The Rusty, Trusty Tractor [Hardcover]

Joy Cowley (Author), Clivier Dunrea (Author), Olivier Dunrea (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

THIS EDITION IS INTENDED FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Mr. Hill of Hill's Tractor Sales bets Micah's Grandpappy that his rusty old tractor won't make it through another hay season. But Micah learns that like an old friend, the tractor doesn't let

--This text refers to the School & Library Binding edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Newer is not always betterAat least in the eyes of Granpappy, who stands by his rusty, trusty red tractor though flashier, more modern models come along. Mr. Hill, a tractor salesman, is sure the tractor won't make it through another season, and wagers 20 jelly doughnuts, one for every acre of Granpappy's crop of hay. Young Micah, more than a little interested in the models in Mr. Hill's showroom, doesn't understand his grandfather's resistance to change, but then he watches Granpappy successfully coax the tractor ("chugga, chugga, chugga") through the strenuous planting and haying seasons. After that, Granpappy's "antique bucket of rust" even has enough steam left in her to tow Mr. Hill's car out of the mud. Granpappy is a likable old codger, loyal and not easily swayed. Cowley's (Agapanthus Hum and the Eyeglasses) easygoing pace and down-home diction invite readers into a warm family story filled with nuggets of wisdom. Dunrea (The Trow-Wife's Treasure; The Painter Who Loved Chickens) is no stranger to farm settings. Here his paintings are airier and more conventional than in his previous works, both in their palette and ever-so-slightly cartoonlike draftsmanship. Granpappy sports a white mustache as brushy as a broom, which conceals his mouth, and his eyes are often shaded by a big hatAwithout clues to his facial expressions, he comes across as playfully inscrutable, and his very posture telegraphs his implacability. Kids will love the bright array of tractors on the endpapers. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-This quiet picture book celebrates the connection between an old farmer and his 50-year-old tractor. Granpappy's commitment to his old friend is frustrating for Mr. Hill, a tractor salesman, and a bit mysterious to his young grandson Micah. After all, it has cracked tires, a worn-out seat cushion, and no cab enclosure. Mr. Hill's lot, on the other hand, is full of bright, shiny vehicles with heat, air conditioning, and even sound systems. The salesman bets 20 jelly doughnuts that the old tractor won't make it through the season. But Granpappy uses it to plow, plant, mow, rake, and bale 20 acres of hay-and it even starts up smoothly when it's needed to pull Mr. Hill's car out of a mud puddle. Cowley combines pleasantly evocative language ("The rest of spring came through at a gallop") with a straightforward plot and minimal but effective characterization to create an engaging story. Dunrea's gouache illustrations are reminiscent of Nancy Wilson Parker's flat, simple style, showing readers an old-fashioned farm, a tow-headed Micah clad in overalls, and a mustachioed Granpappy. Their static charm suits the low-key story perfectly. Given the popularity of books about farms, families, and "things that go," this title will appeal to a wide audience.
Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Boyds Mills Press; 1st edition (February 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563975653
• ISBN-13: 978-1563975653
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,291,745 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Rusty, Trusty Tractor, November 12, 2000

By 

Susan Southwick (Georgia, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Rusty, Trusty Tractor (Paperback)

This book is a very nice book for keeping children aware of the fact that sometimes "old is best" and maybe more reliable in some cases. Also it teaches that you don't have to have everything new in life to be happy. The relationship between the boy and his grandfather is wonderful. My 5 year old grandson is well aware of these facts, and this book reinforced these feelings. Thank you for a well-written children's book.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Rusty, Trusty Tractor, February 5, 2000

By 

Patricia (Kooskia, Idaho) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Rusty, Trusty Tractor (Hardcover)

Joy Cowley's new book has at its core a strong message about ties that bind and relationships that last a lifetime. Granpappy and grandson Micah are approached by Mr. Hill of Hill's Tractor Sales with a tempting offer to buy a shiny new tractor. But Granpappy has farmed using his rusty but trusty tractor, ever since his old plow horse died. There is no way the old tractor should last another season, and Mr. Hill even bets 20 jelly donuts (one for every acre Granpappy plants in hay) that it will break down before the end of the summer. It doesn't. Mr. Hill pays up, and in a humorous conclusion that ol' rusty tractor even rescues Mr. Hill when he's bogged down in mud. This book is a lovely story about valuing people and things for their true worth, not their looks. All children are tempted by the "new," especially when it's bright and shiny and offers all the bells and whistles. But just as Granpappy cares for Micah and for the land, he cares lovingly for his old but reliable tractor. When he burdens it with nearly impossible chores, he talks to it and coaxes it to perform. The language of the story is just as delightful as the message. It is perfect for read-alouds or storytime. The characters come to life with their dialogue ("Wang-a-dang, sir! You got more good luck than a hound dog in a butcher's shop!"). I recommend this book 100% for young readers and non-readers. The illustrations are lovely, with the old-fashioned farm warmly created in glowing tones. Joy Cowley has created another wonderful story!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Rusty, Trusty Tractor, September 19, 2001

By 

"books_everywhere" (the Shenandoah Valley, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Rusty, Trusty Tractor (Hardcover)

Great book according to my 2 year old son! I have to agree with him but probably our reasons differ -- he loves the colorful, fun pictures of tractors, a small boy and his grandfather's farm. The story is not his main draw yet although it does keep him listening. I love the idea presented by the author that an old tractor has value and is maybe even worth more than a newer piece of farm equipment. It's one of those stories with a moral that doesn't scream "Important! Moral Ahead!"