
In this breezy early‑twentieth‑century tale, Princess Polly and her best friend Rose spend a sun‑kissed summer in the seaside town of Avondale, dreaming of salty breezes, sandy beaches, and the playful house of Captain Seaford’s daughter Sprite. Their excitement builds around a mysterious gathering promised by Rose’s Uncle John, hinting at a grand celebration that will draw all the local children together. As the girls chat, a bold newcomer named Gwen Harcourt bursts onto the scene, offering a comic clash of personalities that promises plenty of laughter and light‑hearted rivalry.
The story captures the simple joys of childhood—sailing on the yacht Dolphin, exploring the quirky “upside‑down” ship turned home, and swapping stories under a bright summer sky. Through vivid descriptions of cliffs, gardens, and seaside games, the narrative invites listeners to feel the warm sand between their toes and the thrill of anticipation for the upcoming festivities. With its charming cast and gentle humor, the book offers a nostalgic peek into a world where friendship and imagination turn an ordinary summer into an unforgettable adventure.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (166K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Bruce Albrecht, Jeannie Howse and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2008-05-13
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

A popular American writer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, she was known for lively, warmhearted fiction for children and young readers. Her stories often mixed everyday adventure with a strong sense of place, especially in New England.
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