“In a dark time, doors will sometimes magically open and let us step inside to the warmth and light of a community.”

“Light is precious in a world so dark.”

“Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark. Begin at the beginning. Tell Gregory a story. Make some light.”

“Pea was aware suddenly of how fragile her heart was, how much darkness was inside it, fighting, always, with the light. She did not like the rat. She would neverlike the rat, but she knew what she must do to save her own heart.”

“Like most hearts, it was complicated, shaded with dark and dappled with light.”

“The sound of the king's music made Despereaux's soul grow large and light inside of him.”

“The world is dark, and light is precious.Come closer, dear reader.You must trust me.I am telling you a story.”