In my latest blog series, Read Around Town, I'm highlighting picture books that celebrate the people and places in a young child's immediate community. These would work well for preschool classes or homeschool groups taking tours of local businesses, or for any child interested in learning about his or her neighborhood. Today's books are about post offices and the mail.
The Jolly Postman, or Other People's Letters by Allan Ahlberg and Janet Ahlberg
As the Jolly Postman delivers letters to favorite fairy tale characters, the reader has chance to sneak inside the envelopes and read their correspondence!
Seven Little Postmen by Margaret Wise Brown
This rhyming book tells the story of how one little boy's letter makes it way through the postal system to its intended recipient.
Love, Mouserella by David Ezra Stein
After her grandmouse's visit, Mouserella misses her, so she writes a lengthy letter detailing a week's worth of her daily activities.
A Letter to Amy by Ezra Jack Keats
To make it special, Peter decides to send his birthday party invitation to Amy through the mail, but the surprise is nearly ruined when he runs into Amy herself on his way to the mailbox!
Dear Peter Rabbit by Alma Flor Ada
Fairy tale characters write letters to one another in this clever story which reimagines the well-known stories and connects them in new ways.
Good-bye Curtis by Kevin Henkes
On Curtis's last day as a mail carrier before his retirement, everyone in the neighborhood does something special to honor him.
Meerkat Mail by Emily Gravett
A meerkat named Sunny sends letters back home as he explores different parts of the world before finally deciding home is the best place of all.
Mr. Griggs’ Work by Cynthia Rylant
Mr. Griggs loves his work at the post office so much that he hardly knows what to do with himself on the first sick day of his career.
Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School by Mark Teague
When Ike is sent to obedience school, the letters he sends home to his master, Mrs. LaRue, lament the terrible time he is having, but they may not be exactly honest.
Harvey Hare, Postman Extraordinaire by Bernadette Watts
To thank Harvey Hare for his dedication to delivering their mail no matter the weather, the forest animals come together to present him with a special gift.
