PADDY POINTS THE WAY

An eventful summer and a struggle of a boy and dog to get together makes a good story with plenty of dog interest. Thirteen-year-old Paul Gaylor, on the problem list as far as school and nagging parents were concerned, runs away to work on a farm in order to keep Paddy, a golden cocker spaniel who belongs to a neighboring bully. Through his summer with an understanding farm family and hard physical work, Paul gains self confidence, discovers his true talent, painting, and is on his way to a bright high-school future. Paddy finally becomes his rightfully, and Paul's relationships with his parents are on a healthier level. Plausible, real characters with an unaccented uplift message.