Larabee [Hardcover]

Kevin Luthardt (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Every morning, Mr. Bowman and his dog deliver the mail. Larabee likes riding in the mail truck. He likes carrying the mail bag, too. He likes delivering the mail and he always makes sure it is delivered on time. But there is one thing Larabee doesn't like: there is never a letter addressed to him!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-A golden pup with big black spots, a long snout, and floppy ears loves accompanying his owner, Mr. Bowman, as he delivers the mail. Larabee helps to bring Little Benny a birthday card and the Mendoza family an envelope from their son in the army. Although he knows that dogs don't get mail, he wishes that just once he would receive a letter. After a busy day, the mailbag is empty, except for a piece of correspondence that makes his dream come true. Whimsical characters in vibrant colors fill the artwork, done in gouache, colored pencil, and acrylic. Bold one- and two-page paintings depict a culturally diverse community. The simple text, supplemented by expressive thought balloons, effectively details the daily routine of a mail carrier, as well as how Larabee's presence affects the people he meets. This fun read-aloud will charm children.-Wanda Meyers-Hines, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Huntsville, AL
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 1. Eager, spotted pup Larabee loves his "job" helping mail carrier Mr. Bowman make his deliveries, and the pair is welcomed by everyone--except Mrs. Fellini, "who likes cats." But enthusiastic receptions aren't quite enough for Larabee, who yearns for a letter of his own. Of course, when he finally gets it, he can't stop wiggling for joy. What could have been just another sweet story gets a lift from charmingly quirky pictures. Luthardt (Peep, 2002) bends and stretches simple geometric shapes and then uses varied perspectives, carefully placed white highlights, and intense colors to take the saccharine edge off his story. Characters occasionally verge on stereotype, but 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. Stephanie Zvirin
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers; 1st edition (March 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561453005
• ISBN-13: 978-1561453009
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 9.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #570,463 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Kindergarten Reviewers at The Potomac School, McLean, VA, April 18, 2007

By 

When Pigs Fly (McLean, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Larabee (Hardcover)

Kindergartners enjoyed this engaging story of Larabee, a mailman's dog, who longs to receive his own mail. Most found the plot just silly enough to satisfy both young listeners (grades Pre-K through K) and young readers(1st and 2nd graders), as it featured simple vocabulary and lots of animal sounds. These five and six year olds liked the illustrator's cartoony style with its bright colors, sparse scenery and humans with huge heads. They all agreed that Lacey McNabb is the book's heroine, and Mrs. Fellini, the villain-- made obvious by that front yard sign! What was our reviewers' favorite part? Larabee's personalized mailbox-- which made them wonder, "Do dog's dreams come true?"

4.0 out of 5 stars Great illiustrations, February 17, 2011

By 

JD's Mom - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Larabee (Hardcover)

This a short and sweet story that is illustrated very well. It also has people of all colors which is very hard to find in books.

5.0 out of 5 stars Kevin Luthardt demonstrates a masterfully ability to tell a simple story wonderfully well, July 22, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Larabee (Hardcover)

Larabee is an energetic young dog who enjoys helping the mailman deliver the mail. Mr. Bowman allows Larabee to ride in the mail truck and carry the mail. There's only one thing that Larabee yearns for -- to get receive a letter himself! If only it were possible for a dog to get a letter too. "Larabee" is written and illustrated by Kevin Luthardt who demonstrates a masterfully ability to tell a simple story wonderfully well. An ideal and thoroughly entertaining picture book for young children, "Larabee" would make an enduringly popular addition to family, school, and community library collections.