Otis and the Scarecrow (Otis)

PreS-Gr 2--Otis is a friendly little tractor who lives on a farm. In the summer, the farmer adds a scarecrow to his cornfield. Always looking for a new friend, Otis tries unsuccessfully to engage the scarecrow, who just stares blankly out at the field with a permanent scowl on its face. The farm animals attempt to befriend the sour fellow with the same result. As the season begins to change, the crows no longer keep away from the scarecrow, who has otherwise remained alone. During an autumn, Otis and his friends surround the solitary scarecrow to ride out a storm, and though he never breaks his silence, they are convinced that he doesn't look so lonely anymore. Gouache and pencil illustrations capture the different seasons and characters' emotions. This quiet addition to the series uses the appealing familiar characters to address the notions of small kindnesses and compassion.--Laura Hunter, Mount Laurel Library, NJ

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Otis the tractor's goodhearted nature continues to shine in his fifth picture book. The farmer has just placed a new scarecrow in the cornfield, and the "sour look" permanently stitched onto the scarecrow's burlap head says plenty about its perceived attitude. As the days pass, the silent scarecrow remains indifferent to Otis and the farm animals below. Eventually, Otis finds a way to bring the scarecrow into the fun he and the animals are having--or at least to bring the fun to him. Although Otis himself is entirely animate, Long leaves the scarecrow's sentience an open-ended question. As the book comes to a close, Otis "couldn't be sure, but he thought he might have seen the scarecrow smile." Readers will have to hazard their own guesses, as the scarecrow's face is turned away from them in the final pages. Ages 5-8. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Sept.)

Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

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