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A WWII veteran finds joy in his community as the new mailman, who, along with a few dogs, brings hope back to a grieving community.
George lives a peaceful life on his family farm in Indiana until he is recruited for the US army for WWII. While George longed to go back home throughout the war, home is a very different place when he returns. His family farm has been sold and George must find a new job. Though he swore he would never wear a uniform again, George becomes a letter carrier. Then, something unexpected and miraculous happens—friendly neighborhood dogs begin following him on his daily route. As the parade of dogs quickly grows each day, so too does the joy spread in a community still healing from loss.
John Spray’s stepfather is the inspiration behind the character George, who was a celebrated WWII veteran and post-war letter carrier—loved by both the people and dogs in his small town, Lafayette, Indiana. Scot Ritchie illustrates with powerful depth and humor. .
CBC November Hot Off The Press Feature
“The art is delightful, and George is a cheery protagonist.”—Kirkus Reviews
“This gentle story could help children in developing empathy and recognizing kindness."—Booklist
“Spray’s voice has a conversational quality that makes the story feel like firsthand family lore, while Ritchie’s loosely sketched cartoons capture home as a place of comfort.”—Publisher’s Weekly
“Lively drawings contribute to an engaging story of dogs, friendship, and community recovery.” —Midwest Book Review
“Scot Ritchie’s gleeful and appealing cartoon illustrations use bright colors to show the new postal carrier trailed by hoards of neighborhood dogs, each with its own personality and style, from the plodding hound to the frisky and beribboned poodle.”—Youth Services Book Review
“Healing is a process, and George's story here is a glimpse at a few steps in the middle of that journey.”—YA Books Central
“A WWII veteran finds joy in his community as the new mailman, who, along with a few dogs, brings hope back to a grieving community.” —Diverse Classroom Books IG
“Being inspired by a real WW2 Veteran made this book all the more amazing. The acts of kindness, adorable doggie parade, and silliness are precious.” —Murray’s Miraculous Mission IG
“Gentle storytelling paired with engaging illustrations makes this one especially meaningful for conversations about kindness and perseverance.” —Paumen’s Pages IG
“It was heartwarming, it had great illustrations to look at, and I love that this mailman just had a way with all the dogs to where they’d gravitate toward him join him to join him on his route!!”—Mama Coffee Books Cardigans IG