Sammy the Seal has at least one quirk common to many Syd Hoff books: humans are not surprised that animals can converse with them. Ultimately Sammy realizes he led a fulfilling life at the zoo, and now he's more capable of appreciating it. He'll learn that seals and children are different in some ways that can't be ignored a boy shouldn't catch a volleyball with his nose, and a seal shouldn't use his flippers. In human society Sammy will meet friendly people, as well as some who hurt his feelings when he doesn't conform to societal norms. Granting him this latitude ensures the zoo will never feel like a prison. Johnson recognizes that Sammy is in this second group, and releases him to sow his wild oats and discover a path to happiness. Others can't be content without seeing if there's something more, and that requires a journey into the unknown.

Some people seem happy without ever questioning their lot in life. Having experienced a different lifestyle, he knows the zoo is where he belongs. He's a favorite among the kids by day's end, but Sammy is ready to return home. At recess Sammy proves to be a crackerjack volleyball player, whose knack for balancing the ball on his nose comes in handy. Any seal who can learn to read and write in a day is one smart animal.

Spotting some kids entering school, Sammy casually infiltrates their ranks it takes time for the teacher to notice, but Sammy's earnestness persuades her to let him stay. Sammy must learn a few lessons if he's to live alongside humans. The heat is a bit much, so Sammy searches for a pool to cool down in, but that's not so easy in the city: sidewalk puddles are too small, fountains are off limits, and no brownstone dweller wants to find a seal lounging in his bathtub. Utilities men work down inside the streets, and customers enjoy fine food and conversation at restaurants. The big city is brimming with things to see and do. Johnson agrees to let him leave for a while, and out he ventures into the human world. He wishes to explore beyond the zoo, to see what life is like for humans. The seals love the fresh fish he lobs into their enclosure, but Sammy seems downhearted.

Johnson at the zoo feeds all his animals on schedule. Sammy the Seal is second perhaps only to the original Danny and the Dinosaur as Hoff's most beloved book. Seuss, Else Holmelund Minarik, Bernard Wiseman, Peggy Parish, Arnold Lobel, Cynthia Rylant, Doug Cushman, Tedd Arnold, Mo Willems.you name the author, and Syd Hoff probably wrote at least as many easy readers. Syd Hoff is as closely associated with easy reader books as almost any author.

Sammy the Seal by Syd Hoff