Otis

Written by Loren Long

Narrated by Chris Sorensen

Loren Long-recipient of two Golden Kite Awards-delivers a whimsical story of friendship and perseverance. Otis is a kind, hardworking farm tractor who befriends a motherless calf. After work, he and his pal love frolicking together in the fields-until one day Otis is replaced by a new tractor. Left to rust in the weeds, he feels useless and no longer wants to play. But when the calf gets in trouble-and firemen can't even help-Otis revs up to rescue his friend. "[Otis] will certainly draw nostalgic adults [and] find a welcome from younger audiences too."-Kirkus Reviews

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781470356187

Loren Long

Loren Long is the illustrator of the New York Times bestselling picture book Love by Matt de la Pena, as well as the author-illustrator of Otis, Otis and the Tornado, Otis and the Puppy, An Otis Christmas, and Otis and the Scarecrow. He is the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of President Barack Obama’s picture book Of Thee I Sing and the reillustrated edition of The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper. He lives in Ohio. To learn more, please visit www.lorenlong.com.

Reviews for Otis

[salsabrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Old-school picture-book story in the tradition of "Ferdinand the Bull" or "Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel."

[cheryl_in_cc_nv · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Aww... gotta love the steampunk-style illustrations. But it is actually about a little tractor that saves the day. Cute, but not, imo, all that special.

[milina_moreno-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I found “Otis” to be a really cute story of a friendship between an old rusty tractor and a calf. I enjoyed reading this story because I initially had no idea what it was going to be about. It was kept a mystery until half way through the book. I then started to feel emotional towards the rusty tractor, as he was replaced! Getting emotional over the story allowed me to connect with the rusty tractor, which made reading more enjoyable. I loved the message of this book, which is that sometimes the old “things” are more valuable and cannot be replaced by newer “things” (in this case, the friendship of the old tractor). I really liked this book because they never said anything negative about the newer tractor, just really emphasized how much all of the farm animals, especially the calf, loved the old tractor and wanted him around. The old tractor was valued because he saved the day and made everyone happy, which in turn made me happy. I was able to emotionally connect with this book, which made me really enjoy reading it!

[beamis12 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Took part in the We Give Books read a thon this afternoon. Everyone, everywhere read Otis with the hopes of breaking a record which I do not yet know the results.Did love this story though of a little tractor and a donkey who become best friends. Love the message that sometimes things, in this case a tractor, cannot be replaced by the new and more modern, because it has benefits all it's own. Will buy this book for my tractor loving three year old grandson, Jake.

[paloma03_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a wonderful book to show about a unique friendship. It shows that when a friend is in trouble you will save them no matter how sad you are. It is inspirational on how a friendship can help each other out in unexpected ways. The illustrations were also great to go with the well written text.

[abigailadams26 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Otis was a happy tractor who loved his job helping on the farm, and enjoyed his after-hours occupations - riding the rolling hills, exploring the Mud Pond, playing leapfrog with bales of hay - as well. When the farmer brings a beautiful baby calf home with him, Otis finds a friend and companion as well, and his happiness is complete. But then Otis is replaced by a shiny new yellow tractor - the latest model - and parked out of sight, behind the barn. Sinking deeper and deeper into dejection, Otis refuses to be roused by his worried little friend... until, that is, the day the little calf becomes mired in the Mud Pond, and the big yellow tractor is of no use.A sweet little story, with delightful illustrations, Loren Long's Otis is a conscious tribute to some of the classic American picture-books of previous generations, from Virginia Lee Burton's Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel to Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson's The Story of Ferdinand, and as such, has both contemporary and nostalgic appeal. Having loved both of the aforementioned books as a girl, I was delighted with Long's gentle tale, and the accompanying artwork, and appreciated the parallels to these other works that I observed in it. I'm not sure that this will ever be a favorite of mine - perhaps I would have to grow up with it? - but there is no denying that it has great charm.

[kimjd_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful illustrations and text combine to create a sweet friendship story reminiscent of Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. Primary grades will love this story, and it's a great opportunity to introduce them to Mike Mulligan as well and let them find the connections.

[elenchus_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fabulous pictures in style of Depression era / Dust Bowl farm pictorials, paired with a fun story. Heartwarming but not wholly predictable.

[ekstewar_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Summary: This is the story of two unlikely friends, a tractor and a calf. Their frienship is in trouble when a newer, fancier tractor is introduced, but Otis and the calf's friendship is restored in the end by Otis' bravery. Genre: Picture BookPersonal Reflection: A cute story about the simple things in life and how important true friends are. I liked the style of illustration as well. Concept: A good story to talk about true friendship and that friendships go through ups and downs.

[helenpeynado · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a fun little book about friendship. Cute art. My son really enjoyed how Otis circled the mud pond to save his dear friend.

[derbygirl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

(easy) Otis was a sweet little tractor that loved his farm and his farmer. He enjoyed all the simple pleasures his farm had to offer: jumping over haybales, counting ducks and playing in the corn fields. One day a little calf moves into the stall next to his and he discovers his putt putt helps the baby calf go to sleep. The two become fast friends. One day, the farmer brings in a bigger, shinier yellow tractor and moves Otis out. Can the calf and Otis' friendship survive? We find out towards the end that true friendship has enduring loyalty and can survive all obstacles. This story is good for teaching young ones loyalty and friendship. If you search Otis on the internet, the author has been kind enough to supply many worksheets suitable for classroom interactive use.

[szierdt_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing illustration and tone that is set through imigary. A tale that explores the timelessness and simplicity of friendship. Also, illustrations and events are very true to rural/farm life. It would be nice to have children write a letter to a friend.

[laurakurtz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Otis is the story of a sweet little tractor who works hard and enjoys his job and his quiet life. He has a friend in a calf, and life is good. One day the farmer replaces him with a new tractor, and Otis falls into a deep depression. The only thing that saves him is when his friend gets stuck in teh mud pond. Otis is the only one who can save him, and when he does he remembers that life is good. He learns to deal with his dissapointment, and moves on. The illustrations in this book are soft and calm, and go with the overall pastoral theme.

[juju1220 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A story about two friends who are on a family farm. In due time Otis the farm tractor is replaced with a new version. Otis is then black balled and is sent to the outer perimeter of the barn to rot and rust away. The friends then come encounter with each other when Otis is used to save the calf from the muddy pond. The illustrations with the story of two friends that miss one another and would do anything for one another. Otis then saves the day and plays an important role on the farm as a devoted strong piece of equipment and friend!

[kreierso_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A great story about friendship. The illustrations make this a wonderful read-aloud that will appeal to any child.

[natalialucia_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Personal Response: I found Otis to be a slightly boring story about two friends. However, I do think that children, especially those interested in cars and tractors, will enjoy it.Curricular Connection: Otis is read aloud to a Kindergarten class. After the story, the teacher asks the children how they think that Otis felt when the farmer parked him behind the barn. The class could discuss emotions, such as feeling sad, lonely, or left out. Students could share instances that they felt left out or sad.

[mslangdon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Part Bb/Picture BookLong, L. (2009). Otis. New York: Philomel Books.Otis is a friendly tractor that works on a farm. When he’s not working, he’s playing, and at night, he sleeps soundly in his stall in the barn. He develops a friendship with a little calf. Then one day, the farmer replaces Otis with a new yellow tractor. Otis is left, unused behind the barn until one day when only he can save the day. In story of friendship, young readers will certainly love and adore the characters of Otis and the little calf. Ages 4-8.

[bamulholland · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The illustrations in this book are adorable. Otis' story is a story of friendship with the pictures contributing and telling the story as much as the words. This book would be best for older toddlers who are able to sit through longer stories.

[shomskie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Otis is a fun loving and hard working tractor on a farm. One night, he helps settle the nerves of a young, frightened calf and helps the calf fall asleep. Although the thought of a machine and an animal being friends is peculiar, they soon become inseperable. That is until one day, the farmer brings home a shiny, brand new tractor. Otis is relegated to weed duty until his friend the calf needs his help to pull him out of a sinking mud puddle. Excellent art work and a compelling story.

[cshupp_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Cute story. I thought the emphasis on friendship regardless of what you are or what is going on in your life was endearing. I really liked this book.

[chelsearose_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Otis is such a lovable little tractor! It is so sad when the farmer replaces him with a new tractor, leaving Otis to sleep outside. Nothing works as well without Otis, the hens don't lay as many eggs and the beautiful little calf is so sad. Even though Otis has been hurt, it doesn't stop him from coming to the rescue of his friend, proving his worth is equal to any new fangled version. I love the font used in this book, as well as the color scheme of greys and minimal color.

[kikione_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is story about a tractor and a little calf that become friends on their farm. They are doing great until the farmer brings in a brand new tractor that sends Otis into obscurity. The little calf misses his friend and Otis is sad and dejected. Then one day, the calf gets into trouble and no one, not even the new tractor, can help him. No one but Otis, that is. The illustrations are strikingly beautiful. The colors are muted; black, white, gray and red. The new tractor is a bright yellow, overwhelming the page just like the tractor overwhelms Otis.

[dreamer2000_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very good book about an unlikely friendship. Good moral to the story and overall good rise and fall of the climax. Very good art.

[chelsiking · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A very cute story about a tractor & a little calf. Even though the little tractor gets replaced, the friendship between the machine & the little animal remains strong & in the end Otis, the tractor, saves the little calf. A great book for readers of all ages!

[christieb_26 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is a great reminder that just because something is old, it loses its value. Would be useful in teaching children of all ages about the value of age.

[alyson_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very retro looking(Long says he was influenced by Virginia Burton and Robert Lawson) book. You can't not like this little tractor!

[spartyliblover · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The illustrations in this book are adorable. Otis' story is a story of friendship with the pictures contributing and telling the story as much as the words. This book would be best for older toddlers who are able to sit through longer stories.