It distresses me that parents insist that their children read or make them read. I think the best way for children to treasure reading is for them to see the adults in their lives reading for their own pleasure.

But let's not speak of what might have been. Let us speak instead of what is. You are whole.

The Watsons have lost sight of the fact that Mercy Watson is a pig, and they love her truly, madly, deeply. They live next door to two elderly sisters, Eugenia Lincoln and Baby Lincoln. Eugenia Lincoln is horrified that a pig is living in the house next door. Baby Lincoln secretly likes Mercy a great deal.

You must be filled with expectancy. You must be awash in hope. You must wonder who will love you, whom you will love next.

Holly McGhee said I should come to dinner with them. That first dinner, I said something pretty smart-alecky, and Alison [McGhee] laughed really hard at it. It made me happy.

It is our duty and our joy to communicate our hearts to each other. Words assist us in this task.

The sound of the king's music made Despereaux's soul grow large and light inside of him.