Larabee

Description

Larabee likes everything about delivering mail-but why hasn't he ever received any himself? Every morning, the mailman Mr. Bowman and his dog Larabee wake up very early to deliver the mail. Larabee likes riding in the mail truck and carrying the mailbag. He likes delivering the mail, and he always, always makes sure it is delivered on time. There's only one thing Larabee doesn't like- there is never a letter for him! Then one day, after all the mail has been delivered, Mr. Bowman reaches into his bag and finds a letter...addressed to Larabee! Kevin Luthardt utilizes his highly expressive, comical, full-color illustrations and minimal text to poignantly and humorously dramatize this special tale of the pure joy that can result from the simplest expression of friendship.

Kevin Luthardt is an artist, muralist, who work appears in galleries and on the walls of schools and libraries across the Midwest. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, he is the author-illustrator of several picture books. He lives in Illinois.

"Luthardt sends his direct storytelling out with gentle, happy illustrations, enclosing characteristic emotional content in the package. . . This is a colorful, seamless blend of simple sentiment mixed with happy intent putting a stamp on why we should continue to use the post office for more than just junk mail."-Kirkus Reviews "Whimsical characters in vibrant colors fill the artwork. . . This fun read-aloud will charm children."-School Library Journal "The gouache and acrylic pictures-of round-headed characters, blocky houses and green shrubbery-keep the simple message at the forefront, and Lacey's unadorned card demonstrates how anyone can make a small, thoughtful gesture to a friend."-Publishers Weekly "The unusual art (nicely sized for small-group sharing), and the idea of wishes fulfilled can't help but leave little ones with a warm, happy feeling themselves."-Booklist