Grandpa’s Tractor
By Michael Garland
Published by Boyd Mills Press, 2011
Ages: 3-5
Themes: Generations, farms, tractors, modernization, memories
Opening/Synopsis: “Grandpa Joe and Timmy were going to see the old farm where Grandpa Joe used to live when he was a boy.”
This is a charmer; a story about a love affair with a red tractor; a story of sharing of memories. Grandpa drives Timmy out to the abandoned farm where he grew up. They see the dilapidated barns and silo, the run down house, and the rusty old red tractor. With each page turn, Grandpa Joe’s excitement and enthusiasm grow as he recounts all the year round essential activities his father used to do with that old tractor, often with Joe at his side. The present fades into the past and we see the tractor hauling wood through the winter (It feels like this is set in New England) and collecting barrels of apples in the fall. The urban scenes of the opening pages, give way to Garland’s beautiful rural landscapes. By the end Grandpa has painted such a vivid picture of life as it was in his youth on this vibrant farm, that Timmy has truly ‘experienced’ some of his grandpa’s childhood.
Why I like this Book:
This is a beautifully illustrated tribute to a trusty Farmall tractor and to a way of life that is forgotten or unknown by most. Grandpa Joe’s memories and Garland’s trademark watercolours transform a rusty, redundant, abandoned machine into the glorious heart and soul of most farms half a century ago in rural America. The relationship between Grandpa and Grandson is heartwarming in an era of generational separation, and Timmy’s thankfulness for the sharing and trip are a fitting ending to this sweet story. Rather like Grandpa Green, this book does lend itself to be read by a grandparent or someone of this generation! Garland takes up the entire two pages for every spread, and I can promise you that you will feel like you have just had some good fresh air after romping through these pastoral pages. Michael Garland shares at the back of the book how a rusty old tractor he had driven past locally for years, was the inspiration for this story, and how he had knocked on the old farmyard door and interviewed the retired farmer about the life and times of the red tractor! As a writer, this reminds me to stay observant at all times for those story ideas.
Activities/Resources:
A great Down on The Farm resource site.
Each child could ask a grandparent/older carer to share a childhood memory.
Susanna Leonard Hill and Patricia Tilton have both done wonderful author interviews with Michael Garland, here and here.
To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books. Or click on the Perfect Picture Book Fridays badge in the right sidebar.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
What a wonderful-sounding book! It certainly calls out to this farm girl! (And interestingly, I’ve chosen a farm book this week, as well!)
Seeing the name Michael Garland on a book is like seeing the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval — I know it will be good, and I know the art will be fabulous.
Thanks, Joanna!
I enjoyed how we had both selected farm books this week, Beth.
I love this book, Joanna. You described it so well. And I don’t live that far from Michael… I wonder if I’ve seen this actual tractor?! Thanks for adding this one to our list -it’s a great one!
Oh, do let me know if you spot this rusty old tractor one day!
I love this. I think I may have to get it for my husband who has a love affair with tractors. Thanks!
? Kimberley ?
First in Maine
Adults would most certainly enjoy this, Kimberley.
Great book. Sounds like a good one to get before Grandpa comes for a visit. We don’t have farmers in the family, but our grandpa loves their tractors for mowing. 🙂 I’m checking out the preschool activities. Thanks Joanna.
It is a book for grandpas, farmers, tractor lovers, nostalgia freaks and Garland fans!
So happy you reviewed Grandpa’s Tractor! It is a beautiful story about a grandpa sharing his memories. A friend of mine gave this book to her husband for his birthday! He grew up on a farm. They decided to do a tractor theme for their grandsons last Christmas! Urge you to send your link to Garland as he sends it to his publisher. Thanks for linking to my interview.
Pat, thanks for the tip. I did send Michael a message on FB, but not sure he has seen it.
This is just the kind of book I would have loved as a kid and would have loved to share with my kids when they were small. Both of my parents grew up on farms and I grew up visiting my grandparents’ farms and wishing I could have grown up there too.
I think for anyone from a farming family this would be a real treasure, Barbara.
I would love to read this book! I wrote a farm story myself, but way different.
Would love to read yours, Christie!
This book looks really beautiful. I feel like I’ve heard so much that pb writers need to avoid nostalgia, and yet here is an example where nostalgia clearly works! Thanks, Joanna!
I guess there’s a knack to getting away well with nostalgia, Amy!
The home-grown life is definitely a hot topic today!
It is indeed, Julie!
This sounds great for boys inparticular. Thanks Joanna.
Yes, I think young boys will love this, Catherine!
What a lovely book! We have a “family tractor,” one that lives at my in-laws. The last time my husband was at his parents’ house, he and his dad spent hours working on it.
I thought you might, Kirsten… this would be one for your family!
This book looks like it tells a great, realistic-fiction tale! 🙂
Exactly, Erik!
What a lovely description of this book, Joanna! Thank you.
Thank you, Heather!
Thanks for a walk down memory lane in New England, Joanna! Love the book and the activities/resource list are GREAT! BTW, your blog banner is AWESOME! 🙂
Thanks, Vivian, and yep it evokes old New England well!
I come from farm folks. This book looks like a charmer.
Yu’d love it, Leslie!
For a city girl, I think that this book would resonate with me in various levels. Very cute, Joanna. Sounds like a heartwarming tale too.
It’s a warming generational tale for urban and country folk!
Joanna, I know I’m so late catching up from last week, but i figure better late than never, right? I used to love hearing my grandmother tell stories from her childhood. This sounds like an amazing story. Thanks for sharing!
A2Z Mommy and What’s In Between
I’m catching up! This book sounds delightful! Great review. It’s going on my Books I Want To Read board on Pinterest :•)