Review by Booklist Review
A Kiwi author and illustrator have crafted an old-fashioned story about the value of traditional trappings. A rusty yet trusty and orangey red tractor, past its prime, sits in a barn surrounded by chickens. That is, until one day when the rains begin and water swirls . . . rushes and gushes . . . spurts and it twirls, trapping a yellow car containing a young family whose father, mother, and two sisters are akin to the most innocent of Helen Oxenbury creations in the mud. All sorts of folk attempt to come to their aid, but when a rescue jeep rolls over, a tow truck gets stuck, and even a fire truck fails, it is, of course, up to Farmer John to bring this clanking old tractor out of retirement to carry the family to safety. 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.--Medlar, Andrew Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-The winter rains are so persistent that the river has swollen and is now starting to flood. A young family of four is caught by surprise and stranded in the car in the shallows of the river. A few kindhearted passersby try to help but find themselves stuck as well. Even a fire engine can't free them from the muck. Farmer John, spotting the turmoil from a distance, finally turns to his old trusty tractor that has been locked up in the shed. But with the waters rapidly rising, the family is worried that this rusty vehicle can't get the job done. This gorgeously illustrated story will enthrall youngsters. The italicized refrain-"Farmer John's tractor lies locked in the shed,/rusty yet trusty and orangey red"-is melodic and gives children a hint at what is to come. 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.-Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
When a family's car gets stuck in a flood, all sorts of vehicles try to rescue them, to no avail. Finally, Farmer John's tractor ("rusty yet trusty and orangey red") saves the day. The story is just mildly suspenseful since the water seems to rise only about knee high, but the jaunty rhyming text and panoramic watercolor illustrations work together well. (c) Copyright 2013. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Farmer John and his rusty (yet trusty) tractor come to the rescue when more conventional vehicles fall short. It's been a very rainy winter. Farmer John and a flock of sheep, along with his vigilant sheepdog, watch as the riverbanks spill over. It's a flood! Down the river, inside a bright yellow Volkswagen, a family of four sits stranded in the water. A man in a sturdy gray Jeep comes to help, but the vehicle rolls onto its side. Next comes a red tow truck--"strong as can be"--but its wheels spin around in the muck. The truck gets stuck, and the water rises a little higher. Even a fire engine can't get through; the rain's caused a slide, and there are rocks in the mud. All this time, Farmer John's tractor has been locked in his shed, rusty but ready to work. He springs into action; the tractor splutters and starts with a roar. In short order, his big wheels plow through the water and right up to the sinking car. "Hop in!" he cries, and the family squeezes together. They're safe. Farmer John has saved the day. 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. (Picture book. 4-7)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
