Otis
Author/Illustrator: Loren Long
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Summary: The Easy-to-Read book 'Otis' is about a tractor who becomes friends with a
little calf. Otis is a kind and gentle tractor, but soon the farmer buys a big yellow tractor
to replace Otis. Although he is still on the farm, Otis is confined to behind the barn and
poor Otis takes it hard. Later, the calf gets stuck in the mud pond and no one can get him
out. Then Otis comes, and by calming and comforting his friend is able to get him
unstuck
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Reviews: From School Library Journal: Otis is a fun-loving tractor who roams the fields
after a hard day's work and plays in the haystacks. In the barn one night, his engine
provides a gentle purr that helps a frightened young calf fall into a peaceful sleep. The
two become inseparable. That is, until the farmer decides to upgrade and brings home a
brand-new, shiny yellow tractor and relegates Otis to the weeds behind the building.
Having outlived his usefulness, Otis just sits there, impervious to the calf's call to play.
But when his friend gets stuck in Mud Pond and no one—not even the fire department—
can pull her out, the feisty tractor revs his engine ("putt puff puttedy chuff") and saves the
day. His heroism and concern for a friend are themes that will appeal to young readers.
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. In the end, Otis finds a
place on the farm where his engine's soft purr can be put to good use. This satisfying
conclusion that speaks of a place for everyone is sure to ring true to children.—Joan
Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
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Author/Illustrator Information, Loren Long: http://www.lorenlong.com/
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Discussion Questions:
o What are some other, negative ways Otis could have responded when the calf first
showed up? Based on how he did act, what does it tell us about him?
o How do you think it made Otis feel to be replaced? Have you ever felt that way?
Tell us about it.
o The calf was a good friend to Otis - give some examples of how you know that.
o What does it say about Otis that he came out of being sad and in misery to help
his friend?
o How do you think the calf felt when she heard Otis coming? Why?
o How did helping his friend help Otis overcome his misery?
o What sorts of things/games do you like to play after school, or working hard?
o Have you ever been 'tired but happy'? What did you do that day? Why is that a
good feeling?
o What games do you like to play with your friends? Why is balancing work and
play important?
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Curricular Activities
o Writing –
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Students write additional parts to the story, and read and act it out to the
class in groups.
 Write a poem about a friend of yours.
 Write a letter to a friend.
o Science/Technology –
 Research calves: Fair Oaks Farm in Indiana website http://www.fofarms.com/en/home#Scene_1
 Research farm equipment and how it has changed over the years
 http://inventors.about.com/od/tstartinventions/a/farm_tractors.htm
 http://www.antiquefarming.com/history.html
o Social Studies – Play a game/simulation where each student has a different farm
job, and they have to work together to solve problems
o Art –
 Create farm scenes.
 Paint with mud or brown paint
o Drama – Break students into four groups and have each group act out a chapter of
the story. (Perform them in order.)
o Music – Sing some farm themed songs: http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/farmsongs.htm
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Related Books:
o Best Best Friends by Margaret Chodos-Irvine
o My Best Friend by Mary Ann Rodman illustrated by E. B. Lewis
o Chester's Way by Kevin Henkes
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Other titles by Long:
o Of These I Sing by Barak Obama
o Toy Boat by Randall de Seve
o The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper (new art by Long)
o Angela and the Baby Jesus by Frank McCourt
o Wind Fliers by Angela Johnson
o When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer by Walt Whitman
o Mr. Peabody's Apples by Madonna
o I Dream of Trains by Angela Johnson
o The Day the Animals Came by Frances Ward Weller
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Websites for further study or enrichment:
o http://www.lorenlong.com/otis/otis.html - Author/Illustrator’s website with
original sketches of the book, an interview, and a video
o http://www.teacherplanet.com/resource/friendship.php - Friendship Resource
Page
o http://www.first-school.ws/theme/animals/farm/cow.htm - Cow Activities - create
a puppet on a stick or a paper bag plus more