All of the factors of why I love tractors

K-Gr 2--A book that takes on children's affinity for certain books and why they ask for them to be read aloud again and again, drawn to the topic, words, or illustrations. In this case, Frankie and his mother are going to the library to get something new to read. To the mother's dismay Frankie chooses yet another book about tractors. Tired of reading about tractors, she offers plenty of good ideas for machines that drive, fly, and dig. Frankie knows what he wants and happily lists all of the factors that make him love tractors best. This book is told in catchy rhyme and what makes rereading this book such a smart idea is what Frankie himself admits: he has memorized it and can now "read" it to her. By memorizing the words in the book, he has begun to see that words carry meaning, and eventually he will notice that words have certain letters at the beginning. He uses that knowledge to decode other words that start with B. And so reading begins. The artwork is charmingly reminiscent of the "Little Golden Book" series from the 1940s yet is gender and racially diverse. VERDICT This book will engage children who are fascinated by vehicles and by the lesson that the character's understanding of why he is drawn to tractors is more important than even he knows. A good addition to the beginning reader section.--Joan Kindig, James Madison Univ., Harrisonburg, VA

A boy's love of tractors knows no bounds. Little, bespectacled Frankie McGee proudly informs readers in rhyming verse that instead of the park, Frankie and Mom are bound for the library, which is presided over by blue-haired Miss Squid. To Mom's chagrin, Frankie has eyes only for yet another tractor book, and her child is only too happy to enumerate their charms. As Frankie does, Løvlie presents drivers in a diverse range of races and genders, all gunning their tractors through mud or up steep hills. When Mom tries diverting Frankie's attention to alternative modes of transportation, Frankie is uninterested. Her protestations are quashed by Miss Squid, who assures Frankie, "Well, you know yourself best. / When you want something different, just come and find me. / A kid who likes books is a nice thing to see." As Frankie tells Mom, "I like books--that's what matters. Not what they're about." Caregivers of similarly tunnel-visioned offspring will identify closely with Mom's objections to more of the same, and those children will be happy to receive Miss Squid's support. For fellow tractor lovers, Frankie's systematic explanation of everything from their interchangeable parts to their brands will legitimize their love. Løvlie's art exemplifies a halcyon world of tractors coupled with an idyllic children's library filled with nooks, bright light, and a loving librarian. Characters present White. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9.5-by-19-inch double-page spreads viewed at 33.5% of actual size.) A stirring defense of a child's right to like--and read--what they like. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.