books have been my greatest comfort, castle-building a never-failing delight, and scribbling a very profitable amusement.

I think this power of living in our children is one of the sweetest things in the world.

If you feel your value lies in being merely decorative, I fear that someday you might find yourself believing that’s all that you really are. Time erodes all such beauty, but what it cannot diminish is the wonderful workings of your mind: Your humor, your kindness, and your moral courage. These are the things I cherish so in you. I so wish I could give my girls a more just world. But I know you’ll make it a better place." -- Marmee, Little Women

It takes so little to make a child happy, that it is a pity in a world full of sunshine and pleasant things, that there should be any wistful faces, empty hands, or lonely little hearts.

Laurie, you're an angel! How shall I ever thank you?" "Fly at me again. I rather liked it," said Laurie, looking mischievous, a thing he had not done for a fortnight.

Mothers can forgive anything! Tell me all, and be sure that I will never let you go, though the whole world should turn from you.

Young people think they never can change, but they do in the most wonderful manner, and very few die of broken hearts.