The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street Quotes

“It takes a super brave person to be as generous as you are, Hyacinth. Not many people are brave enough to be so loving”
― Karina Yan Glaser, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

“I have always believed that raising kids means more than just being a good parent and trying to do the right things. It means surrounding your kids with amazing people who can bring science experiments and jam cookies, laughter and joy, and beautiful experiences into their lives.”
― Karina Yan Glaser, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.’” Hyacinth looked up at her father. “What does that mean, Papa?” “It means that animals make our hearts happy in a very special way. A French man named Anatole France said that a long time ago.”
― Karina Yan Glaser, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

“You could get me a phone,” Oliver suggested, grabbing a handful of chocolate chips from the bag on the counter. “Then you wouldn’t worry so much.” “I never worry,” Mama said. “And absolutely no phone. I survived without a cell phone until after college.”
― Karina Yan Glaser, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

“It takes a super-brave person to be as generous as you are, Hyacinth. Not many people are brave enough to be so loving.”
― Karina Yan Glaser, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

“What’s red and white and red and white and red and white?” Laney tilted her head, considering. “A candy cane?” “That’s one answer, but I’m thinking of something else,” Mark said, grabbing hold of the end of the garbage truck once again. The truck began to move. “Tell me!” yelled Laney at the retreating truck. Mark bellowed the answer. “Santa Claus rolling down a hill!”
― Karina Yan Glaser, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

“Oh, hey, sweetie. Sorry about that. Was I snoring?” “Yes, Papa.” “Did I say weird things in my dreams?” “Yes, Papa.”
― Karina Yan Glaser, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

“I have always believed that raising kids means more than just being a good parent and trying to do the right things. it means surrounding your kids with amazing people who can bring science experiments and jam cookies, laughter, and joy, and beautiful experiences into their lives.”
― Karina Yan Glaser, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

“When Franz ambled by, Hyacinth took out a piece of green ribbon and draped it over him. His tail wagged, about a 200 on the wpm, or wags per minute,”
― Karina Yan Glaser, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

“Flat water?”
― Karina Yan Glaser, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

“...it looked like Mr. Beiderman was breathing happiness into his body.”
― Karina Yan Glaser, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

“Oliver scowled, then rolled his shoulders and neck. “I’m going to challenge him to a pirate duel.” Oliver demonstrated his hand-swipe technique. “Take that, Beiderman!”
― Karina Yan Glaser, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

“Mr. Van Hooten.”
― Karina Yan Glaser, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

“Laney. Oliver rubbed his hands together and raised one eyebrow. “Let’s spray-paint his door.” He gave a dramatic pause. “With disgusting bathroom words.”
― Karina Yan Glaser, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

“coherent. “I felt”—hiccup—“like I needed to fix”—sob—“what happened this morning”—sniffle—“with breakfast. Well, I spent hours making him”—hiccup—“a placemat, and then I brought it upstairs to him and”—sniff—“I thought I was Hyacinth the Brave but”—sob—“he was the scariest man I’ve ever seen.” Hyacinth’s eyes brimmed with fresh tears. Oliver scowled, then rolled his shoulders and neck. “I’m going to challenge him to a pirate duel.” Oliver demonstrated his hand-swipe technique. “Take that, Beiderman!” Hyacinth looked at Oliver with watery eyes. “After I defeat him with my superior pirate skills, we could let Franz loose and have him pee all over his door again. Would that make you feel better?” Franz’s tail thumped once against the carpet. “I don’t know why he hates us so much,” Hyacinth said with a wail. Oliver deflated. “Maybe it’s best that we move. At least we’ll get away from him.” Hyacinth shook her head sadly. “I love it here. I want things to go back to how they were before. Before we had to be nice to him.” Her eyes began to well up. Oliver, alarmed by the prospect of Hyacinth”
― Karina Yan Glaser, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street