Larf

by Ashley Spires

No one believes Larf exists, and he likes it that way. Larf, you see, is a sasquatch, the only sasquatch in the world (or so it seems). He has a very pleasant, and very private, life in the woods, where on any given day he might be found jogging, gardening or walking Eric, his pet bunny. But everything changes one morning when Larf discovers that another sasquatch is scheduled to make an appearance in the nearby city of Hunderfitz. What?! That must mean he's not the only sasquatch in the world!

Excited by the prospect of having a friend to share hair grooming tips with (and let's face it, teeter-tottering alone is no fun), Larf disguises himself as a city slicker and heads for Hunderfitz --- where he's in for a couple enormous surprises.

Ashley Spires once again shows her chops for creating irresistible, quirky characters and laugh-aloud stories and illustrations. Readers with little feet and big feet will fall head over heels for Larf.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Humor, Fiction, Friendship, Fantasy, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2012

About the author

Ashley has written and illustrated many books, most notably the bestselling The Most Magnificent Thing, which is now a short animated film. She creates books that remind kids that making mistakes is integral to learning. She lives in British Columbia with her dog and a growing army of felines.

Reviews

[Mohammadreza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Or, Worst yet, what if HE is a SHE?
Larf really isn't ready to meet a girl.
He hasn't had a bath in... ever!

[Maede · Rating 3 out of 5]

لارف یه سَسکوآچ تنهاست. البته که به تنهاییش عادت داره و زندگی خوبی داره. اونقدری که زندگی در تنهایی می‌تونه خوب باشه‌. لارف پذیرفته که سَسکوآچ دیگه‌ای جز خودش وجود نداره تا اینکه در خبر می‌بینه که موجود دیگه‌ای هم مثل خودش وجود داره. حالا باید چیکار کنه؟ در تنهایی بمونه یا شانس آشنا شدن با یکی مثل خودش رو امتحان کنه؟

این داستان بامزه برای منِ بزرگسال نماد پیدا کردن دوستان جدید بعد از ۲۵ـ۳۰ سالگیه. زمانی که کم‌کم خودت رو یاد گرفتی و فهمیدی کی هستی و اگر مثلاً مثل لارف یک سَسکوآچی و حتی چندتا دوست یِتی داری، حس می‌کنی باید دوستانی مثل خودت هم پیدا کنی. دوستان درست و حسابی‌ای که در این سن و سال پیدا میشن بسیار ارزشمندن، اما واقعاً شانس پیدا کردنشون مثل شانس وجود دو تا سَسکوآچه

کتاب رو می‌تونید از اینجا دانلود کنید
Maede's Books

۱۴۰۴/۳/۲۸

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the artwork description at the beginning of the book: “The artwork in this book was rendered in vegetable-based watercolor, biodegradable ink, recycled paper collage, and a dollop of organic Sasquatch Detangler and Conditioning Shampoo. This book is vegetarian, vegan and sasquatch friendly.”

Yay! Sasquatches are apparently vegetarian.

This story and its pictures are very cute and clever. However, except for maybe some vegan and vegetarian kids who want to read books about other veg*n creatures, I have to wonder if this story, especially its ending, will be better appreciated by adults than by children. I would read it to kids though, and I’m interested in what they will think. I suspect it’s one of those books that can be enjoyed by all age groups, but on somewhat different levels, and I actually rejoice in this type of book.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Larf is endearing and sweet. He lives a pretty quiet life and doesn't have any friends (other than Eric, his pet bunny). That's because there are no other sasquatches. Or so he thinks. When he sees something in the newspaper about another sasquatch making an appearance, he decides he needs to go meet this guy/girl. He has his worries, but his curiosity gets the best of him, so he packs up Eric in a Snugli and takes a bus into the city. What he finds, though, is not quite what he was expecting.

The pictures are adorable, and Larf's character is done well. After seeing how this one ended, I kind of wish there was a sequel so we could see more of... well, I don't want to spoil the end of this one for you.

Who knew a picture book about a hairy man-beast could be so much fun? Larf is an entertaining read for kids of all ages.

Quotable moment:

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best part is the author's note about the medium used to create Larf. "The artwork in this book was rendered in vegetable-based watercolor, biodegradable ink, recycled paper collage and a dollop of Organic Sasquatch Detangler and Conditioning Shampoo. This book is vegetarian, vegan, and sasquatch friendly."

[Christiane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sasquatch stories and I love Ashely Spires’ books (she is the author of Binky the Space Cat!) so this is a great combination. Larf likes his quiet life with only his pet bunny for companionship, yet when he sees an article claiming a sasquatch is going to make an appearance in a nearby city he can't resist going to check it out. My favorite picture is Larf in his "human" camouflage, with the bunny in a baby bjorn strapped to his chest. Would be great to share with a kindergarten or 1st grade class.

[Megan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a rollicking read-aloud with 2nd graders. Somehow I missed the connection that 'larf' rhymes with 'barf' but I will not be blindsided by that discussion next time!

[Abby Johnson]

A cute and funny book about a reclusive sasquatch who makes a new friend. Adorable illustrations with funny details throughout.

[Bookslut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cute, great art.

[Ham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Art was great, the story was readable if a little trite. But then it is a children’s book. And thank heavens it didn’t rhyme.

[Faeze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Larf,
I can understand what it's like to feel lonely and forsaken. I'm glad to see that your story has a happy ending, unlike mine.
Best,
A Lonely Sasquatch!

[Keara Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Larf is a charming story about a sasquatch on a quest to meet the only other sasquatch in the whole world. It's the perfect length and rhythm for a 3-6 year old crowd or one-on-one read. We enjoyed the well-done illustrations as well.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Larf, written and illustrated by Ashley Spires, is a fun picturebook about a lonely Sasquatch named Larf. He spends his days with his pet bunny Eric, and is content hiding from people. He is pretty good at hiding, although he has almost been caught a few times. One day he reads the paper to find that a Sasquatch is scheduled to make a public appearance in town. He knows that he has not agreed to make such an appearance, since it is scheduled for his laundry day, but he wonders if this might be his chance to met someone like him. After traveling quite a ways, and riding the bus, Larf is disappointed to find the 'Sasquatch' making an appearance is a fake and resigned himself to staying alone. While waiting for the bus home, Larf and Eric are joined on the bench by Shurl and Patricia, who share similar motives for being in town on that day.

Larf is a fun book. The Sasquatch character is cute and quirky. Who would have imagined that Bigfoot might have a pet bunny? The artwork is a perfect pairing to the words and emotions, and according to a note from the author in the book is created from "vegetable-based watercolor, biodegradable ink, recycled paper collage and a dollop of Organic Sasquatch Detangler and Conditioning Shampoo". Beyond the fun of finding Bigfoot in a picturebook, particularly one as charming as Larf, there are deeper levels on which readers might relate to the story. Those of us that are introverts, shy, or typically content at being unattached individuals can closely relate to Larf. Even the most introverted child, or adult, still needs interaction and to feel a connection with others. Just like Larf, who thinks himself content all by himself until he is offered the hope of finding someone like himself, on some level we all want at least one person out there that will understand and accept us.

I highly recommend Larf to children and adults. It would be great for sharing with kids, one on one or in a storytime environment, age 3 and older. The story and the artwork are highly enjoyable and the story can be enjoyed for the basic story or deeper levels. It can be used to start discussions about respecting people for their differences, personality styles, and friendship.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Larf
By Ashley Spires
Published by Kids Can Press
Copyright © 2012

I have always had an affinity for the Sasquatch legend. I will freely admit that there is a little part of me that believes that Sasquatch is out there. But even if they aren’t, to believe in them is to retain that sense of unexplainable wonderment in the natural world. So when I saw “Larf,” by Ashley Spires, in our latest children’s book order I knew I had to read it.

The story of Larf is cute. As much as I hate the word “cute” there is no other word that fits. There is not deep layer of morality to this tale it is just cute. Sure you could look at it as a tale about getting out of your own head and letting others in so that we can make friends, but that is merely an aside to the cuteness.

Fortunately, “cute” is not the only thing that “Larf” has going for it. This story is very humorous. Most of this humor shows up in the illustrations. Spires’ line art is reminiscent of the work of Craig Bartlett on the Nickelodeon cartoon “Hey, Arnold” (which I loved), but she lightens it up and makes it more whimsical and fluffy with her use of what seems to be water color. The funny comes not just in her way of drawing people and Larf, but in the way she juxtaposes the text of the story with the illustrations. For instance when we read “Larf knows no one would ever leave him alone if they found out he was real.” And then we see an illustration with his face on the cover of magazines, newspapers, and tabloids with the addition of a book featuring his pet bunny Eric on the cover with the title “Bigfoot’s Bunny: Shocking Tell-All Memoir.” It made me laugh.

In addition to the humor, if you pay close attention to the illustrations Spires shows us what is coming at the end of the story, but you really have to read the pictures. So this makes a great little activity for kids while reading this book, especially the second time around.

This book will definitely get five stars on my book sharing accounts. It will be a welcome addition to the story time rotation for children’s groups or individual children ages 3 and up.

[Joella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Larf is a Sasquatch that lives with his bunny. They are very good at living all alone because Larf is shy and doesn’t like the thought of people coming to look at a Sasquatch. Especially since he is the only Sasquatch. He likes the quiet of his woods and the calm life that they lead.

One day Larf reads that a Sasquatch is going to make an appearance in a nearby city. Larf is conflicted about wanting to go and see. He wonders what it would be like to meet another Sasquatch. He thinks it would be good to be friends…but this other Sasquatch is going to be in such a public place. And why would the Sasquatch want to do something so publicized? Larf decides to go anyway, and finds that often what you are looking for is now what you find.

This is a fun story with such a cute Sasquatch that no young reader could actually be scared of this big foot. I like how Larf is so different from the typical stereotypes of monsters. And the bunny is just as “super cute” as the book says he is. This just might be a fun addition to my monsters storytime booklist.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hairy and seven feet high, Larf, a Sasquatch, enjoys his solitary life spent quietly in the woods with his bunny friend. He has the sneaking suspicion that if anyone ever spots him, it will bring unwanted attention and change his life. When he happens to read about a personal appearance by a Sasquatch, he decides to see if there is someone else out there just like him. The ending is sweet, allowing the vegetarian Larf to find new possibilities while also allowing him to remain true to his own nature. The illustrations are made from vegetable-based watercolor, biodegradable ink, and recycled paper collage and will make readers smile as they compare Larf's size to the normal-sized humans on his trip to town.

[Jen V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe being a vegan makes me a little more sentimental about this book...but I really do think the story is sweet. Larf reminds me of so many of the shy characters in books who would rather just keep to themselves. He finally finds the courage to go out and try to meet someone like himself. He's very brave.

[Donalyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Larf is a vegetarian Sasquatch who lives a solitary, but pleasant life in the woods. When he hears about the appearance of another Sasquatch, Larf sets out to find him (or her).

[Mary Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Larf is a vegetarian sasquatch. He thinks he's the only one...

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Compare to The Lonely Beast.)

[Scottsdale Public Library]

A delightful, heartwarming, sasquatch search.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun picture book tells a story that lets young readers know that there are all kinds of people and that everyone can find a special friend. Larf is a sasquatch, and as far as he knows the only one in the world. He's happy living alone with his pet bunny, but when he finds out that there's going to be an appearance by another sasquatch in another city, he's apprehensive but fascinated to go and see. Young readers will get a laugh or two from the humorous illustrations and clever narrative. And even though this book was written several years ago, it unintentionally offers some great ideas for those that are practicing social distancing (which is all of us) - like taking solitary walks in the woods, gardening at home, and doing household chores.

[Brynnley Hunzeker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable book to read! Larf thinks he is the only person who is similar to him. The Sasquatch! Nobody also thinks they don't exist. Larf arrives in town to check if there is another Sasquatch that resembles him in real life after reading a story claiming that one is on its way. He wasn't expecting it to be a phony Sasquatch, and he is very disappointed by this. However, he later encounters someone who is just like him, and she is a girl! Although you might not believe Larf will find another Sasquatch, he does in the end, and they wind up being great friends. This was such a cute novel. 

[Lily Frey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Larf believes he is the only one that is like him. A Sasquatch! Nobody believes they exist either. Larf makes his way in town to see if there really is another Sasquatch like him because he sees an article that says there’s a real like Sasquatch coming into town. To his surprise it was a fake Sasquatch and this really disappoints him. But then he actually does meet one just like him and it’s a girl! This was such a cute book and I loved how even though you think Larf isn’t going to find another Sasquatch, he does In the end and they become great friends. Such a fun book to read!

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bonus points in general for being about Sasquatch. :-)

Larf is the only one of his kind. No one believes he's real and he's okay with that; he doesn't like attention.

He sees a notice about a Sasquatch appearing in a nearby town. He goes in the hopes that he'll meet someone like him. But, he's disappointed when he sees that the other Sasquatch is a fake.

While waiting for the bus home, though, he meets Shurl....

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Larf is a sasquatch who enjoys his solitude but is still open to finding others like him. When he learns that another sasquatch is in the area, he works up the gumption to go meet them. Larf learns something about finding others like you: sometimes the right people come into your life by chance.

Beautiful illustrations, a charming story.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adorable and creative take on the legend of Bigfoot! We follow Larf who assumes he is the only one of his kind on a journey to find others like him. Spires illustrations add such a great element to the book. Wonderful read aloud for our youngest readers (preschool - 2nd grade)!

Genre: Fiction - Traditional Lit

[Colleen Dougherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an author, I routinely check out 50 picture books a weekend and review those that stand out for me. Larf was one of those books. I loved it! The story is original, cute, and made me laugh! The illustrations were fun with lots for little kids to enjoy and for parents to use to expand on the story. It's about the choice of solitude, accepting companionship, and realizing no one is truly alone.

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Larf, the Sasquatch, thinks he is the last of his kind. He doesn't mind being all by himself, in fact he likes it. When he reads that a sasquatch is scheduled to make an appearance in a nearby town, he decides to go. Maybe he is not the only one.
This has all of Ashley Spires delightful art and classic sweetness and humour. The kindergarten group that I read this to loved it!

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read and read and read again to 22 month old Max! An obvious winner.