An Otis Christmas - by Loren Long (Board Book)

Book Synopsis

"Charming and full of the warmth and love of friends and family, this choice is lovely for sharing."--The Repository

It's Christmas eve on the farm where Otis and all of his friends live. The farmer has given Otis his first real Christmas present--a shiny new horn! A tree has been decorated, a big snowstorm is on its way, and all of the animals are excited. Best of all, one of the horses on the farm is about to give birth to a foal! Yet in the middle of the night the horse begins neighing in pain and when the farmer says, "We'd better get Doc Baker out here or we'll lose 'em both," Otis knows the horse is in trouble. Snow has been falling hard for hours and the roads are unpassable. How will they got Doc? Otis to the rescue! He knows a shortcut through the woods and he arrives at the doc's house flashing his headlights and revving his engine. When Doc fails to awake, Otis uses his new horn. Then, with Doc in tow, he races back to the farm just in time for a Christmas miracle . . . and the arrival of a new friend to play with.

A warm, feel-good Christmas story featuring everyone's favorite tractor, Otis, the friend you can always count on. From the creator of Otis, Otis and the Puppy, and the illustrator of The Little Engine That Could and Of Thee I Sing by President Barack Obama.

Praise for OTIS

* "Long's gouache and pencil artwork is stunning with a red and cream main character against a sepia-toned monochromatic background. The overall effect is nostalgic and comforting as readers bond with the determined little tractor . . . the satisfying conclusion that speaks of a place for everyone is sure to ring true to children." --School Library Journal, on Otis, starred review

"Hearkens to the golden age of picture books, with a style and tone that recall the work of Virginia Lee Burton and Munro Leaf." --Booklist, on Otis and the Tornado

"Children will be delighted with this story about friendship" --School Library Journal, on Otis and the Tornado

"Fans of Otis will not be disappointed with the satisfying ending that results in a creative solution and a most happy reunion. Seek this out--"game on!" --Kirkus Reviews, on Otis and the Puppy

Review Quotes

* "Otis the Tractor returns in a Christmas story of courage and friendship set in a terrible snowstorm at the farm. When the mare's labor becomes difficult on Christmas Eve, a vet is needed--but the truck is stuck in a snowdrift. Otis makes a brave decision: He'll get Doc. Plowing through the woods on a rescue mission, he finds himself on a difficult path. Long's text conveys not just the danger, "treacherous, slippery," but also Otis' effort, "putt puff puttedy chuff." . . . The illustrations wonderfully enhance the story, from the joy of the animals prancing around the Christmas tree to Otis' expressive response to the events around him: pride in his gift, concern for his friend, determination to arrive at his destination. Highlighting the always-changing perspective, aerial scenes give readers a sense of the big, snowy picture. Long's palette reflects the coldness and heaviness of the snow, and then lightness as the farmer prays for a miracle. The view into the barn door, once all is well, is reminiscent of another barn birth, and the text reads, "Well, would you look at that!" That sums things up nicely."--Booklist, starred review

"Charming and full of the warmth and love of friends and family, this choice is lovely for sharing."--The Repository

About the Author

A graduate of the American Academy of Art in Chicago, Loren lives in Ohio with his wife, Tracy, and their two sons.