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Otis (by Loren Long)

common sense media says

Sweet, nostalgic friendship tale with a truly classic look.

parents & educators say
  • 67% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say violence is an issue
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know there is nothing of concern in this gentle story. Sensitive kids might be anxious during the climactic scene as farmers and firefighters try to save a calf from drowning in mud, but all ends well, of course.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: This is a sweet tale of friendship, and it offers a lesson on nurturing self-worth and appreciating value. Otis, at first depressed over being cast aside, finds a new role for himself on his beloved farm.
Positive role models: Otis is loyal and caring, shaking off his depression and rising to the challenge when his friend is in need. And the farmer, who had so easily replaced Otis, is open-minded enough to discover that the old tractor still has much to offer.
Violence & scariness: A terrified calf sinks into mud as a growing crowd tries frantically to rescue her.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Otis

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about coping with change. How does Otis feel when he’s replaced? How do you think he feels once the farmer realizes how helpful he still can be?
  • Families can also talk about unlikely friendships, like the Disney tale The Adventures of Milo and Otis and even the classic Charlotte's Web. Why does it often give readers that warm-fuzzy feeling? What other books or movies of unlikely friendships can you think of?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Otis is a little red tractor who loves to both work and play on his farm. When a scared calf arrives in his barn, his soft putt-puffs soothe the new arrival and the two become close companions. They enjoy each other’s company until Otis is replaced by a new tractor, and the dispirited old tractor can’t be budged from his weed-covered resting place. The calf, lonely and sad, one day trudges into a muddy pond and gets stuck, sinking deeper and deeper. The harder everyone works to rescue her, the more the frightened calf sinks. All seems lost until her old friend, roused by her cries, putt-puffs to her aid.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Otis will feel like an old familiar storybook to parents. Author-illustrator Loren Long acknowledges Virginia Lee Burton (Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel) and Robert Lawson (The Story of Ferdinand), and their influence runs deeps here. The subdued palette, strong lines, and soft texture give the book the feel of a classic. The prose flows smoothly and gently, and the illustrations of the cavorting tractor and calf offer plenty of energy and humor.

To his credit, Long doesn’t overdo the arrival of the new tractor: Newer, bigger, and better isn’t necessarily bad, and indeed the yellow tractor continues to be the farmer’s go-to machine. But the farmer and especially Otis learn that growing old doesn’t necessitate being put out to pasture, so to speak.

Lovely, soothing artwork owes a debt to classic children’s books.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Loren Long
Illustrator: Loren Long
Publisher: Philomel
Publication date: September 22, 2009
Number of pages: 40
Hardcover price: $17.99
Read Aloud: 3
Read Alone: 6
This review was written by Darienne Hosley Stewart
 
 

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What parents & educators say

7
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 67% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say violence is an issue
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Most useful reviews by all members

mindymack
parent of 4 year old
2
 
good for ages 3 and up
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ganster123
parent of 11 year old
2
 
kids
it is prety good
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josh123456789
parent of 11 year old
17
 
it is an ok book
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