Larry and Friends

Carla Torres – Creator/Illustrator

Nat Jasper – Author

48 pages – ages 6+
Published by Tangerine Books 2014

Theme / Topic – immigration / diversity

Summary –

Larry, the American dog living in New York City, is having a birthday party. Living in New York gave Larry a chance to meet friends from all over the world. “Ringadingadong!” Which guest is at the door? Larry introduces the reader to all of his friends (like a Korean fox, an Indian elephant, and an Irish hare). We learn about the country they came from, their immigration stories and how they became friends with Larry. 

What I thought –

This was a very cool way of explaining immigration to younger kids. I like how it tells a bit about the culture the animals come from and also how they met Larry in America. Each page introduces us to a friend of Larry’s with a picture on one full page and the text on the next. The story is one that a young kid can’t read by themselves (the reading level is harder and some of the animals talk with an accent) but the story would make an awesome bedtime story or a way for parents and teachers to tell an immigration story or introduce kids to the countries represented in the book. There are footnotes on each page to explain language or phrases used on the page for the reader (for example what an African Djembe is or what “Xie xie” means in Chinese). Besides the informative and fun story, the illustrations are spectacular!

I could look at them all day! I thinks kids, parents, and teachers will enjoy this book!

 I give this book five out of five bookworms!

To learn more about Ms. Torres and Larry and Friends, please visit Ms. Torres’ website HERE.

Categories: Age 1-5, Age 6-9

Tags: bibliophile, book review, bookworm, carla torres, larry and friends