It's been at least 20, and maybe 30, years since I last read Poddy - and yet I found I could still recite huge chunks from memory, and discovered the source of some expressions I use all the time.

The novel holds up very well as a story, though Heinlein's mixed messages on gender equality can wrench a contemporary reader out of the narrative.

The Ace version has the ending Heinlein's editors insisted on, which, in addition to reinforcing the sexist half of the story's message, definitely detracts from the integrity of the tale. Read it as if those last two pages aren't there.

Poddy's still a wonderful, wonderful kid, though.