As quiet as dead mice.

She announced her age right away, for children consider their ages every bit as important as their names.

I’ve only just arrived, Kate. It may surprise you to learn that you were my top priority.

You’ve read half the books in this house? This whole house?” “Well, approximately half.” Sticky said. “To be more accurate, I suppose I’ve read more like” – his eyes went up as he calculated –...

It’s not going to be over until we say so.

Sometimes, Reynie, trouble itself is the key. – Mr. Benedict

“So what’s your team called?” asked Kate, twisting her legs into a pretzel-like configuration, “We’re called the Winmates because we’re inmates who win.” Kate looked back and forth at Reynie and Constance, searching their expression...

One problem with being a leader, is that even among your friends you are alone, for it is you — and you alone — to whom the others look for final guidance.

Somhow those Ten Men — at the time they were called Recruiters, of course — discovered that Constance had been at the library. Most likely one of their informants saw her come out, because it...

“But you have said it too often, Mr. Benedict!” said Mrs. Perumal in an imperious tone that was quite out of character. “And if you continue in this vein, I’m afraid we’ll be compelled to...

I hope you haven’t given up on the S.Q.’s of the world, Reynie. As you see, there are a great many sheep in wolves’ clothing. If not for S.Q.’s good nature, we’d never have escaped.

Something about this made Reynie uneasy. Had he done so badly? Was this meant to test his courage? He did as he was told, closing his eyes and bracing himself as best he could.”Why are...

Out from behind the desk where he’d been sitting, hidden by the piles of books, appeared a bespectacled, green-eyed man in a green plaid suit. His thick white hair was shaggy and mussed, his nose...

Nicholas Benedict did have an exceptional gift for knowing things (more exceptional, in fact, than most adults would have thought possible), and yet not even he could know that this next chapter was to be...

“Did the men steal the papers?” Reynie asked, fearing her response.No because they are fools,” Sophie said bitterly. “They demanded to see the papers, and when I did not answer fast enough — they were...

May your adventures bring you closer together, even as they take you far away from home.

Books had been her means of escape; now they would be her refuge.

There was a unique pleasure in knowing a friend so well, Reynie reflected, rather like sharing a secret code.

Mr. Benedict: ‘After I woke up and composed myself, however, I realized the flowers must certainly be yours, Constance, to do with as you please. At any rate — ‘ Mr.Benedict broke off, for just...

You must remember, family is often born of blood, but it doesn’t depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or...

Good grief! They’re going to call us inside soon, and Sticky hasn’t even met Madge yet!””Who’s Madge?” Sticky asked.”Her Majesty the Queen!

Rules and school are tools for fools! I don’t give two mules for rules.

Is this what family is like: the feeling that everyone’s connected, that with one piece missing, the whole thing’s broken?

Even if he did explain it, no one would believe him because no one would understand him. That’s the downside to being a genius – just because you understand something doesn’t mean anyone else will.

Remember the White Knight.

Children are capable of such open rudeness.

but is it not heartening to know that so many are willing to fight for the good? Think of that young librarian, Sophie, who made certain you escaped. Think of S.Q., who risked my brother’s...