect it."

-Inkheart, Cornelia Funke

Leviathan Quote II

"They see us."
"Brilliant! Oh, and sorry about this." Deryn grabbed Alek's arm, drew her rigging knife, and pressed it against his throat.
"What are you-" he started, but the words choked off as cold metal touched his flesh.
"Don't struggle, you ninny!" she hissed. "Do you want your head cut off? I'm just making sure no one gets hurt."
"I fail to see your logic!" Alek growled at her, but he stopped struggling.

-Leviathan, Scott Westerfeld

The End of the Beginning Quote IV

"Now do you know where you are?"
"Well," said Avon, "I have narrowed it down to two places."
"Where?"
"Here or there."
"Good," said Edward. "You've got to start somewhere."

-The End of the Beginning, Avi

Inkheart Quote VI

Gold made of paper and printer's ink--and the sound of a human voice.

-Inkheart, Cornelia Funke

Taran Wanderer Quote I

"I share your sorrow," Taran said. Then, to console her, added, "But he died with honor. Your son is a hero..."
"My son is slain," the woman answered sharply.

-Taran Wanderer, Lloyd Alexander

My Kate by Elizabeth Barret Browning

Portrait of a Young Lady by Francis Grant

She was not as pretty as women I know,
And yet all your best made of sunshine and snow
Drop to shade, melt to nought in the long-trodden ways,
While she's still remembered on warm and cold days--
My Kate.

Her air had a meaning, her movements a grace;
You turned from the fairest to gaze on her face;
And when you had once seen her forehead and mouth,
You saw as distinctly her soul and her truth--
My Kate.

Such a blue inner light from her eyelids outbroke,
You looked at her silence and fancied she spoke;
When she did, so peculiar yet soft was the tone,
Though the loudest spoke also, you heard her alone--
My Kate.

I doubt if she said to you much that could act
As a thought or suggestion; she did not attract
In the sense of the brilliant or wise; I infer
'Twas her thinking of others made you think of her--
My Kate.

She never found fault with you, never implied
Your wrong by her right; and yet men at her side
Grew nobler, girls purer, as through the whole town
The children were gladder that pulled at her gown--
My Kate

None knelt at her feet confessed lovers in thrall;
They knelt more to God than they used--that was all;
If you praised her as charming, some asked what you meant,
But the charm of her presence was felt when she went--
My Kate.

The weak and the gentle, the ribald and rude,
She took as she found them, and did them all good;
It always was so with her--see what you have!
She has made the grass greener even here with her grave--
My Kate.

My dear one! -- when thou wast alive with the rest,
I held thee the sweetest and loved thee the best:
And now thou art dead, shall I not take thy part
As thy smiles used to do for thyself, my sweet Heart --
My Kate.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon Quote IV

"Why?" they asked him.
"I want more," Wu Kang said.
"But we are so happy here all together," they said.
"It is not enough," Wu Kang said.

-Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, Grace Lin

The Blind Side Quote II

Michael Oher:  But honor, that's the real reason for you either do something or you don't. It's who you are and maybe who you want to be. If you die trying for something important, then you have both honor and courage, and that's pretty good. I think that's what the writer was saying, that you should hope for courage and try for honor. And maybe even pray that the people telling you what to do have some, too.

-The Blind Side, 2009

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Quote I

"Well, Sir, if things are real, they're there all the time."
"Are they?" said the Professor; and Peter did not know quite what to say.

-The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C. S. Lewis

The Murder at the Vicarage Quote II

"I've bought two books on Household Management and one on Mother Love, and if that doesn't turn me out a pattern I don't know what will! They are all simply screamingly funny—not intentionally, you know. Especially the one about bringing up children."
"You haven't bought a book on How to Treat a Husband, have you?" I asked, with sudden apprehension as I drew her to me.
"I don't need to," said Griselda. "I'm a very good wife. I love you dearly. What more do you want?"
"Nothing," I said.
"Could you say, just for once, that you love me madly?"
"Griselda," I said—"I adore you! I worship you! I am wildly, hopelessly and quite unclerically crazy about you!"

-The Murder at the Vicarage, Agatha Christie

The Murder at the Vicarage Quote I

"Your solution is a very plausible one, Miss Marple," he said. "But you will allow me to point out that there is not a shadow of proof."
"I know," said Miss Marple. "But you believe it to be true, don't you?"
There was a pause, then the colonel said almost reluctantly: "Yes, I do. Dash it all, it's the only way the thing could have happened. But there's no proof—not an atom."
Miss Marple coughed. "That is why I thought perhaps—under the circumstances—"
"Yes?"
"A little trap might be permissible."

-The Murder at the Vicarage, Agatha Christie

Crows and Cards Quote I

"Let me just remind you of one little thing," Pa went on. "You're going to be living the rest of your life in the future, so you better get on speaking terms with it."

-Crows and Cards, Joseph Helgerson

Voltaire Quote I

I cannot imagine how the clockwork of the universe can exist without a clockmaker.

-Voltaire

No Safe Harbor Quote I

This morning I told him how Dad had rescued Mum from a castle tower and whisked her away to safety.
"So that's how it was," Haggarty said. "Sure beats what I've heard."
What did he mean by that? I asked him to tell me, several times I asked, even begged, but he wouldn't budge. "Can't tell you," he said, " 'cause it's not my story to tell."

-No Safe Harbor, Julie Lawson

Charlie Bone and the Beast Quote III

All at once Dagbert straightened up. He fixed Bragger with his aquamarine eyes and said, "My name is as endless as the ocean and I drown people."

-Charlie Bone and the Beast, Jenny Nimmo

Bud, Not Buddy Quote II

I said, "Yes, ma'am, my spirit's a lot stronger than it looks, too, most folks are really surprised by that."
She smiled and said, "Very good, but you know what, Bud?"
"What, ma'am?"
"I knew you were an old toughie the minute I saw you."

-Bud, Not Buddy, Christopher Paul Curtis

The Orange Fairy Book Quote I

'How shall we divide them?' asked the lion in a whisper to the hyena.
'Oh, it is easily done,' replied the hyena. 'The lamb for me, the sheep for the jackal, and the ram for the lion.'
'So I am to have that lean creature, which is nothing but horns, am I?' cried the lion in a rage. 'I will teach you to divide things in that manner!' And he gave the hyena two great blows, which stretched him dead in a moment. Then he turned to the jackal and said: 'How would you divide them?'
'Quite differently from the hyena,' replied the jackal. 'You will breakfast off the lamb, you will dine off the sheep, and you will sup off the ram.'
'Dear me, how clever you are! Who taught you such wisdom?' exclaimed the lion, looking at him admiringly.
'The fate of the hyena,' answered the jackal, laughing, and running off at his best speed; for he saw two men armed with spears coming close behind the lion!

-The Adventures of the Jackal's Eldest Son, The Orange Fairy Book, Andrew Lang

The Castle of Llyr Quote III

"If you're thinking about torturing me," he said, "you're welcome to try it. It would be interesting to see how much you could find out, since I myself haven't the first idea where the Pelydryn is." He took a deep breath and shut his eyes tightly. "So there you are. Go ahead."

-The Castle of Llyr, Lloyd Alexander

Mariel of Redwall Quote I

"Oi wants a'ventures."

-Mariel of Redwall, Brian Jacques

The Mysterious Benedict Society Quote I

"This is too creepy," Sticky said, glancing nervously behind him. "It's like...like..."
"Like having a strange person whisper in your ear while you sleep?" Mr. Benedict suggested.
"Okay, that just made it creepier," Sticky said.

-The Mysterious Benedict Society, Trenton Lee Stewart

Inkheart Quote V

"A world of so many pages, Silvertongue, so very many pages, and I want to write my name on every one of them."

-Inkheart, Cornelia Funke

Charlie Bone and the Beast Quote II

"It's a long way from the sea," he said in a surprisingly tuneful voice.
"You must learn to live without the sea for a while."

-Charlie Bone and the Beast, Jenny Nimmo

Simplicity by Jaana Olsen

(Previously posted at The Muddy Duck)

The simple things

like rain in the spring
and blue sky,
baby laughs
and grown men who cry.
These are the things
that catch the eye.
So why
call them simple?

Le Corbusier Quote I

I prefer drawing to talking. Drawing is faster, and leaves less room for lies.

-Le Corbusier

The Blind Side Quote I

Beth: You're changing that boy's life.
Leigh Anne Touhy: No. He's changing mine.

-The Blind Side, 2009

Charlie Bone and the Beast Quote I

Dagbert frowned. "It's hard to keep stories to yourself," he murmured.
Charlie almost felt sorry for him. "Well, you won't get away with it a second time. Matron's told you now, so you'll have to keep your stories bottled up."
"Yes, I will," Dagbert said pensively. "Imagine. Stories in a bottle." Not for the first time Charlie wondered what was going on in Dagbert's head.

-Charlie Bone and the Beast, Jenny Nimmo

The Castle of Llyr Quote II

"It was no dream," Taran urged, "but the life you know; your own life, not a shadow that vanishes with the sun. Indeed, you went to the highest branch. It snapped, as I feared it would."
"How should anyone know someone else's dream?" said Eilonwy, as though speaking to herself. "Yes, it broke and I was falling. There was someone below who caught me. Could it have been an Assistant Pig-Keeper? I wonder what has become of him?"
"He is here now," Taran said quietly. "He has long sought you and in ways he himself didn't know. Now that he has found you, can you not find your path back to him?"

-The Castle of Llyr, Lloyd Alexander

Thirteen at Dinner Quote I

"Nothing like a bond, is there, dear old fellow. You and I. You and I. Who the devil are you, by the way?"
"My name is Hastings."
"You don't say so. Now I could have sworn you were a chap called Spencer Jones. Dear old Spencer Jones. Met him at the Eton and Harrow and borrowed a fiver from him. What I say is one face is very like another face--that's what I say. If we were a lot of Chinese we wouldn't know each other apart."

-Thirteen at Dinner, Agatha Christie
(previously published as 'Lord Edgeware Dies')

Outcast of Redwall Quote I

"Right y'are, Bella marm, y'know what I always say: 'Apples is ripe when they're ready,/ When pears is ripe they'll fall,/ What must happen will happen,/ Or it won't happen at all!'"

-Outcast of Redwall, Brian Jacques

The Immortals Quote I

'Don't turn your back on me, lamplighter,' he said. 'Daddy's not here to look after his precious little boy any more-remember?'
'I remember,' muttered Nate, his eyes blazing. Beside him, the underbiters hurriedly finished their breakfast and, climbing from the bench, made themselves scarce.
Rudd placed his bowl down on the table and, stepping calmly forward, took Nate's from his trembling fingers and placed it down alongside his own.
'Maybe not, Thuggbutt," said Rudd coolly. "But I am."

-The Immortals, Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell

Watership Down Quote I

"It's the place that worries you," said Hazel. "I don't like it myself, but it won't go on forever."

-Watership Down, Richard Adams

Charlie Bone and the Castle of Mirrors Quote I

"When I met Julia Ingledew, it was like finding a treasure-someone else who was fascinated by the past, who thought of nothing by spending a whole week pursuing one tiny, elusive fact in order to complete a puzzle. To me such a person is a jewel, Charlie, even if she were not the most congenial and lovely person I have ever met."
Charlie had never heard his uncle speak so passionately. "Are you going to marry her?" he asked.
Paton blinked and then said quietly, "I dare not even think about that."
"Why not? It seems like a good idea to me," he said bluntly.
Uncle Paton gave a delicate cough. "Our subject was the Castle of Mirrors, not the future of Paton Yewbeam," he said in a flat tone. "Are you interested in this book or not?

-Charlie Bone and the Castle of Mirrors, Jenny Nimmo

The Hounds of the Mórrígan Quote II

"I hev bin at death's door. Dat's where I bin," said Puddeneen.
"How'd you get dere?"

-The Hounds of the Mórrígan, Pat O'Shea

Camelot Quote I

ARTHUR: (Disparagingly) Knights at a table...
GUENEVERE: (Correcting him) A round table.
ARTHUR: (Corrected) Round table. Might for right, a new order of chivalry, shining knights gallivanting around the countryside like angels in armor, sword-swinging apostles battling to snuff out evil! Why, it's naïve...it's adolescent...it's juvenile...it's infantile...it's folly...it's...it's...
GUENEVERE: It's marvelous.
ARTHUR: Yes, it is. It's marvelous. Absolutely marvelous.

-Camelot, Alan Jay Lerner & Frederick Loewe

The Bellmaker Quote III

Blerun leaned on his lance and nodded. "I know; we have watched you since you camped there. Do you serve Urgan Nagru the Foxwolf?"
Before an otter could lift javelin, Finnbarr's twin swords had cleared thier sheaths. He went into a fighting crouch, his single eye glittering hotly. "No, matey, we've come t'battle with 'im, so if you're on the Foxwolf's side we'd best start the party right 'ere!"

-The Bellmaker, Brian Jacques

Swallows and Amazons Quote III

Half the pleasure of visiting distant countries is sailing home afterwards.

-Swallows and Amazons, Arthur Ransome

St. Augustine Quote I

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page.

-St. Augustine

The Little Prince Quote II

It is such a secret place, the land of tears.

-The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Life by Charlotte Brontë

Life, believe, is not a dream

So dark as sages say;

Oft a little morning rain

Foretells a pleasant day.

Sometimes there are clouds of gloom,

But these are transient all;

If the shower will make the roses bloom,

O why lament its fall?

Rapidly, merrily,

Life's sunny hours flit by,

Gratefully, cheerily

Enjoy them as they fly!

What though Death at times steps in,

And calls our Best away?

What though sorrow seems to win,

O'er hope, a heavy sway?

Yet Hope again elastic springs,

Unconquered, though she fell;

Still buoyant are her golden wings,

Still strong to bear us well.

Manfully, fearlessly,

The day of trial bear,

For gloriously, victoriously,

Can courage quell despair!

Prince Caspian Quote I

If you had been there you would have heard them saying things like, "Oh look! Our coronation rings - do you remember first wearing this? - Why, this is the little brooch we all thought was lost - I say, isn't that the armour you wore in the great tournament in the Lone Islands? - do you remember the dwarf making that for me? - do you remember drinking out of that horn? - do you remember, do you remember?"

-Prince Caspian, C. S. Lewis

Secretariat Quote I

Ogden Phipps: You're that stubborn?
Penny Chenery: I'm that right.

-Secretariat, 2010

Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy Quote III

"There's obviously a sorcerer on the loose, and I want to know what you intend to do about it!"
"Um-find him?" Charlie suggested.
"And how are you going to do that?"
"Er-look for him?" said Charlie.
"Oh, brilliant!" said Dr. Bloor sarcastically.

-Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy, Jenny Nimmo

The Bellmaker Quote II

Furrtil had regained her composure by now. She attached herself to Blaggut's leg, chuckling, "Oi loik 'ee, zurr. You'm a funny vurmint."
"D'yer 'ear that, cap'n? The liddle molemaid likes me!" The searat's face was a picture of delight.

-The Bellmaker, Brian Jacques

Swallows and Amazons Quote II

"Hands up for making him walk the plank!" Her hand and Peggy's went up at once. So did Titty's. So did Roger's. John and Susan hesitated. "Oh, look here," said Nancy, "no weakening. It's far too good a plank to waste."

-Swallows and Amazons, Arthur Ransome

Leviathan Quote I

"Please, sir. I'd like to fly."

-Leviathan, Scott Westerfeld

Robert H. Schuller Quote I

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

-Robert H. Schuller

Bud, Not Buddy Quote I

She looked at me for a second, then said, "Did she come right out and say, 'Your daddy is Herman E. Calloway,' Buddy?"
"Well, almost. But not in words just like that."
"Then tell me what the words were like, honey."

-Bud, Not Buddy, Christopher Paul Curtis

Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy Quote II

"So many bells," he said. "Why so many? Who died? Was it—me?"

-Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy, Jenny Nimmo

Idylls of the King Quote I

Picture by Anna-Marie Ferguson

"For now I see the true old times are dead,
When every morning brought a noble chance,
And every chance brought out a noble knight."

-Idylls of the King, Alfred, Lord Tennyson

The End of the Beginning Quote III

"Getting yourself lost is easy. Happens all the time. It's finding yourself that's difficult."

-The End of the Beginning, Avi

Inkheart Quote IV

"How many books do you have?" asked Meggie. She had grown up among piles of books, but even she couldn't imagine there were books behind all the windows of the huge house. Elinor inspected her again, this time with unconcealed contempt.
"How many?" she repeated. "Do you think I count them like buttons or peas?"

-Inkheart, Cornelia Funke

The Little Prince Quote I

"One day," you said to me, "I saw the sunset fourty-four times!" And a little later you added: "You know-one loves the sunset when one is so sad..."
"Were you sad, then?" I asked, "on the day of the fourty-four sunsets?"
But the little prince made no reply.

-The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Not in Vain by Emily Dickinson

If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain;

If I can ease one life the aching,

Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy Quote I

"Her name's Belle," Manfred continued.
"Belle what?" said Tancred, his pale hair bristling with electricity.
"It's not important." Manfred waved his hand.
"It is to me," Tancred persisted. "I like to know a person's whole name."

-Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy, Jenny Nimmo

Emlyn's Moon Quote II

"Children are cruel," Nain muttered, "when they don't believe."

-Emlyn's Moon, Jenny Nimmo

The Castle of Llyr Quote I

"Strange," he added, with a quick glance at Taran, "I had always hoped that if Eilonwy were betrothed to anyone it would be-yes, well, what I mean to say is that despite all the squabbling and bickering between the two of you, I had rather expected..."
"Do not mock me," Taran burst out, reddening. "Eilonwy is a Princess of the House of Llyr. You know my station as well as I. Such a hope has never been in my mind. It is only fitting for Eilonwy to be betrothed to one of her own rank." Angrily he drew away from the bard and galloped ahead.
"So you say, so you say," murmured Fflewdurr, hurrying after him. "Look closer into your heart. You may find your opinion to be somewhat different."

-The Castle of Llyr, Lloyd Alexander

The Hounds of the Mórrígan Quote I

"You're a bit stupid, aren't you?"
"I got me quirks," muttered the frog.

-The Hounds of the Mórrígan, Pat O'Shea

Japanese Proverb Quote I

The pebble in the brook secretly thinks itself a precious stone.

-Japanese proverb

The Black Cauldron Quote I

"That may be true," said Eilonwy, "but as far as being an Assistant Pig-Keeper is concerned, I think you're a perfectly marvelous one. Believe me, there's no question in my mind you're the best Assistant Pig-Keeper in all Prydain. How many others there are, I'm sure I don't know, but that's beside the point. And I doubt a single one of them would have done what you did."

-The Black Cauldron, Lloyd Alexander

The Count of Monte Cristo Quote II

"You cannot be taking me there to imprison me?" Dantès went on. "The Château d'If is a State prison, and is only used for important political offenders. I have committed no crime. Are there any judges or magistrates at the Château d'If?"
"As far as I know there are a governor, some gaolers, a garrison, and some good thick walls."

-The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas

Carl Sandburg Quote I

A baby is God's opinion that life should go on.

-Carl Sandburg

Pearls of Lutra Quote I

"Dead and gone, no, gone to be dead,/ Following the crack that runs through his head."

-Pearls of Lutra, Brian Jacques

George Weinberg Quote I

Hope never abandons you; you abandon it.

-George Weinberg

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood Quote II

"Now I have been thinking within myself," quoth Little John, "what we are fighting for; but albeit I do not rightly know."

-The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, Howard Pyle

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch Quote IV

He'd dreamed of this minute halfway around the world. In his dreams, they would have been alone--maybe looking at the stars. He would have told her the legend of Machico and then--somehow--he'd never figured out just how--he would have worked around to telling her that he loved her.

-Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, Jean Lee Latham

Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean Quote II

"This isn't the last of me," he said. "This isn't the end of my story."

-Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean, Justin Somper

Shen of the Sea Quote I

Some time later a portrait was brought to His Majesty, the Emporer Wong Sing. The portrait was that of a beautiful maid. It bore no words. Wong Sing offered much gold to any person who could tell him the name of one so beautiful. The maiden would make him a superlative wife. He wished to find her. But he never did.

-Shen of the Sea, Arthur Bowie Chrisman

Requiem by Robert Louis Stevenson

Under the wide and starry sky,

Dig the grave and let me lie.

Glad did I live and gladly die,

   And I laid me down with a will.

This be the verse you grave for me:
Here he lies where he long'd to be;
Home is the sailor, home from the sea,
   And the hunter home from the hill.

The Book of Three Quote I

"It makes me feel funny not knowing someone's name. Wrong-footed, you know, or as if I had three thumbs on one hand, if you see what I mean. It's clumsy..."

-The Book of Three, Lloyd Alexander

The Two Towers Quote I

Sam: It's all wrong. By rights we shouldn't even be here. But we are. It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something.
Frodo: What are we holding onto, Sam?
Sam: That there's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo...and it's worth fighting for.

-The Two Towers, 2002

Emlyn's Moon Quote I

"Maybe I can do it."
"Of course you can, girl. You've got imagination."

-Emlyn's Moon, Jenny Nimmo

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights Quote I

Then Parcenet looked very steadily at Sir Pellias, and she said, "I would have him about as tall thou art, and with the same color of hair and eyes, and with a straight nose like unto thine, and with a good wit such as thou hast."
"Alas!" said Sir Pellias, "I would that thou hadst told me this before we had come so far from Camelot; for I could easily have got thee such a knight at that place. For they have them there in such plenty that they keep them in wicker cages, and sell them two for a farthing."

-The Story of King Arthur and His Knights, Howard Pyle

Mossflower Quote I

The first Kotir soldiers were hauled dripping to shore by the woodlanders. Dispirited, disarmed and soaking wet, they were made to sit at the water's edge by Skipper and the six hares, who fished them out with fearsome-looking pikes.
"Sit down there, you great wet weasel."
"Steady on, Trubbs old chap, that's a stoat."
"Oh, I say, sorry. Sit there, you soaking stoat."
"Saturated stoat, don't you mean, old bean?"
"Hmm, what about the weasels?"
"Oh, actually they get wringing wet, both beginning with W, you see."
"Righto. Sit over there, you wringing wet weasel."
"Oh golly, I've got a rat now. How d'you address these blighters?"
"Easy, old thing-rats are rancid."
"Rancid? That doesn't mean wet."
"No, but the wretched cove does look pretty rancid."
"So he does. Splendid. Sit there, you rancid rat!"

-Mossflower, Brian Jacques

Stormchaser Quote I

'Yesterday is over,' said Mother Horsefeather curtly. 'Tomorrow is still to come.'

-Stormchaser, Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell

Number the Stars Quote III

Ellen had said that her mother was frightened of the ocean, that it was too cold and too big. The sky was, too, thought Annemarie. The whole world was: too cold, too big. And too cruel.

-Number the Stars, Lois Lowry

Charlie Bone and the Time Twister Quote I

"You'll have to do something about that brother of yours. He reads too much."
The matron gave a nasty laugh. "Oh, yes, he reads," she sniggered. "And that will be his downfall. Leave it to us."

-Charlie Bone and the Time Twister, Jenny Nimmo

Norman Schwarzkopf Quote I

It doesn't take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who go into battle.

-Norman Schwarzkopf

Pierre Auguste Renoir Quote I

The pain passes, but the beauty remains.

-Pierre Auguste Renoir

King Matt the First Quote III

"But I'm a soldier!" cried Matt. "You have the right to shoot me, but not to hang me."
"You think you're so smart," shouted the officer. "Now look what he wants. Maybe now you're a soldier, but back then you were Tomek and you betrayed us. And we are going to hang you."
"You can't hang me," Matt insisted, "because I was a soldier then, too."

-King Matt the First, Janusz Korczak

Swallows and Amazons Quote I

But who would wave a flag to be rescued if they had a desert island of their own? That was the thing that spoilt Robinson Crusoe. In the end he came home. There never ought to be an end.

-Swallows and Amazons, Arthur Ransome

Number the Stars Quote II

The whole world had changed. Only the fairy tales remained the same.

-Number the Stars, Lois Lowry

Irish Fairy Tales Quote II

"Winter is in my heart," quoth he, "and I am cold already."

-Irish Fairy Tales, James Stephens

Pippa's Song by Robert Browning

The year's at the spring,

And day's at the morn;

Morning's at seven;

The hill-side's dew-pearl'd;

The lark 's on the wing;
The snail's on the thorn;

God 's in His heaven—

All 's right with the world!

Fever 1793 Quote II

"A woman's work is never done, isn't that what the fools say?"

-Fever 1793, Laurie Halse Anderson

The Count of Monte Cristo Quote I

Edmond Dantès: I don't believe in God.

Abbé Faria: It doesn't matter. He believes in you.

-The Count of Monte Cristo, 2002

The Magic Winter Quote I

"It was strange," said Squirrel, suprised. "That cardboard carton was not here before. There must be something wrong with it. Or is it just the wrong cave. I could also be the wrong squirrel, but I would rather not believe."

-The Magic Winter, Tove Jansson

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon Quote III

"I have thought a long time about what that word could have been," Ba said, "Was it wisdom or honor? Love or truth? For a long time, I liked to think that the word was kindness." Ma's face remained hidden in Minli's bed, but her sobs had stopped and Ba knew she was listening. "But now," Ba said, "I think, perhaps, the word was faith."

-Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, Grace Lin

Titanic: The Long Night Quote I

She had been hoping he'd kiss her again, had known that he wouldn't, what with him acting so strange and all. Still, she'd kept hoping right up until the very last minute. Foolish girl.

-Titanic: The Long Night, Diane Hoh

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon Quote II

"You're the only dragon I've ever met in real life," she said, "and you feel real to me. So, I think you're a real dragon. Or, at least, real enough. Anyway, if we're going to Never-Ending mountain together, let's at least be real friends."
"Yes," Dragon agreed, and they both smiled.

-Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, Grace Lin

Seer of Shadows Quote I

Pegg was quiet for a moment, then blew out the candle. "The darkness fits the story," she whispered.

-Seer of Shadows, Avi

The End of the Beginning Quote II

"What an inspiring song," said Avon.
"One of the better things about it," Edward pointed out, "is the fact that it can be sung from either end. I sing it from the beginning, and my father sings it from the end."
"Can it be sung from the middle?"
"Absolutely," said Edward. "That's how my mother does it. As you can see, we are a family of individuals."
"Ah, but at least you're all singing the same song," said Avon.

-The End of the Beginning, Avi

The Puppy Quote I

I don't need your bones, he said. Just give me my freedom...

-The Puppy, Alekandr Solzhenitsyn