“Very helpful, I must say. Look at them in the eye and shout, and they understand every word..." (Mr. Warbeck in Sienna, talking about local Italians.)” — Hilary McKay Copy Share Image
“Darling Daddy, This is Rose. Very good news. Caddy is going to marry Micheal. In case you have forgotten because you have not been home for so long he is the one with the ponytail and the earring that you do not like. And Caddy says she will have a white lace dress and three bridesmaids, Saffron and Sarah and… — Hilary McKay Copy Share
“I love people who play guitars on roofs!" said Rose, hopping along the pavement in one of her sudden happy moods. "Don't you?" "Never… — Hilary McKay Copy Share Image
“There are all sorts of families," Tom's grandmother had remarked, and over the following few weeks Tom became part of the Casson family, as Micheal and Sarah and Derek-from-the-camp had done before him. He immediately discovered that being a member of the family was very different from being a welcome friend. If you were a Casson family member, for example,… — Hilary McKay Copy Share
“You can't be disgusting to people just because they annoy you!" she exclaimed very crossly. "Thousands of people annoy me! Millions of people annoy… — Hilary McKay Copy Share Image
Darling Daddy, This is Rose. The shed needs new wires now it has blown up. Caddy is bringing home rock-bottom boyfriends to see if… — Hilary McKay Copy Share Image
“Oh, Micheal darling!" "Don't call me darling, I'm a driving instructor!” — Hilary McKay Copy Share Image
How can I give you nothing? Do you seriously expect me to buy nothing, wrap up nothing, stick a gift tag on nothing, send… — Hilary McKay Copy Share Image
“He's an artist in London. We don't see him much." Tom gave him one of his quick, considering glances and asked, "Doesn't he live… — Hilary McKay Copy Share Image
“Darling Daddy, This is Rose. Saffy says everyone says it is Indigo's fault that their Head has two black eyes and a swelled-up nose. Love from Rose. P.S. Sarah who is here says to tell you love from wheelchair woman too. Rose's father telephoned especially to tell Rose not to call Sarah Wheelchair Woman. "That's what she called herself," protested… — Hilary McKay Copy Share
“Rose's work of art took her all day, including two playtimes, story time, and most of lunch. At the end of school it was stolen from her by the wicked teacher who had pretended to be so interested. "Beautiful- what-is-it?" she asked as she pinned it high on the wall, where Rose could not reach. "They take your pictures," said… — Hilary McKay Copy Share
“Her mood was suddenly in free fall, a state she knew all too well. A heaviness inside. A hollow loneliness. A need to either… — Hilary McKay Copy Share Image
