Illustrator & Author Profile
Loren Long
6 Books
Loren Long is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator best known for his beloved children's book series featuring Otis the tractor. In addition to writing and illustrating his own heartwarming stories, he has provided the artwork for acclaimed books by other prominent figures, including Barack Obama's Of Thee I Sing. His expressive, classic art style and gentle storytelling have made him a celebrated figure in contemporary children's literature.
Books in "Otis"
It is a beautiful summer day on the farm, and Otis the tractor is enjoying the sunshine with all his animal friends. Everyone is having a wonderful time playing, except for the grumpy bull who refuses to leave his pen. But the peaceful afternoon suddenly changes when the sky turns dark and stormy. A frightening tornado is heading right for them!
Otis springs into action, quickly guiding his friends to the safety of the barn. Just when he thinks everyone is secure, he realizes the bull is still locked outside in his pen. Without a second thought, the brave little tractor revs his engine and races back into the swirling storm. You will be on the edge of your seat as Otis puffs and chuffs as fast as his tires can spin to rescue his friend. This thrilling picture book shows how true courage means helping others, even when you are scared.
6-8 Years
42 Pages
It is Christmas Eve on the farm, and the barn is buzzing with quiet excitement. A beautiful horse is getting ready to welcome her new baby foal into the world. But when unexpected trouble strikes during the delivery, the animals realize they need a doctor right away.
With the snow falling fast and the woods becoming dangerous and deep, someone has to be brave enough to fetch Doc Baker before it is too late. Otis the little tractor knows exactly what he must do. Revving his engine, he sets off into the freezing, treacherous winter night. You will cheer for this determined tractor as he pushes through the heavy snowdrifts to save the day. This heartwarming holiday story captures the true magic of the season, showing how far a loyal friend will go to help those they love.
6-8 Years
42 Pages
There is a brand new face on the farm, but he is not exactly friendly. The farmer has brought in a scarecrow to keep the pesky crows away from the cornfield. When Otis the tractor and his animal friends trot over to say hello, the scarecrow just stares back with a permanent, gloomy frown. Thinking he wants to be left alone, the farm animals go back to their usual fun.
But when a cold, dreary autumn rain begins to fall, Otis and his friends huddle together to stay warm and play a cozy game of hide-and-seek. Surrounded by giggles and joy, Otis cannot help but look out at the cornfield. The scarecrow is still standing there, all by himself in the freezing rain. This gentle, beautifully illustrated picture book is a wonderful story about empathy and inclusion. It shows young readers how a simple, quiet act of kindness can make a world of difference to someone who feels left out.
6-8 Years
42 Pages
Playing hide-and-seek is the best part of the day for Otis the tractor and his farm friends. Otis absolutely loves being the one to search for everyone. But the farm has a brand new arrival: a bouncy, energetic puppy who just cannot seem to sit still. When it is the puppy's turn to hide, his attention wanders, and he accidentally gets completely lost in the deep, dark forest.
As the sun goes down and the shadows grow long, Otis realizes his tiny new friend is missing. There is just one big problem: Otis is terrified of the dark. But knowing the little puppy is out there all alone and frightened, the brave tractor takes a deep breath and counts to ten. You will love following along as Otis faces his biggest fear to rescue his friend. This heartwarming picture book perfectly captures the courage it takes to help others, even when you are scared yourself.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
By
Loren Long
Meet Otis, a friendly little tractor with a very big heart. Otis loves everything about his life on the farm, from the hardworking farmer to the soft haystacks. But most of all, he loves his best friend, a sweet little calf who sleeps right next to his stall. Every night, Otis purrs a gentle, rumbling lullaby to help the calf fall asleep, and by day, they play joyful games of ring-around-the-rosy near Mud Pond.
Everything is perfect until a massive, shiny yellow tractor arrives to take over the farm work. Suddenly, Otis is pushed aside and left forgotten behind the barn. But when the little calf wanders too close to Mud Pond and gets dangerously stuck in the thick muck, the big new tractor is completely useless. It is up to little Otis to rev his engine and prove that true friendship and bravery come in all sizes. You will fall in love with this classic, heartwarming story about loyalty and courage.
6-8 Years
49 Pages
It has been a long, hot summer on the farm, and the ground is dry and dusty from a terrible drought. While resting under the shade of the apple tree, Otis the tractor spots an orange tabby cat darting toward the old, abandoned barn down in the valley. But a moment later, Otis sees something terrifying: a thick swirl of dark smoke rising from the very same barn. It is a fire!
Without hesitating, the brave little tractor races toward the flames. Inside, he discovers a family of helpless kittens trapped by the blaze. Otis manages to guide them to safety, but the heavy smoke and falling beams leave him stuck inside with no way out. Now, it is up to his loyal farm friends and the brave local firefighters to work together and save the hero who always saves them. You will be on the edge of your seat during this thrilling, action-packed story about bravery, community, and the power of friendship.
6-8 Years
42 Pages
