Rhyming read-aloud text and atmospheric illustrations tell a satisfying tale of a family stranded in a flood — and a reliable old tractor to the rescue.
Farmer John’s tractor lies locked in the shed,rusty yet trusty and orangey red. When the rain comes that season, it doesn’t let up, filling the river until it overflows, swirling and rushing and gushing. Down by the river, a car gets stuck, and the family inside shouts for help. As they climb to the roof, a series of vehicles — a speedy jeep, a strong tow truck, even a noisy fire engine — rush one by one to the scene. But each gets more stuck than the last. Is it possible that Farmer John’s ancient tractor, rusty as it is, could still be up for the job?
Sutton's muscular rhyming text turns the tractor into a folk hero, and Belton's watercolor illustrations add a dreamy quality. Great for “rusty yet trusty” grandparents to read to adoring grandchildren. —Kirkus Reviews
This gorgeously illustrated story will enthrall youngsters...The rhyming text flows nicely and is easy to read. The artwork tells the story beautifully and fills the pages with soft, delicate watercolor paintings with a hint of nostalgia. This picture book is terrific as a read-alone or read-aloud and will add a classy touch to any library collection. —School Library Journal
The simple plot with its gentle drama, along with the flowing rhyme’s italicized refrain and the pale, nostalgic watercolors, all make for an ideal read-aloud in the conceptual tradition of Loren Long’s OTIS and Virginia Lee Burton’s MIKE MULLIGAN AND HIS STEAM SHOVEL. —Booklist Online
Sally Sutton is a playwright and the author of Roadwork and Demolition, both illustrated by Brian Lovelock, along with other picture books. Sally Sutton lives in New Zealand.
Robyn Belton is one of New Zealand’s best known and most celebrated children’s illustrators and has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Margaret Mahy Medal.
Rhyming read-aloud text and atmospheric illustrations tell a satisfying tale of a family stranded in a flood — and a reliable old tractor to the rescue.
Farmer John’s tractor lies locked in the shed,rusty yet trusty and orangey red. When the rain comes that season, it doesn’t let up, filling the river until it overflows, swirling and rushing and gushing. Down by the river, a car gets stuck, and the family inside shouts for help. As they climb to the roof, a series of vehicles — a speedy jeep, a strong tow truck, even a noisy fire engine — rush one by one to the scene. But each gets more stuck than the last. Is it possible that Farmer John’s ancient tractor, rusty as it is, could still be up for the job?
Praise
Sutton's muscular rhyming text turns the tractor into a folk hero, and Belton's watercolor illustrations add a dreamy quality. Great for “rusty yet trusty” grandparents to read to adoring grandchildren. —Kirkus Reviews
This gorgeously illustrated story will enthrall youngsters...The rhyming text flows nicely and is easy to read. The artwork tells the story beautifully and fills the pages with soft, delicate watercolor paintings with a hint of nostalgia. This picture book is terrific as a read-alone or read-aloud and will add a classy touch to any library collection. —School Library Journal
The simple plot with its gentle drama, along with the flowing rhyme’s italicized refrain and the pale, nostalgic watercolors, all make for an ideal read-aloud in the conceptual tradition of Loren Long’s OTIS and Virginia Lee Burton’s MIKE MULLIGAN AND HIS STEAM SHOVEL. —Booklist Online
Author
Sally Sutton is a playwright and the author of Roadwork and Demolition, both illustrated by Brian Lovelock, along with other picture books. Sally Sutton lives in New Zealand.
Robyn Belton is one of New Zealand’s best known and most celebrated children’s illustrators and has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Margaret Mahy Medal.
