FARMER JOHN’S TRACTOR

Written by: Sally Sutton

Illustrated by: Robyn Belton

Published by: Walker Books Australia 2012

Ages:   3 – 7 years

Theme: patience, determination, trusty

Opening Lines: Farmer John’s tractor lies locked in the shed. Rusty yet trusty and orangey-red.

Synopsis: From Amazon:   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?

Why I like this: A rollicking easy read in lyrical rhyme. The refrain is one that kids will enjoy along with the gorgeous old fashion illustrations of farm life. Drama ensues with the rushing water and car being caught. Kids will love all the different vehicles turning up to help. I love the cute bits put in by the illustrator of the little dog with the farmer at the shed when he finally unlocks it and the ducks flying in all directions not to mention the expressions of the two little kids hugging on the roof of the car. The illustrations are done in soft coloured pencil are well done. It’s a book kids will want to read again and again. It’s timeless.

Sally resides in Auckland New Zealand.  Some of her stories are influenced by NZ culture.

Resources/Findings: Sally’s website….   http://www.sallysutton.co.nz/my-books/

More about Sally…   http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/writer/sutton-sally/

A little about illustrator Roby Belton….   http://www.pottonandburton.co.nz/about/our-authors-photographers-and-illustrators/robyn-belton/

More on Robyn …   https://www.storylines.org.nz/Storylines+Profiles/Profiles+A-C/More+in+Profiles+Profiles+A-C+temp/Robyn+Belton.html

More about the book and author and illustrator…   https://www.walkerbooks.com.au/Books/Farmer-Johns-Tractor-9781921150944

Ask the children what animals does Farmer John have on his farm?

Looking at the cover what do they think the story is about?

Why could the Fire Engine not be able to pull out the car?

Can you name all the vehicles that came to help?

How many firemen came to help?

Have the children draw a Tractor like the one Farmer John has.

I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view.  So pop over  and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books.    Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors