The Lost Package

by Richard Ho, Jessica Lanan (Illustrator)

The story of a package that gets lost, then found and an in-depth behind the scenes look at what happens at the post office.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Storytime, Transport

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 2, 2021

Reviews

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the suspension of the Goodreads Choice 2021 Picture Book category, I was of mixed feelings; first, my family yearly rates all the nominees, but we had in recent years been less impressed with the nominees (which Rod Brown found were often published by Amazon subsidiaries). So I consulted a couple sources for likely Caldecott Award nominees, and I asked a few people to read them with me; in general they are so much better than, for instance, last year’s GR bunch. As my kids get older, they have mostly dropped out of the reading, but I still have anywhere from 2-4 readers with me this year.

#1, The Lost Package, was written by Richard Ho and illustrated by Jessica Lanan, and we agreed that the book gains in our estimation if you tread the afterword, where we read that Richard’s father was a postman, and he wants to remind people of the greatness of the US Post Office.

R (retired librarian): (4 stars). Good primary book about USPS purpose/job. I thought it was a little confusing about the “move” but I thought the illustration fit the story.

J (arts educator): (4 stars). Beautiful, tender illustration and a simple, uplifting story. Read the note from the author--a dear story of its own.

T (electrician): (4 stars): Kind of a sweet story.

Dave (teacher): (4 stars): Nice tribute to the postal service and his Dad, a former postal worker. Lovely artwork consistent with the nostalgic tone of the story.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit that I felt a twinge of caution. The idea that a package could be lost, abandoned, potentially never reach its destination felt a bit like kicking USPS while its down, while it is struggling under hostile leadership and financial woes not of its own making.

Then I read the author's (and illustrator's) notes. Ho's father was a dedicated USPS employee for over thirty years, providing his immigrant family a way into the American middle class while delivering security and love for them while providing a service we could all "take for granted".

What I loved about this, even before reading the reassuring notes at the back, is that a single package carries its own story. It may not seem the way, as online ordering has become so ubiquitous and automatic that doorstep delivery can feel impersonal, automatic.

I advocate that every single day, and most especially in Covid times, we should reflect a bit more often on the remarkable process that takes place outside of our awareness. This story allows the package itself to feel like a character, beginning as an empty box, filled lovingly with a meaningful object and message. It then moves through an elaborate and efficient system to reach its intended doorstep. The actual processing of mailed letters and packages is portrayed with details (and my admiration) through illustrations, and received a stamp of approval for accuracy from Ho's father.

But, bad things sometimes happen to mail. Statistically speaking, that is a vanishingly small percentage of processed mail, but it does happen. In this case, a pothole causes the tragic ejection of a package from its mail truck, and it happens to be the very package that readers are "tracking". It comes to rest in a gutter, ignored by many, until a young boy and his dog insist on taking a closer look. That's when my hopes were raised that they would return it to their local post office and the heroes would be employees who deciphered the ruined address, finally, heroically, delivering our battered little package.

That would have fit my glowing view of USPS, and is actually what happens, often. I suspect we've all occasionally received a damaged letter or package. We may be aggravated at the condition without ever considering the remarkable system that overcame that damage to get it into our hands.

I was admittedly surprised when the story took a different turn. A boy, his mom, and his dog retrieved that package from the New York City gutter, noticed the address, and added it in their loaded van as they made their way to San Francisco. The precise locations are indicated in effective illustration elements, never mentioned in text, and are an excellent example of the rare instances in which an author DOES need to provide simple art notes.

The underlying focus on our amazing USPS services (Neither snow nor rain...) applies to this family's journey. Throughout, the text is spare but exactly suits such an emotionally deep and physically sprawling story, including the powerful line that extends far beyond the page:

"Not all packages travel the same road, Some get lost. Some get found."

This story involves absence, loss, moving away, hopes, departures, and arrivals, as well as the power of outreach. In this case, it reunites old friends and sparks new friendships. It underscores my belief that physical objects (and letters) are links of love, offering material evidence of connections and caring. (I urge you to read more of the backstory on how this all developed, explored in a wonderful interview with Richard Ho on a blog you should follow, Picture Book Builders.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lost Package Well, awww, a picture book that celebrates pen-pals is sure to win approval from me. I had lots of pen-pals when I was a kid (some I still keep in touch with today) and the idea that letters can create friendships across miles is certainly dear to my heart. This is a very sweet story with an unexpected twist (the LOST package, and the way it helps a boy find something precious when he moves to a new city). I was expecting a little more about how a package moves through the postal system, and that is certainly touched on, but it's more about what happens after the package is lost. (I loved Seven Little Postmen though it's rather dated now.)

[Carol V · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Package is a tribute to letter writing, sending packages, and the Postal Service. The author, illustrator end notes are a valuable part to better understanding this story. The book also speaks of honesty and trying to help others (as in delivering the lost package). This is a story of serendipity...a package is lost and found. The finder just happens to be moving across country to the place that the package was to be sent. They deliver the lost package; that's surely a good deed! But, serendipity does happen!!!

The illustrations showcase two major cities, NY and San Francisco and the wide open country in-between, along I-80, as the family relocates across country. The pictures seem subtle but are vivid with rich colors and detail. The illustrations tell a beautiful story as well - seeing how packages are processed in the mail processing and delivery systems. Also, this is a beautiful pictorial story about making new friends and keeping the old.

[Celebrilomiel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since this book was described as "an in-depth behind the scenes look at what happens at the post office," I had been anticipating a story that stayed within the postal system for the package's entire journey. I was curious how lost packages fared within the system and how they were recovered, since I've had several lost packages of my own — what does cause a package to disappear for two or three months but then randomly reappear on its route again and finally arrive intact but looking like it Has Seen Things? However, this story leaves the postal system fairly early on, so I'm still wondering what happens to lost packages when they aren't found by private citizens and delivered personally. Nevertheless, this was a sweet story. I appreciated the visual characterization of the penpals portrayed through the use of complementary colors: her room is coral and orange and she's wearing bright turquoise; his room is turquoise and green and he's wearing bright orange.

[Amanda up North · Rating 4 out of 5]

A part of me has always wanted to work for the postal service, so I was drawn to this (realistic fiction) picture book that shines light on the USPS.
I liked that a package could be a metaphor for life itself:
"Not all packages travel the same road.
Some get lost.
Some get found.
But most end up where they were meant to be."

In the Author's Note, Ho shares his personal gratitude to the USPS, where his father worked for more than 30 years, and advocates strongly for the US Postal Service. I like the informative quality along with the theme of friendship and journeys.
Beautifully illustrated.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even in this age of electronic communications, we rely on the postal system to help us keep in touch with friends and loved one all over the country and the world. But sometimes, what we send can become lost. With his signature spare and lyrical text, author Richard Ho takes us along with a package on a journey that rivals that of any hero’s. Artist extraordinaire, Jessica Lanan, creates the breathtaking world that journey is set in, from home to the behind-the-scenes of the post office, to the big city streets. Together, they show us that sometimes what seems to be an unfortunate mishap can actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

[Shafira Indika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ilustrasinya cantik (watercolor gitu), isinya juga meaningful! Apalagi setelah baca author's note-nya mengenai bagaimana USPS scr ga langsung membantu kehidupannya sebagai keluarga imigran.

Isinya singkat, mengenai perjalanan singkat sebuah paket yang hilang. Bener-bener gitu doang. Tapi yaa ngerasa warm aja pas baca hehe☺️

"Not all packages travel the same road. Some get lost. Some get found."

[Tiuri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this a couple years ago, but reading it again now, I actually liked it more! So I’m bumping it from 3 stars to 4 for just being sweet, informative, and beautiful (love the watercolors).

[Chrisanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a nice story... until you read the note by the author and your perception of the entire thing shifts. Then it becomes a meaningful one.

[KMM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like the idea of a "lost package" is a little contradictory to what the author actually intends to show. Nevertheless, it was a sweet book and it encourage us to support the United Stated Postal Service.

I didn't own a mail box as a child and always wished I could send and receive letters and packages. So now that I do, I precious this service and I feel passionate about the idea of protecting and supporting this national agency.

Please join the cause and look for ways to support USPS!

[Karina Blackburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the book was cute and the illustrations are beautiful! Richard Ho's connection to the US Postal Service, as explained in the author's note included at the end, is so sweet--it changed his family's lives and helped shape his.

The *only* thing I would change is that I wish the package had been returned to the USPS so that they could fulfill the order--I think that would drive home the point that no matter what, this service will get the job done.

[Abby Johnson]

Hmm... This is a sweet story about a lost package that's rescued and delivered by a young child. It does go into some detail about what happens at the post office, but it would be a stronger call for supporting the post office if it wasn't about... a failure of the post office?

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and affecting book that explores the workings of the postal service and packages and friends lost and found. Delightful illustrations too--kids will be especially fascinated by the huge package sorting machines.

[Shari (Shira) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, touching story of community and support. Don't skip the Author's Note. It will make you love this book even more. This was a June selection for my Mock Caldecott group. It is a worthy contender.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the watercolor illustrations of this book. The story teaches about what happens when a package is brought to the post office, but also imagines what might happen to save a lost package.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young girl packs a package, clearly a special one for someone. Richard Ho tells the brief story illuminated wonderfully by Jessica Lanan with USPS scenes of what happens after mailing, then on the truck on its way! Oops, the package is thrown out via a huge bump in the street, spilled to the gutter. It goes unnoticed for a while but finally, one young boy and his mother do notice, investigate and what happens next feels like serendipity and lots of kindness. I love the words, "Like all packages, this one was sent with hope that neither snow nor rain. . ." There is more, and with Lanan's illustrations, a poignant end to the package arrival. What a fun book, with every page inviting the reader to move on to discover what's next!

[Erin Buhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much love is packed into this story about a lost package. Richard Ho shares in the author's note at the back the deep roots of his affection for the USPS. This book shares the mysterious world of what happens after you mail a package, but it also tells a sweet story of a little boy who finds a lost package and the improbable friendship that results. It is picture book perfection.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming story told mostly through its lovely illustrations (with very few words) about a package that gets “lost” but finds its way across country anyway, delivered by a kind and curious child. This would be fun to read aloud to a class (or to grandchildren) and let the conversation wander into many interesting places.

[Stephanie Lucianovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so dang much. It's a story, beautifully told, beautifully illustrated, about losses and gains. New friendships. And people being kind. Just wait until you get to page 21. And the tears will really flow when you read the author's note.

Simply one of those perfect picture books that every house, classroom, and library should have.

[Sara Cook]

Lovely watercolor illustrations take us on a journey with a box that falls off the delivery truck.

[Hannah]

This is so sweet and lovely and also a subtle call to action, and I love it when picture books go hard when nobody asked.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about the USPS with an informative and touching author's note. A timely read these days.

[Julie Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are a postal worker or want a gift for a postal worker's kid, this is a nice book. Nothing to write home about.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple story, nice illustrations. Effective.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ode to the USPS, Richard Ho created a story of a package gets delivered. In the process, we learn of how a package is organized at the post office and prepared to be received at its destination. When one package gets lost, it takes the effort of a good civilian to transport it. Not all packages go the same path as they say.

It is a lovely tale of a package's rescue and educating readers how mail is processed in the post office. Jessica Lanan's watercolor illustrations are the best, in a style that is combination of cutouts and vintage. As Richard Ho wrote, we should be grateful for the postal service and find ways to support it. Buy a stamp, send a mail, write a letter, anything to help keep the service alive.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet story of a package that fell off the back of a mail truck. The little boy who found it discovered it was addressed to a place in the same city to which he and Mom were moving, so they took it upon themselves to deliver the package to the little boy recipient. I really appreciated that the illustrator used watercolors to create her paintings, and did not use any digital enhancements in her paintings.

[Binxie · Rating 3 out of 5]

How timely this book is in many ways. Lots of packages took a long time to get to their destinations this past holiday season. This story begins that way too, showing the care and love that was put in the package. The story really doesn't hold up for me, but the sentiment is sweet, the illustrations are wonderful, and kids would probably be fine with things I find a problem.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book and how it shows how the post office works. A wonderful book for kids who wonder what happens with their letters or packages once they drop them off in a mailbox or at the post office.

[Rainbow Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like me, I know many of you may have been slightly frustrated with the delay of mail following the winter storms that recently swept across the US. Little did I know, there was a book being delivered to my door that would make me change my grumpy tune.

The Lost Package by Richard Ho was the exact book I needed to remind me of what a modern marvel the United States Postal Service is and how much it needs our support right now.

This delightful book doesn’t follow a specific person; instead, our “main character” is a package. We see it carefully wrapped and follow along as it is processed through the Post Office, but it doesn’t find its way to the airport with the rest of the deliveries. Luckily, this package’s story is just beginning. I won’t spoil the end, so I will just say the package is found and delivered through an unconventional but heartwarming method.

Richard Ho, whose father worked for the United States Postal Service, was inspired to write this book in response to the crisis the USPS is currently facing. Because the USPS doesn’t receive any taxpayer money and relies solely on profits from the use of its services, it is threatened by the rise of email and private shipping services like FedEx and UPS. These challenges were only amplified by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Post Office is a “pillar of the republic” and vital service for so many of us. But it is also magical! During the pandemic, I have received (and sent, of course) so many lovely notes, letters, and gifts from friends and family across the country who I have not been able to visit. A handwritten note checking in on my family or snapshots of a friend’s life to put on the fridge are just not something email can always capture. The Postal Service connects us all, no matter what our zip code is. The Lost Package captures the magic of this connection in a beautiful way.

I also adored the illustrations by Jessica Lanan, and the way they bring the package’s journey to life.

Thank you to Roaring Brook Press and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for generously sending me a review copy of another amazing book. I’m so grateful to be able to share The Lost Package with you all, and do my part in encouraging even the youngest of us to support the United States Postal Service.

And don’t forget, if you would like to support the USPS, you can ship a package or letter, purchase stamps, or visit the Postal Store today.

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