Review: ‘When the lights are glowing low, the shadows come out to play’
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 25, 2013
Harry and Larry are best pals – Harry is a young lad and Larry is his puppy who just happens to be able to talk! Harry’s family includes a mom and dad and little brother Ted, along with five other puppies, the mommy dog, and 3 kittens and a mouse. Though each had a bed, Harry’s was empty – he was afraid to sleep alone preferring to sleep with his parents. But after his parents insisted he sleep in his own bed, Harry tried but was frightened by shadow monsters he perceived as scary beasts. Despite his mother’s reassurance, Harry still was afraid and the solution was to have the pup Larry share Harry’s bed. Yet even Larry saw the monster and ran to the parent’s room to validate his findings, but when mother comes to their room she turns on the light and the big scary monster turns out to just be the shadow of a mouse nibbling midnight cheese. Satisfied with the solution, Harry and Larry play hand shadow games before they comfortably curl up and sleep alone – unafraid.The illustrations are excellent and the story flows with a well-paced rhyme that children love. This is one of those children’s books that carry a lesson about fears and how to over come them as well as the importance of a loving family and pets. It is a winner! Grady Harp, November 13