Big Tractor by Nathan Clement; illustrated by the author; Boyds Mills Press/Highlights, 2015. 32 pages; $16.95 (hardcover); reading level: ages 3-7.
Reminiscent of the human-machine relationship in the 1943 classic Katy and the Big Snow, the farmer in this picture book talks his tractor-friend through the seasons: he wakes “Ol’ Partner” for spring planting, urges him through the summer chores of mowing and weeding, gives him a rest while the combine takes over, then calls him back to haul the harvest in. The panoramic two-page spreads (computer-rendered but begun the old-fashioned way with pencil and paper) capture the scale of fields and machines while charming details such as a young boy looking on and a mouse hidden in every illustration add warmth and conversational possibilities to the simple, spare text. This clear, uncluttered view of a year on a small farm is perfectly-suited for the youngest truck enthusiasts who might also want to take a look at Clement’s earlier books: Job Site (2011), Drive (2012), and Speed (2013).
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Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge, Author
Biography | View
- Just Fine They Way They Are (Calkins Creek, March 1, 2011)
- The Brave Escape of Edith Wharton (Clarion Books, 2010)
- Thank You Very Much, Captain Ericsson! (Holiday House, 2005; Berndtsdotter Books, 2012)
- When Esther Morris Headed West (Holiday House, 2001)
- The Legend of Strap Buckner (Holiday House, 2001)
- Wicked Jack (Holiday House, 1995)
Speaker / Presenter
Connie is an experienced speaker and presenter who enjoys sharing her passion for writing and her experience as a writer with readers and writers of all ages. She has presented to students, community, civic and professional organizations, writing groups, library audiences, and seniors – wherever book lovers gather!
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