By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – As part of its annual summer reading program, the St. John the Baptist Parish Public Library recently hosted Harvey Rabbit and Friends, a popular children’s show featuring ventriloquism, puppetry, music, magic and comedy.

Harvey and his pals, including Cecil the Orangutan and T-Boy the Alligator are brought to life by husband and wife team Tim and Laura Allured. The duo has been entertaining children with educational programs since 1986. They even hosted their own television show in their native Lake Charles called “The Harvey Rabbit Cartoon Hour.” They and their “hare”-brained friend have also graced five children’s videos.

With the always energetic Laura providing most of the laughs and straightman Tim keeping the show going, children and parents alike laughed, clapped and danced their way through the hour-long show at the LaPlace branch. The show, however, comes with an underlying message, encouraging children to read and be polite while never being too preachy.

The strategy has paid off as the show is always in demand for such occasions. According to Central Branch Manager Roberta August, the library had been trying to book the show for three years before finally having some success.

The show was the last major booking of the summer reading program, but the program continues until July 18. For more information, visit the nearest branch of the St. John Parish Public Library.