Tractor [Hardcover]

Craig Brown (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

The farmer drives the tractor on his. And the tractor, in turn, tows the manure spreader, the plow, the disc, and other machines that are used to enusre the healthy crop that the farmer--with the help of the tractor--will finally tow yo the roadside stand. In simple words and full-color pictures, Brown provides young readers with a you-are-there view of a farmer's work.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K?An unusual introduction to the modern workhorse. No glossy photographs or precise drawings here; this tractor is depicted in warm earth tones and fuzzy lines as it goes about its work on a small farm in the Midwest. The straightforward, minimal text describes how the farmer uses the tractor and its attachments to prepare the soil, plant seeds, harvest corn, and haul it to market. The double-page illustrations, done in pastels, pen, and black ink, evoke the vastness of that rich land. A multitude of tiny black dots give the pictures a hazy look of a time when farming was simpler. The machine is seen from all angles and perspectives?even from a bird's-eye view. (But be aware that sharp-eyed youngsters may want to know what happened to its exhaust pipe in the final picture). Children will also find other aspects of rural life here?the changes in the seasons, a pair of robins rearing their young, a faithful dog following the farmer everywhere, and a young boy's delight in nature. A helpful illustrated glossary shows the various pieces of equipment in greater detail. The large illustrations and simple text make this title ideal for story time, as well as for sharing as a lap book. Those who want to know more on the subject may be ready for the more detailed presentation in Claire Llewellyn's Tractors (Dorling Kindersley, 1995).?Virginia Golodetz, St. Michael's College, Winooski, VT
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 4^-6. The cover shows a tractor hauling a load of corn in from the field, the final task of the day for the tractor. The machine isn't a high-tech model, but this isn't a book about factory farming. The various tractor tasks are often set against wide background vistas that also show what animals are doing while the tractor does its work--robins are feeding their young, a barn cat is caring for her kittens. Earthy browns and varieties of green dominate the color scheme, helping to characterize the farm as a place set apart. Mary Harris Veeder

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books; 1st edition (August 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688104991
• ISBN-13: 978-0688104993
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #903,455 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The True Life Story of a Tractor, August 16, 2001

By 

"klwalk" (Manhattan, KS United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tractor (Hardcover)

My husband and I were thrilled to see a "true" tractor story, after buying our son a tractor board book full of errors (published in England!). Craig Brown is a terrific illustrator -- his work reflects the lush greens and bright tractor reds of farm country. These illustrations are definitely the high point of the book. And Brown knows his farm culture, having grown up in Iowa farm country. The story is simple and matter-of-fact, but your little truck and machine buff will love all the different things a tractor does. The book would go great with the John Deere models - explaining what everything does. For more, check out My Barn and The Patchwork Farmer, also by Craig Brown.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Little Tractor Book, October 7, 2011

By 

NVanPutt (Kalamazoo MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tractor (Hardcover)

Our 3 year old nephew is obsessed with all things mechanical and tractors have not escaped his tiny grasp. "Tractor" is the first and only book we've found that actually explains in plain English what each piece of farm equipment is called and what its function is. Mr. K enjoys knowing things (especially things like what manure is!) and why they are important in his world. "Tractor" does an excellent job telling the story of how sweet corn gets from the seed to the farmers market so we can go and buy it for our dinner. He is probably one of very few 3 year olds who knows what a harrow is and why it's important!