A Lesson in Self-Worth

Title: Larry the Lawnmower
Author: Jeanne Archambault
Illustrator: Victoria Corey
Publisher and/or Distributor: Jitterbug Books
Publisher Website: www.jitterbugbooks.net
Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-0-9763031-0-7
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: 2007 (2nd Printing)
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts

Larry the Lawnmower is a lesson in self-worth picture book. Larry enjoys his assigned role as a grass cutting tool until his age causes his owner to replace him with a lawn tractor. Larry is sad until he is sold at a yard sale to a young boy who gives Larry a new coat of paint and fresh oil. Larry knows he will have more time to work for the boy so the boy can earn money for a new bike. Larry is happy with his station in life once again.

Although the illustrations are not of museum-level quality, they are cute and eye appealing. The story is logical and the rhymes flow. Larry becomes humanized and the child reader/listener learns we all age but we also have worth, even in our old age, as long as somebody cares. We rated this book four hearts.