Otis and the Scarecrow (Hardcover) by Loren Long

About the Book

Otis the tractor and the farm animals try to make friends with the new scarecrow, but the scarecrow doesn't respond. During a cold autumn rain, everyone gathers together, but Otis spies the lonely figure in the cornfield. With a deeply resonant story about subtle acts of kindness, this book explores themes of friendship and bullying. Full color.

Book Synopsis

FROM THE #1 BESTSELLING ILLUSTRATOR OF MATT DE LA PENA'S LOVE AND WATTY PIPER'S CLASSIC THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD

On the farm where Otis the tractor lives, the farmer has introduced someone new--a scarecrow to shoo away the pesky crows. But when Otis and the animals greet the scarecrow with friendly smiles, the scarecrow's frown never leaves his face. So everyone leaves him alone.

Then one day, when a cold autumn rain sets in, Otis and the animals snuggle close and play Otis's favorite game: the quiet game. Otis knows the puppy and ducks can't sit still for long, and soon the farm friends begin to giggle and squirm, feeling warmed by one another's friendship . . . but on this day, Otis can't seem to take his eyes off the lonely figure in the cornfield.
A deeply resonant book about subtle acts of compassion and standing up for others, featuring everyone's favorite tractor, Otis.

Praise for OTIS AND THE SCARECROW:

Otis the tractor's goodhearted nature continues to shine in his fifth picture book. -Publishers Weekly

"Readers will enjoy this sixth tale of an admirable leader who does the right thing with quiet confidence." -Booklist

"Teachers will see the connection between the lonely scarecrow and the outsider in the classroom and will be able to find many uses for this volume in the curriculum. Fans will enjoy this more cerebral Otis and might build a little empathy along the way." -Kirkus Reviews

"Loren Long creates a perfect book for the beginning of the school year with Otis and the Scarecrow.--Examiner.com

Review Quotes

Praise for the OTIS

*** "Long's gouache and pencil artwork is stunning. . . the satisfying conclusion that speaks of a place for everyone is sure to ring true to children." --School Library Journal on Otis, starred review ***

*** "The illustrations wonderfully enhance the story, from the joy of the animals prancing around the Christmas tree to Otis' expressive responses to the events around him." --Booklist on An Otis Christmas, 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

"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

Praise for OTIS AND THE SCARECROW:

Otis the tractor's goodhearted nature continues to shine in his fifth picture book. -Publishers Weekly

"Readers will enjoy this sixth tale of an admirable leader who does the right thing with quiet confidence." -Booklist

"Teachers will see the connection between the lonely scarecrow and the outsider in the classroom and will be able to find many uses for this volume in the curriculum. Fans will enjoy this more cerebral Otis and might build a little empathy along the way." -Kirkus Reviews

"Loren Long creates a perfect book for the beginning of the school year with Otis and the Scarecrow.--Examiner.com

About The Author

Loren Long has putt puff puttedy chuffed his way all over the bestseller lists with such titles as Otis, Otis and the Tornado, Otis and the Puppy, An Otis Christmas, Drummer Boy, Toy Boat by Randall de Sève, and Mr. Peabody's Apples by Madonna. He's also had the opportunity to modernize the classic The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper and had the distinct honor of illustrating Of Thee I Sing by President Barack Obama. A graduate of the American Academy of Art in Chicago, Loren lives in Ohio with his wife, Tracy, and their two sons.You can visit Loren Long at www.OtisTheTractor.com and www.LorenLong.com. Follow @lorenlong