Otis by Loren Long

Otis is a story of a lovable tractor who enjoys helping others on the farm. He loves the farmland, the farmer, and all of his friends. But he especially loves the new little calf. The two become great friends! One day, Otis gets replaced by a brand-new yellow tractor. He is moved to the back of the barn, no longer being used to help around the farm. Weeds begin to grow up around him and Otis grows sad. He won’t even play with his best friend, the little calf. The little calf doesn’t like the big, yellow tractor very much. He isn’t as calm and quiet as Otis. He scares the little calf.

One day, the little calf gets stuck playing in the mud. The farmer tries to get her out, but he can’t. He gets the other tractor to help, but the little calf is too afraid and runs away even further into the mud. The fire department also tries to help, but it’s no use. When all hope seems lost, Otis comes to the rescue!

Otis is about love and friendship, but it’s also a wonderful example of seeing value in others- despite their physical appearances. It shows that you don’t have to be big and strong, or have new and fancy things to help people. God has given us all talents and strengths that make us uniquely capable to love and help others. The story of Otis also highlights the importance of working with a cheerful attitude.

Otis is a lovely story. However, it may be a bit intense for more sensitive children. The calf is sad when she first meets Otis because she’s being weaned from her mother and they must be separated for some time. Also, once Otis has been replaced by the other tractor and he’s placed outside the barn, he becomes quite sad. These moments can be a good opportunity to share that we all get sad sometimes, and that’s okay! Sadness is only temporary.

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