Pretty Polly (Galaxy Children's Large Print Books) [Large Print] [Hardcover]

Dick King-Smith (Author)

Book Description

Series: Galaxy Children's Large Print Books

When she is not allowed to have a pet parrot, Aligail teaches a barnyard hen to talk.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Animal lovers who have relished King-Smith's collection of farm fantasies and unusual pet stories will welcome this latest addition, which stars a very clever hen. Dismayed that her parents won't buy her a talking parrot, Abigail decides to teach one of her father's new chicks to speak the Queen's English. Persistence and patience pay off, for within a few months Pretty Polly utters her first words: Eat Wheaties. After outsiders get wind of the miracle at the Brown farm, Abby fears Pretty Polly may be stolen or sold off by her father. All ends well, however, even though the pullet's mysterious disappearance causes quite a scare. Unlike the author's Harry's Mad, Babe: The Gallant Pig and Ace: The Very Important Pig, this book reveals only human points of view; the thoughts and feelings of the exceptional animal are never divulged. Although sections of the story (particularly a scene set in the courtyard of the Duke of Severn's castle) are highly imaginative and witty, the author's plot lines are becoming somewhat formulaic. Nonetheless, his characters, scenes and perspectives remain fresh and captivating. Ages 7-12.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-- When her father refuses to buy her a parrot, Abigail tries to teach her chicken to speak. It soon appears that Pretty Polly is no dumb cluck: ``here was a chicken beyond her wildest dreams, a chicken to rival any parrot in the land.'' Dad doesn't believe the hen can speak, but Polly soon convinces him. While King-Smith spins an entertaining yarn, he also makes it almost believable. Polly's utterances are often outlandish non sequiturs, which only adds to the story's unbridled fun. Now and then, she has a remarkably apt bon mot: ``How d'you do, Dad?'' she asks her mate after hatching her first brood of chicks. King-Smith treats his subjects, both human and fowl, with obvious affection. Abigail's little brother Bob is particularly endearing and occasionally steals the spotlight. More of a family story than an animal fantasy, there is enough humor, suspense and barnyard antics to captivate readers. Detailed, crosshatched pen-and-ink drawings are liberally sprinkled throughout the narrative. Younger children will enjoy this as a read-aloud, and may, like Bob, try to get their hamsters, or any other available animal, to speak. --Ruth Smith, formerly at Chicago Public Library
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 152 pages
• Publisher: Chivers North Amer (January 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0745120369
• ISBN-13: 978-0745120362
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,890,979 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dick King-Smith was a farmer for twenty years before becoming a writer, and most of his animal stories are based on his farming experiences. He won the Guardian Award with The Sheep-Pig, which became the blockbuster film Babe. Dick lives in Gloucestershire.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is one of my favorite books of all time., February 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Pretty Polly (Cavalcade story cassettes) (Audio Cassette)

We have this book on tape. The narration is wonderful because of the British accents. We like Bob and Fatso. Dick King Smith is our favorite author.

4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, intelligent book for young readers, April 5, 2005

By 

Thalia (Freeport, ME United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pretty Polly (Hardcover)

I just read this book with my 7 year old daughter, and she laughed throughout! It is a clever, fun book which kids who have just become fairly proficient readers can read themselves. The high entertainment value holds their interest. It is always refreshing to find a great kid's book like this that isn't part of a series or formulaic.