I was already beginning to realize that the only way to conduct oneself in a situation where bombs rained down and bullets whizzed past, was to accept the dangers and all the consequences as calmly as possible. Fretting and sweating about it all was not going to help.

Kindness - that simple word. To be kind - it covers everything, to my mind. If you're kind that's it.

Titchy little snapperwhippers like you should not be higgling around with an old sage and onions who is hundreds of years more than you.

Fairy tales have always got to have something a bit scary for children - as long as you make them laugh as well.

A little magic can take you a long way.

You ignorant little slug!" the Trunchbull bellowed. "You witless weed! You empty-headed hamster! You stupid glob of glue!

Grown ups are complicated creatures, full of quirks and secrets.