Otis and the Puppy: board book

Otis the Tractor #3

by Loren Long

The much-loved New York Times bestseller is now available for the youngest reader!

Otis and his farm friends love to play hide-and-seek, but when the newest addition to the farm—a bounding puppy who can't sit still and has a habit of licking faces—tries to hide one day, he finds his attention wandering along with his legs, and soon he is lost in the forest. Night falls and Otis knows his new friend, who is afraid of the dark, must be terrified all alone in the woods. So Otis, the friend you can always count on, sets out to find the frightened pup.

Praise for Otis and the Puppy:
           
“[T]his earnest tractor's courage in the darkest hours makes him as reliable as Lassie or the Little Engine That Could.” —Publisher’s Weekly
 
“Otis will win readers' hearts.” —School Library Journal
 
“Seek this out—‘game on!’” —Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship, Dogs, Animals, Fiction, Kids

38 pages, Board Book

First published March 12, 2013

About the author

I grew up in Lexington, Kentucky in the 1970’s. We had no artists of any kind in the family. We didn’t know any artists. I liked sports, especially baseball. My mother read to me a lot. But I have to admit, my favorite subject in school was gym class. I also liked to draw. My parents encouraged me to keep drawing.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a new puppy makes its way onto the farm, Otis and the others are quick to add to their group. They play and work and enjoy all the lovely things of farmlife. However, during one day of Hide and Seek, the puppy goes missing and Otis is determined to find it, even though it might mean venturing int othe dark woods alone. Otis has shown that he will do anything for his friends and this is no exception. Neo liked to see another friend added to the group and promised to keep an eye out to see if the puppy shows up in other stories.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Otis the tractor and his farmyard friends return in this third picture-book devoted to their ongoing story. When a puppy joins their ranks, the companions welcome him, incorporating him into all their games, including hide-and-seek. Otis becomes the puppy's nighttime comforter, when he is afraid of the dark. Then one day the puppy goes missing, lost in the woods, and it falls to Otis to conquer his own fear of the dark, and set out to find him...

Like its predecessors, Otis and the Puppy pairs an engaging, warmhearted story with beautiful, appealing artwork. The puppy's depiction, in particular, is very well done, and dog-lovers young and old will recognize many of his antics and expressions from their experiences with their own canine companions. I really enjoy these books, with their mixture of nostalgic and contemporary visual elements, and their sweet stories about friendship and good values, and this was no exception. Recommended to fellow Otis fans, to young dog lovers, and to anyone looking for children's stories about conquering your fear and helping others.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable story about a tractor named Otis who befriends a puppy. My toddler loves tractors and puppies, so this is a new favorite at my house.

[Lauren Kramer-Theuerkauf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otis is back and better than ever in Otis and the Puppy by Loren Long. The farm animals love playing with Otis after the work day is done. Their favorite game? Hide-and-seek of course!

One night, the farmer introduces the farm family to a new addition: a puppy. They eagerly soak up the sweet kisses that the pup is more than happy to provide. Excited and exhausted, the team heads for the barn to call it a night.

Suddenly, Otis is awakened by a terrible sound. It's the puppy! He soon discovers that the cuddly canine is afraid of the dark and would much rather sleep inside the barn with him than in the wooden dog house.

The pair become fast friends. Otis even teaches the pooch to play hide-and-seek. During one such game, Otis has the honor of being "it." He manages to find everyone...except the puppy. Will Otis and the farm animals be able to track down the hound?

I absolutely love this book! The story is full of heart. Young and old alike will be able to relate to the theme of losing something that you love. I was reminded about the time that my blind and deaf Dachshund escaped our fence and wandered across the street to the local daycare. My world felt like it was crashing down around me in the brief five minutes that she was gone.

Long's illustrations are absolutely stunning. Every page is truly a feast for the eyes. From gorgeous rural pastures to nighttime scenes in the forest, I was captivated from start to finish. He effortlessly brings the scenery and characters to life.

This is a wonderful story for readers ages 3-7 and for anyone who loves beautiful artwork.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Otis the tractor after reading the first book. And I've loved the sequels equally well. This is such a sweet story about friendship and facing one's fears for the sake of someone else. Both Otis and his friend, the puppy, are afraid of the dark, but when the puppy gets lost, Otis must face his fear or leave his friend alone in the dark all night. I also loved the idea at the end that those things we fear aren't so scary when we face them with those we love. The story is beautifully written and would be great for sharing. The large size makes it especially appropriate for sharing with larger groups. The illustrations are gorgeous. It's amazing how much expression that Long gives his characters, especially Otis and the puppy. The large beautiful illustrations clearly show the tender relationship between Otis and his friends and especially between Otis and the puppy. My favorite picture shows the puppy asleep with his head resting on Otis's front tire. Highly recommended.

[Zoe Lampman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Otis and the Puppy by Loren Long is a happy story about farm animals and a friendly little tractor named Otis that loved to play hide and seek after the daily farm chores were finished. The farmer brought home a new puppy that Otis quickly befriends and comforts at night because the puppy is afraid of the dark. While playing hide-and-seek, the puppy wanders off and gets lost in the woods. Otis must overcome his own fear of the dark and search for the puppy. The story ends happily and the puppy and tractor become even better friends.

This story would be good for young students because it shows that all kinds of different people can be friends and that we often overcome our own fears or sacrifice our time to help our friends. There are many exciting words and sounds in the book that would make reading it aloud to students interesting. For example, Otis makes the sound: putt, puff, puddety, chuff when he is darting around looking for his friends.

[Megan]

Audience: primary
Genre: picture book

Otis and the Puppy is a great story with a great message about staying true to your friends and overcoming your fears. Otis is a happy tractor that loves the farm life. He is a hard worker, but he also loves to play with his other farm animal friends after he finishes all of his jobs. One day the farmer introduces a new puppy to Otis and the farm animals. They have fun with puppy. The farm animals have a favorite game to play, hide and seek. Otis doesn't like the dark so he always tries to be home before then; however, one night, Otis' new friend, the puppy gets lost in the forest in the dark. Otis has no choice but to go help his new friend get home safely. Otis has to overcome his fear of the dark to find his friend. Can he do it? If you like pets or farm animals, you'll love this book!

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the OTIS series. Expressive illustrations abound. Otis is one heck of a friend.

[Danielle Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was too cute.

[Asho · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my constant quest to find new dog and puppy stories for L, I came across this Otis book at the library. We've never read other Otis books, although I could tell even before looking it up on Goodreads that it is part of a series. On the plus side, L, S and I all agreed that this illustrated puppy is exceptionally adorable. The part of the book where the puppy greets everyone with kisses is just the sweetest. On the minus side, this book had a whole lot of words (or maybe I was just really tired the night I read it, I don't know, I just kept thinking "oh my gosh, there are still MORE pages!?"). Also, other than the adorable puppy I didn't like the illustrations much. The backgrounds are oddly dark and gloomy (even before Otis and the pup end up in a forest at night) and I felt like the illustrator missed some opportunities to illustrate some cute and funny moments that were described in the text but not drawn.
If it weren't for the super cute puppy this would probably be a 2 star for me, but dang, that puppy sure is precious.

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Goodreads friend, Kathleen, sent me this book to share with my grandchildren and I will gladly do that! It is a cute CUTE story about a tractor named Otis who likes to play with the farm animals, especially hide-and-seek. One day the farmer brings the animals a gift, a puppy! Everyone on the farm loves playing with the puppy and all is well until bedtime when the puppy is consigned to his doghouse out in the dark. Otis hears the puppy crying out there and turns on his light and brings the puppy into the warm friendly atmosphere of the barn with the rest of his animal friends. Again, life goes along well until the puppy goes wandering off one day and gets lost in the woods. His friends search for him until dark but without finding him. They decide to resume the search in the morning, but Otis knows how frightened the puppy is of the dark so despite his own fear, Otis goes in search of his friend. 🥰 Thank you, Kathleen! I am sure my grandkids will Love this!

[Miranda | BookishlyBrewed | · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re judging me for reviewing and rating the children’s books I read to my little bestie who is also my kiddo, maybe you should unfollow me now lol One, I’m putting in the work, being a storyteller, colorful narrator, and getting engulfed with the story lines because—come one, he’s only 2, so I thinks it’s only fair I track it on my GR, lolol also:

This is like a little journal entry for me to reflect on when he’s older and I get to share some gems with fellow parents, so..I digress. Idek if anyone is still here, but if you are— read this stinking precious book! The tale of Otis and the sweet puppy is just too adorable, the art style is beautiful, and the writing style was very smooth and enjoyable. My little tater tot immediately asked to read it again when I turned the last page 🚜🐶❤️

[MalisaDD Aka MiMi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Otis book. This one was about darling puppy who is playful just like the children book is getting shared with..the children love the photos and all the exciting things in book.
This book was sent to my 4 yr old grandson free part of Dollys Imagination Library. This was September 2017 book pick. Sadly was the last book grandson received since he turned 5 in August. It is awesome program. Sending books that children want to read. Great quality books. Not cheap by any.means. each book retails 10 to 12 dollars retail
Great book

[Brittany Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dark nights were far too frightening for the new little pup on the farm. Quickly the puppy buddied up with Otis, a machine on the farm. One day, while playing hide and seek, the puppy disappears! Otis feels that it is up to him to find his friend.
I love this story and the message it shares on friendship! I feel that this would be GREAT in the classroom when talking about friendship and being friendly towards others.

[Meredith Estes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one has a cute puppy and a good lesson about looking out for friends. We talked about how the puppy’s imagination ran away from him and made him scared. My girls did make the connection with how they feel when they are scared. Sweet book in the Otis series.

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story was sweet overall, but I didn't like the writing style...Otis's signature sound "Putt Puff Puttedy Chuff" was also not very catchy. And for some reason, I really disliked the use of the phrases "game on" and "motored here and there."

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheerful and engaging pictures, although I kept forgetting that Otis was a tractor. He was very flexible. Otis is a good child stand-in, cool and with wheels, but clearly under the farmer's authority, yet he is the one to save the day.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It didn't flow well as a read aloud and I know a large part of the story is about facing your fear of the dark and being brave but I didn't enjoy the predominantly shadowed and dark colored illustrations.

[Melissa Namba · Rating 3 out of 5]

a cute book but nothing special. it's a pretty good characterization of a puppy so it might be a good book for kids who think they want a puppy.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Storyline was fine. Not a great book.

[Vitor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book for grade i recommend this book for grade 2 people

[Aiden and Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

GRL: M
DRA: 24

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids love Otis. Owen especially.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORED this story! Alex liked it too. Otis is quickly becoming one of our new favorites.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Otis books so much. Otis has such a kind heart and the illustrations are lovely. These books just make you feel good.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about braving the dark for friendship. As always, love the illustrations.

[The Transmuted Tree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Red 5th

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An elementary and up picture book about a tractor on the farm and the little puppy who befriends him through all his activities on the farm.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A giod story to read if you have littles who are afraid of the dark. As always, Otis saves the day!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute pictures. Good story for little kids about empathy, friendship, and having the courage to help a friend in need.