Years ago, Marc Polett was a student at Penn Valley Elementary School. Today, he returned to Penn Valley as a published author and spoke with students about his book, Lily's Wondrous World: A Day in the Park.

Lily is a little girl who loves nature and animals. During her day in the park, she befriends a rabbit named Benny, a squirrel named Nutty and a dog named Rusty. The book follows the friends as they explore the park. 

Polett told the students that the character of Lily was inspired by his wife, Elizabeth, who accompanied him to the assembly. He explained that she loves animals so much, squirrels will wait at the door of their house in East Falls for food.

Polett explained that several more books about Lily's adventures will be published in the coming year. All will be illustrated by Vasya Baev, who is from Poland. Baev runs a school for young children in Thailand and Polett felt his illustrations of Lily and her friends would appeal to young readers. 

For photos of author Marc Polett's visit to Penn Valley, you can click through the slide show below: