Polly, Stubby & Al (ePub)

An illustrated children's reader.

BEN and SARA DONOVAN live in a small community called Wolfe Lake with their two daughters, six-year-old Megan and eight-year-old Katie. The family has two pets: Polly, a multi-colored talking parrot, and Stubby, a tan-colored, bowlegged English bulldog. Daddy Ben owns a small landscaping business. Mama Sara is a housewife and animal lover. One day, Mama Sara, Megan, Katie, and Stubby are walking in the woods when they see an injured black crow lying on the ground. Mama Sara picks up the crow, takes him home, and nurses him back to health. When healed and released back into the wild, the black crow flies back to its home, choosing to remain with the family. They name him Al, and he becomes one of their family pets.

Over the years, the family had become used to Polly's chatter, but a week later, they were amazed when Al spoke. From then on, their everyday life took on an abrupt and hilarious change. From that day forward, nothing is the same in the Donovan household, as Al becomes a funny and naughty character. Then, one sunny day, Al is caught in a sudden storm while flying in the sky. The sky turns black, lightning bolts flash, strong winds, and heavy rain. Over and over, Al desperately calls for help, "Mama, Mama." They watch Al tossed in the wind and blown toward the nearby dense forest. Getting into Daddy Ben's pickup, they follow after their wind-blown pet. However, the family is helpless as they look into the darkened sky and watch Al's plight. Does Al survive? Do they ever see their pet crow again?