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Young Scotty has a friend named Poley, a polar bear who lives in the zoo when he is not having adventures with Scotty. The boy's third-grade class and Scotty's mom hear about the adventures in the beautiful world pictures that Scotty creates, and the wonder and beauty that he feels and sees. The young boy's mother is always eager to hear the stories and how her son feels about the situations that he and Poley experience. Scotty's teacher obtains permission from the school's principal for Poley to visit the class. The young students prepare to meet their northern visitor and are delighted with the result.
Lively, colorful illustrations punctuate this enchanting tale of the wonders that are created by a child's imagination. Scotty is a friendly child with a delightfully positive attitude. The people around him encourage his artistic vision and are kind and helpful. In this environment, Scotty is free to let his imagination soar, and is receptive and enthusiastic when his neighbor, Miss Gracie, introduces him to the "real" Poley.
The author recommends the book for readers aged seven and up. The story is reminiscent of other tales in which children are permitted to let their imaginations take them to places of their dreams for the experiences that they envision. For example, the young Finch children and their neighbor, Dill, let their imaginations run wild when wondering about the life their neighbor, Boo Radley, lives in To Kill A Mockingbird. The creation (or discovery?) of a six-foot rabbit in the film Harvey is another example, although the adult Elwood P. Dowd did not receive such familial or neighborly encouragement through most of the narrative. Like these classics, Sullivan's book is similarly inspiring and delightful.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review