How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
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.