Barbara Park Quotes

There are those who believe that the value of a children's book can be measured only in terms of the moral lessons it tries to impose or the perfect role models it offers. Personally, I happen to think that a book is of extraordinary value if it gives the reader nothing more than a smile or two. In fact, I happen to think that's huge.

A little glitter can turn your whole day around.

Junie B. Jones. The B stands for Beatrice. Except, I don't like Beatrice. I just like B and that's all.

I don't really believe in pretending to be happy when you're not. Mostly I believe that you should burden your friends with your problems.

When you’re in between dreams, you get to lean back and relax and stop trying so hard. Trying to be somebody, I mean. It’s not as exciting as being a television star, but it’s not that bad, either. You just have to learn to be satisfied with the way you are for a while. Not Forever. Just until you’re finished resting.

I'm not actually sure I'm grown-up enough for grown-up books.

I happen to think that a book is of extraordinary value if it gives the reader nothing more than a smile or two. It's perfectly okay to take a book, read it, have a good time, giggle and laugh - and turn off the TV. I love that.

Even though sometimes you can control your anger, you can't control your sadness.

I find the term perfect child to be an oxymoron.

My senior year of high school, I was voted Wittiest. So, several years later, I decided to try my hand at writing humor to see if I could be witty enough to make some money.

I was a good kid, but I was just very chatty. Teachers were rarely entertained, but occasionally a child was, which was enough for me. Everything was so urgent. I needed to say it immediately.

Can't we be friends?' I hate your guts, Frankovitch' Can't our guts be friends?

I don't even like clowns. Clowns are not normal people.

And sometimes when you're very mixed-up inside, you do things you know you shouldn't do.

A stick or a stone only stings for a minute. A name seems to hurt forever.

Sometimes grown ups don't act their right old age

Society just has a way of inhibiting you, which is good and bad.

I'm so lazy as far as liking to get up, go to the office in my pajamas, get dressed about noon. And I hate flying. So I have this really laid-back, good lifestyle, and it's hard to nudge me out of it.

Sometimes I think he’s the kind of friend that grownups call a ‘fair-weather friend.’ That means when everything’s going smoothly, he’s the best friend a guy could want. But as soon as something goes wrong…(he) sort of turns on you.

The upside to grief is it takes away your appetite. When people say you look good they really mean it. Nature's thoughtful that way.

Moving makes you feel all alone inside.

Our nannas are losers.