Good-bye, Curtis Book

Curtis has been delivering mail for forty-two years. Today is his last day. And all the mailboxes along his route are filled with surprises.

There is a drawing from Debbie, Dennis, and Donny. There is a bottle of aftershave from the Johnsons. There is a small, fat book from Mr. Porter.

But the real surprise is at the very last house on the very last street. There is no doubt that everyone loves Curtis!

Children's Literature

Curtis is retiring after forty-two years as a letter carrier. Over the years he has seen a lot of changes. "Trees have grown from little to big. Houses have been torn down. And houses have gone up. People have moved out. And people have moved in." But throughout Curtis has carried out his work of delivering the mail cheerfully everyday. This is a man who cares about his work and the people he serves. His last day on the job the neighborhood has a party to show their appreciation. "'We love you, Curtis,' they all say. 'We'll miss you.'" Henkes reminds us that a job well done and from the heart is its own reward. Russo's portrait of a smiling Curtis surrounded by stamps and postmarks is priceless.