For a while she considered being ill, but she changed her mind.

...now and then a giggling trail of mermaids appeared in our wake. We fed them oatmeal.

But that's how it is when you start wanting to have things. Now, I just look at them, and when I go away I carry them in my head. Then my hands are always free, because I don't have to carry a suitcase.

Dogs are mute and obedient, but they have watched us and know us and can smell how pitiful we are.

One has to discover everything for oneself. And get over it all alone.

It was a particularly good evening to begin a book.

I don't want to hear about them any more. I could vomit on the Moomintrolls.