Farmer John's Tractor

 Farmer John's Tractor by Sally Sutton, illustrated by Robyn Belton (Walker Books Australia)
HB RRP $27.95
ISBN 9781921150944
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

What an absolute delight this book is. It will enthral all young children, boys and girls, with its array of machines coming to the rescue of two little girls, their parents and a VW beetle trapped in rising flood waters. A jeep, tow truck and fire engine all do their best but fail. The day is saved by Farmer John's tractor which "lies locked in the shed, rusty yet trusty and orangey-red".

Reading aloud is a pleasure with Sally Sutton's text displaying perfect rhyme and rhythm. Drama in the story escalates on each page until the final satisfying and comforting resolution.

Robyn Belton's illustrations in pencil and watercolour fill the pages with soft colour and movement. Large double spreads expand upon and extend the text. High production quality including quirky endpapers with chooks and tractors make this book a delight to own and share. Highly recommended.