How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The snake was chewing on Mickey's foot as if it were a rabbit. He knew better than to struggle, for that would only cause Beulah to tighten her grip. (3.77)
In a life-threatening situation, having skills and knowledge to deal with the problem is essential for survival. Here, Mickey knows from experience and practice what to expect from the python and reacts calmly, ultimately calling Wahoo for help.
Quote #2
Wahoo emptied a tube of antiseptic ointment on his father's foot, and with a butter knife he spread the goop over all the puncture holes. (3.99)
Phew. Thank goodness Wahoo was around and knew what to do—skill really does come in handy when you are in a pinch.
Quote #3
The raccoons were always excited to see him because Wahoo's arrival meant it was mealtime. (4.29)
If you've ever had a dog, cat, or other large-ish pet, you know what a nice feeling it is to be needed. Part of developing skill is having a routine and schedule, and caring for others can be a great way to build skills.
Quote #4
Wahoo was busy tending to a crippled bobcat, trying to coax it to eat. (4.26)
It takes a lot of know-how and confidence to approach a wild animal, especially one that is hurt. Wahoo shows that he is exceptionally skilled at caring for animals, just like his dad.
Quote #5
Wahoo's father sometimes held one-sided conversations with the animals, but he wasn't a whack job; he never imagined that they could actually talk back. They all came to know his voice, though. Of that he was certain. (6.70)
Mickey displays his skill with animals here, and reveals a secret: Talking to wild animals has major benefits. They come to know him (and trust him), which may be one reason he feels confident jumping into the water when Alice is spinning Derek around.
Quote #6
Mickey Cray removed the .45 from his belt and handed it to his son. Then he calmly kicked off his shoes and dove into the water, where he grabbed a fistful of oily, orange-tinted hair as Derek Badger bubbled past. (7.107)
What a brave guy… or is he? Maybe bravery is actually just confidence that comes along with being skilled at something. Either way, Mickey is awesome.
Quote #7
When Derek Badger became agitated, he sometimes misplaced his fake Australian accent. (12.113)
Skill has a lot to do with being real: doing what you know how to do, and learning and practicing what you don't. Derek isn't quite skilled at impersonating an Australian, but he pulls it off just long enough to look good on camera.
Quote #8
Wahoo was mystified by this odd talent of hers. He said, "How many Latin names have you memorized?"
"I don't know—a couple hundred maybe."
"But why?"
"Because I like to," she said. "Every single species on earth has been classified that way by science. I'll never learn them all, but I'm gonna try." (14.22-25)
Tuna is exceptionally skilled at identifying animals and naming them scientifically because she has spent so much time studying them. It makes her a valuable person on the trip, and is a good reminder that even the trickiest of skills can be mastered with practice and determination.
Quote #9
Susan Cray wasn't sleeping; she was sitting up in bed, staring at a bulky old-fashioned telephone. When it rang, she knew who wad calling even before she answered.
Ever since Wahoo was little, he and his mom had shared an unusual mental connection that was almost telepathic. (14.63-64)
Susan is quite skilled at being a mother. She has exaggerated mother powers (she can anticipate when Wahoo needs her), which make her a very valuable person in her son's life. He can trust and count on her.
Quote #10
Wahoo happened to know his father wasn't fond of handling bats. They were tricky to wrangle and, like other mammals, they sometimes carried diseases. However, this was an emergency, and nobody else at the campsite was qualified to deal with it. (15.94)
There is a large bat attached to Derek's tongue by a bunch of tiny fangs that won't let go. The first person to be called in during an emergency is the skilled expert: Mickey. If Mickey weren't there, what would Derek have done?
Quote #11
Wahoo was experienced at first aid. Keeping a backyard full of animals, he and his father frequently got scratched, scraped or chomped. […]
From practice, Wahoo learned how to quickly stanch the bleeding, clean a wound and apply antibiotics. (19.107-108)
If it weren't for Wahoo, Link may have died from the bullet wound. Skills aren't just cool party tricks—they can save a person's life.