Synopses & Reviews
A new holiday classic from the #1 bestselling creator of Otis and the illustrator of The Little Engine That Could
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
* Longs 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 Journa, 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 outgame on!” Kirkus Reviews, on Otis and the Puppy
Review
The New York Times bestseller!
Review
* "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
Synopsis
Guess who gets to go along on a field trip to the firehouse? The Gingerbread Man! But when he falls out of his classmate's pocket, Spot the Dalmatian comes sniffing around. Luckily, this Gingerbread Man is one smart cookie, and he races into the fire truck, up the pole, and all through the station, staying one step ahead of the hungry dog the whole time.Then an emergency call comes in and the Gingerbread Man knows just what to do:
“I’ll ride to the rescue, as fast as I can.I want to help, too! I’m the Gingerbread Man!”
With snappy rhymes and fresh illustrations, the Gingerbread Man makes a sweet return in his second school adventure. Includes a poster with fire safety tips and activities.
Synopsis
The holidays are for giving thanks and nothing can stop this Gingerbread Man from delivering his to his favorite member of the community Everyone in class is busy practicing songs and making goodies for their trip to town to thank community helpers, and the Gingerbread Man has made a card for someone extra sweet. But before he can deliver his gift, whipping wind and swirling snow come to town, too. Slushy sidewalks are no place for a cookie, but this Gingerbread Man won't let a little bad weather stop him
"I'll search on my own, as fast as I can
I'll dash through this snow. I'm the Gingerbread Man "
With all the flavors of the season and generous dashes of kindness and gratitude, the Gingerbread Man's newest adventure makes for a perfect read-aloud throughout the holidays.
Synopsis
Froggy has never celebrated Christmas; usually he's taking his long winter's nap. But not this year! Froggy's best friend, Max the beaver, wakes him up to join the fun. Soon, Froggy's gotten into the swing of things: finding a tree, wrapping presents, singing carols, and enjoying a holiday feast. Join Froggy as he celebrates his very first, and very best, Christmas!
"The humor and spirited artwork will put Froggy fans in the holiday mood!" (The Horn Book)
"Children who have delighted in the earlier books about Froggy will cheer him along as he experiences his very first Christmas." (School Library Journal)
Synopsis
This Gingerbread Man was loose in the school and on the fire truck, and now hes loose at holiday time!
Everyone in class is busy practicing songs and making goodies for their trip to town to thank community helpers, and the Gingerbread Man has made a card for someone extra sweet. But before he can deliver his gift, whipping wind and swirling snow come to town, too. Slushy sidewalks are no place for a cookie, but this Gingerbread Man wont let a little bad weather stop him!
Ill search on my own, as fast as I can!
Ill dash through this snow. Im the Gingerbread Man!”
With all the flavors of the season and generous dashes of kindness and gratitude, the Gingerbread Mans newest adventure makes for a perfect read-aloud throughout the holidays.
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,
Drummer Boy,
Toy Boat by Randall de Sève,
and Mr. Peabodys Apples by Madonna. Hes 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.