Quotes from Amanda Craig

I've noticed that whenever institutions claim to be confident of anything it means the complete opposite.

All paradises are there to be expelled from.

The idea that any of their offspring could possibly be accused of involvement in criminal activities caused deep offence, even to parents who believed that property was theft.

I am a Jewish mother. My dying words will be, "Put a jumper on

To thoughtful natures, events are like depth charges: the surface is calm, but the shock spreads further.

Familiarity breeds sentiment before contempt.

I'll tell you the difference between our countries. Americans think life is serious but not hopeless; the English that life is hopeless but not serious.

They might watch American movies, wear American clothes, even read American books but Bush and the Iraq War have made actual American people social lepers; she only has to open her mouth in some places to feel a wave of loathing directed at her. Katie is weary of pointing out that at least half her countrymen detest their President even more than Europe does, but it's no good.

If you read fairy-tales carefully, you'll notice they are mostly about people who aren't heroes. They don't have special powers, or gifts. Often they are despised as stupid. They are bullied, beaten up, robbed, starved. But they find they are stronger than their misfortunes.

As ever, Morpurgo's warmth and humanity suffuse a story of courage, love and hope.