Amy Ella Blanchard
Playmate Polly
"Playmate Polly" by Amy Ella Blanchard is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young girl named Jessie who navigates her daily adventures, including her interactions with her new friend Polly Willow and her companionable playmate, a crow she names Ebon. Through these relationships, the narrative explores themes of friendship, childhood imagination, and the significance of loyalty and trust. At the start of the story, Jessie is introduced as a thoughtful and imaginative girl who enjoys her walks to school and her interactions with the neighborhood's flagman, Ezra. However, her routine is disrupted when she learns that Ezra is ill, and she encounters a gruff stranger who warns her about crossing the tracks. She grapples with fears for her safety and the potential loss of independence in going to school. Soon, Jessie finds solace and companionship in her "Playmate Polly," a tree by the brook, leading her to create an imaginative world filled with dolls and adventures. The opening portion sets the tone for Jessie's explorations of friendship and self-discovery as she also learns to navigate the complexities of relationships with her new neighbor, Adele.