Illustrated by John Skewes
Written by Michael Mullen and John Skewes
Larry Gets Lots in Texas is a quirky picture book that explores the landmarks of the great state of Texas. The book exhibits the ins and outs of Texas from very well-known historical structures such as the capitol in Austin to lesser known structures such as the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo. The book is arranged in a way that makes the book readable for younger ages but still contains a large amount of knowledge and facts. The book begins with a boy, Pete, and his best friend, Larry. The buds are traveling across Texas and somehow get separated. This engaging story serves as a mini lesson in the geography and history of Texas. (TEKS 1.5.B locate the community, Texas, and the United States on maps and globes.)
Here is a Snippet of Larry Gets Lost in Texas (Note: “/” means a break)
“This is Larry. This is Pete. /They like riding together in the backseat. /The family loved going to Adventurous places./This new one was all about /Wide-open spaces. /At the first stop there was a hill, /And on top was a star./Then the biggest boots /Larry had seen, by far!/They drove a long while /Through a curious place. /At first it looked empty,/But that wasn’t the case./While Pete ate with his parents/ At a picnic spot they’d found,/Larry stayed in the trailer/With the windows rolled down./Larry’s hunger was something/He never could hide./And a tangy smell swirled /Through the air just outside. /It was some kind of meat /On a sauce-covered bun. /He could get it and eat it /Before Pete was done./Larry made his decision /And pounced on his treat, /But there was so much food,/ It took a long time to eat./His tummy full, /He came up gasping for air, /And saw that his best friend Pete /WASN’T THERE!”
Hayley Boardman