Tractor Mac

When my then 2 year old son saw this book in the store, he immediately pulled it off the shelf and began to "read" it. I was thrilled to find a story about the changes in farming and the transition to machinery. The illustrations are also bright, fun and educational. Mr. Steers has given us a wonderful story and great characters for kids to grow up with!

Tractor Mac is a wonderful story. The characters are warm and extremely likeable. The beautiful illustrations seem to jump off the pages, coming to life in our living room. My three year old daughter loved it from the first reading and continues to request it. Her five year old brother is really moved by the various emotions in the story. Even our eight month old loves the bright colors on each page. To him, it looks good enough to eat! Tractor Mac is our favorite new gift for friends and relatives. We are anxiously waiting for a sequel!

Tractor Mac is a beautifully illustrated "Golden Book" that is sure to become the "Mike Mulligan" of the new milleneum. Don't be fooled by the name, there are other stars of the story including Sibley the work horse and his farmyard friends. A wonderful lesson in not giving up and accepting change. For those unfamiliar with farm life it provides a great introduction. For those such as my 3 year old who enjoys watching the local farmers do their jobs, it just helps bring it all into perspective. We look forward to the sequels. Lastly, the author/illustrator is as warm and friendly as his pictures in the book. As a childhood friend who has seen just a small percentage of his many daily drawings, it is just too cool to see them officially in print.

This book had my second grader's undivided attention from start to finish. I loved it so much I am buying it for my nieces and nephews! This is definitly an author I'd like my children to read more of. He is not only a wonderful illustrator, but a great story teller also. I grew up going to Granpa's farm every summer. Unfortunately, that opportunity for most kids is just not there anymore. Tractor Mac brings it alive again for me and gives my children a little glimpse of what life was and is like on a farm. The relationship Steers shows between a farmer and his tractor is one I remember well. Please give us more!

The artwork in this book is magnificent, and the storyline is so heartwarming that any parent would approve. The author obviously cared a great deal about both the design and content of this book, and I (and the four-year old who loves Tractor Mac and Sibley so much!) can't wait for another book by the same author to hit the shelves. A must have!!!