THE TRUSTWORTHY TRACTOR

In Brown’s picture book, a boy learns about responsibility.

Young Carter lives on a farm with his dad and grandpa, who are all portrayed with pale skin. When he gets the opportunity to drive Old Faithful, his grandfather’s tractor, he’s eager to show how fast he can stack hay in the field—but he disregards instructions to proceed gently and avoid the mud, and his dad and grandpa are upset: “The bales were full of HOLES, the outer wrap was RIPPED, and Old Faithful was covered in MUD from bouncing through the field.” Carter fibs that the holes were already there, and both adults take him aside and remind him to slow down and listen to instructions. Dad and Carter work on the next field together and stack each bale without incident. After washing mud off Old Faithful, Carter apologizes to the tractor for lying and vows that it won’t happen again. Attema-Welte’s watercolor-style illustrations are charming, and an image of partying chickens wrecking the hay bales is particularly brilliant; the various color choices—from bright greens and yellows to cloudy grays and purples—deftly convey Carter’s feelings. The art enhances a basic message to follow directions, listen to adults, and not lie. Kids who love tractors will surely be delighted.

A very simple story, enhanced by fun imagery.