1
Sometimes, magic is like that. It lands on your head like a piano, a stupid, ancient, unfunny joke, and you spend the rest of your life picking sharps and flats out of your hair.Catherynne M. Valente
2
Magic has a logic, like algebra. Once you get to know it, it's easy. If this, then that. You write with a pencil, you don't make frog soup with it.Catherynne M. Valente
3
Don't worry, my little lump of rock. Everybody gets a chance to choose. Or else where would irony come from?Catherynne M. Valente
4
A story is a map of the world. A gloriously colored and wonderful map, the sort one often sees framed and hanging on the wall in a study full of plush chairs and stained-glass lamps: painstakingly lettered, researched down to the last pebble and participle, drawn with dash and flair, with cloud-goddesses in the corners and giant squid squirming up out of the sea..[ T]here are more maps in the world than anyone can count. Every person draws a map that shows themselves at the center.Catherynne M. Valente
5
Still life is boring. Never stand still! Jumping bean life!Catherynne M. Valente
6
I shall be as brave as a my Toad, he thought, for my Toad never hides under the bed when she is afraid of lightning or bats. She sticks out her tongue and eats them.Catherynne M. Valente
7
All children are required to attend School, which is like a party to which everyone forgot to bring punch, or hats, or fiddles, and none of the games have good prizes.Catherynne M. Valente
8
Now, in the Kingdom of School, to be asked into another child's room is like being asked inside their heart.Catherynne M. Valente
9
Rules are for those who can't think of a better way.Catherynne M. Valente
10
I'm not afraid of you! ' The wombat yelled. 'I saw you get stuck in the washing machine once. Round and round you went! Who's afraid of something that can't defeat a rinse cycle?Catherynne M. Valente