Larabee
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. He likes carrying the mailbag too. 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 down into his bag and finds a letter…addressed to Larabee!
Author-illustrator 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.
Author & Illustrator
Kevin Luthardt is the author-illustrator of several books, including Larabee, Peep! and Flying! He is an artist and muralist whose work appears in galleries and other venues. He received a BFA from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. He lives in Illinois.
You can visit Kevin Luthardt’s website here.
Reviews
“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
“What could have been just another sweet story gets a lift from charmingly quirky pictures. Luthardt bends and stretches simple geometric shapes and then uses varied perspectives, carefully placed white highlights, and intense colors... can't help but leave little ones with a warm, happy feeling themselves.” ―Booklist
“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
“Whimsical characters in vibrant colors fill the artwork... This fun read-aloud will charm children.” ―School Library Journal
Awards
Children's Choices ―International Reading Association / Children's Book Council 2005
Best Books of the Year Awards ―Child Magazine 2004
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (primary) ―Kansas National Education Association 2005
Writing Competition (Nominee, Children's Books Category) ―Dog Writers Association of America 2004

