Otis and the Kittens - by Loren Long

About the Book

After Otis the tractor becomes trapped in a burning barn while trying to rescue a mama cat and her kittens, he must rely on his friends to help him. This sweet story that celebrates firefighters and heroes of all shapes and sizes is now available in board book format. Full color.

Book Synopsis

Watch Get Rolling with Otis on Apple TV!

The #1 New York Times bestselling artist Loren Long, presents Otis and the Kittens, a story of friendship and unlikely heroes, now in board book format!

On the farm, it hasn't rained in a long time. One hot afternoon, when Otis and his friends are resting beneath the shade of the apple tree, Otis spots something moving down in the valley--an orange tabby cat headed straight for the old barn. But then Otis sees something else that causes his engine to sputter . . . a swirl of smoke coming from the barn. A fire!

As Otis races toward the fire with his friends in tow, he spots the tabby cat mewing in alarm. Otis rushes inside to discover the source of the cat's worries--her little kittens are trapped inside! Will Otis and his friends be able to save the day?

Told with a sense of play and devotion, this is a heartwarming tale that reminds readers that sometimes even those who we count on to help us need a little help themselves. From the creator of Otis, the illustrator of Love by Matt de la Peña and Of Thee I Sing by President Barack Obama, this sweet story that celebrates firefighters and heroes of all shapes and sizes is now available in board book format, perfect for the youngest of readers.

Loren Long wrote this story as a tribute to the firefighters who, like Otis, rescue people every day with their strength and bravery. Of course, people who aren't first responders should never go into a burning building for any reason. Reading this story to children is a great opportunity to discuss fire safety.

About the Author

Loren Long grew up in Lexington, Kentucky. He pursued graduate-level studies at the American Academy of Art in Chicago after graduating with a BA in Graphic Design/Art Studio from the University of Kentucky. After graduation, Long worked as an illustrator for a greeting card company in Cincinnati before beginning his career as a freelance illustrator. Since then, Long has received numerous accolades for his fluid WPA painting style. He has been awarded two gold medals from the Society of Illustrators in New York, and has been frequently selected for their annual exhibition and book. His work has also appeared in many other major annual exhibitions held by such prestigious journals and magazines as American Illustration, Communication Arts, Step-By-Step Graphics and Print.Long's clients include Time, Reader's Digest, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Boy's Life, Land's End, Sports Illustrated, and HBO. He has also illustrated book covers for numerous publishers and has recently concentrated on illustrating books for young readers, where his work has garnered much recognition and praise.