The Rusty, Trusty Tractor (Paperback)

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

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
A boy doesn't understand his grandfather's love of a worn-out old tractor until he witnesses its dependability for himself. "An easygoing pace and down-home diction invite readers into a warm family story filled with nuggets of wisdom," said PW. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)
Copyright 2000 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. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (February 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563978733
• ISBN-13: 978-1563978739
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #38,596 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #16 in	Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Where We Live > Country Life
  #31 in	Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Where We Live > Farm Life > Fiction
  #80 in	Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Transportation

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 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!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Rusty, Trusty Tractor, November 13, 2000

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

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Rusty, Trusty Tractor, September 20, 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!"