Larry the Lawnmower
Jeanne Archambault loves children. This comes through in her writing.  Larry the Lawnmower reveals the author's insight into the mind and  emotions of the child. Larry enjoys a sense of pride, a love for  importance, and an appreciation for the beauty of nature. He enjoys  sharing his own story. Threatened when a "rider mower" takes his place  Larry becomes sad and dejected. He is left along until the day a young  boy buys him for his job mowing lawns. With his new paint, some oil, and  lots of attention, Larry again takes pride in fulfilling his purpose.  Victoria Corey beautifully illustrates the story in pastel watercolors  with scenic backgrounds from a New England landscape. Larry the  Lawnmower is an excellent idea for the preschool classroom, and for  beginning readers. The rhyming meter combined with the vivid pictures  brings the story to life for the young child. An enchanting adventure.  --Richard Blake The Midwest Book ReviewLarry the Lawnmower is a  lesson in self-worth. 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. 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. --Bob Spears,  Heartland ReviewsPlease add the following to my web page:    A 2009 Mom's Choice Award winner! --Mom's Choice Awards (MCA)