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Otis the tractor and his farmyard friends return in this second picture-book devoted to their adventures, enjoying many games of follow-the-leader together. Only the unfriendly bull refuses to play with the others. When a terrible tornado threatens the farm, Otis leads all his friends to safety in Mud Creek, only to belatedly realize that the bull is still trapped in his pen, right in the tornado's path. Undaunted, the little tractor sets out to rescue this erstwhile enemy...

Like its predecessor, Otis and the Tornado pairs an engaging and ultimately heartwarming tale with engrossing illustrations. I grew up on my mother's stories about her childhood in Kansas, and the tornadoes that she survived, so I found this entry in author/illustrator Loren Long's series quite interesting. I thought he did an excellent job building the sense of suspense, both textually and visually, and can imagine that young children will be on the edge of their seats, as Otis saves the animals. The two-page spread where tiny Otis sees the tornado bearing down on him is really quite gripping! Of the three Otis the Tractor books I have read thus far, I think this is my favorite. Recommended to fans of this character, and to anyone looking for children's stories about tornadoes. ( )

How we love Otis!! He always does the right thing without thinking twice. It is no wonder he has so many lovely, devoted friends! Easy to teach my boys about being good a good friend when there is such a sweet example to read over and over. ( )

Otis the tracttor is friendly with all of the farm animals.....except the angry bull. But when a tornado comes, it is up to Otis to save them all!

32 month - I think I actually enjoyed this story more than the first Otis story. Otis is a very good and caring friend and even shows the same kindness to the bull who doesn't like anyone. O liked it a lot too. ( )