Bears need people. People need bears.

If your sister is in a tearing hurry to go out and cannot catch your eye, she's wearing your best sweater.

For the sake of the sons - and even for the son's future wives - a woman must keep a part of her mind and heart entirely for herself. Every family is better off with a wife and mother who can astonish and occasionally dewilder.

The baby rises to its feet, takes a step, is overcome with triumph and joy - and falls flat on its face. It is a pattern for all that is to come! But learn from the bewildered baby. Lurch to your feet again. You'll make the sofa in the end.

Sisters never quite forgive each other for what happened when they were five.

The trouble with sharing one's bed with cats is that they'd rather sleep on you than beside you.

Grandad has a long and earnest conversation with his grandchild. He says, you are noisy and wiggly and will be sent back if you don't pull herself together....The baby smiles complacently. She has him exactly where she wants him.