“This was a cruel world she had been born into, all pink and squirming. She'd never wanted to see reality. Now, like the cold, it was impossible to ignore.”

“Son, you never know who will step up with the brains and talent in a time of need and be the right one for the job.”

“Cats may have nine lives, but pigs . . . don't . . . give . . . up.”

“The stars were extra bright tonight, and they shone and glimmered as if each one had something it wanted to say.”

“I think we're all aiming to be something better than what everyone thinks we were born to be”

“You'll never make it out there. You weren't made for South Pole adventures." Flora gave her an icy look. "I think I know by now what I was made for.”

“How unlucky she was--born with adventurous hooves that were stuck inside a pen. But she wasn't giving up. If there was a way out, Flora said to herself, she would find it.”

“You don't have to look for trouble. It will find you. And when that happens"--Luna disappeared, but her voice continued--"keep up that great spirit and make a plan, because nine lives is just a state of mind.”

“But that night in her dream she flew high above the earth in a moonless sky. Behind her, like a falling star, sailed a silver sled.”

“This was a cruel world she had been born into, all pink and squirming. She'd never wanted to see reality. Now, like the cold, it was impossible to ignore.”

“The field was covered with ice crystals sticking up like a garden of little diamonds. Sophia was beside her now, and the two animals walked slowly into the crystal blossoms. Flora was enchanted.For a moment she forgot she was hungry, tired, and ill-equipped to make this journey. She forgot to worry about Oscar. She forgot to worry that there would never be a useful job for her. She kicked up her front hooves with each step and watched the ice crystals scatter in front of her.”