Otis and the Scarecrow
#5 of 6 in Otis the Tractor Series
on Goodreads (667)
What’s inside...
FROM THE #1 BESTSELLING CREATOR OF OTIS AND THE ILLUSTRATOR OF THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD
On the farm where Otis the tractor lives, the farmer has introduced someone new—a scarecrow to shoo away the pesky crows. But when Otis and the animals greet the scarecrow with friendly smiles, the scarecrow’s frown never leaves his face. So everyone leaves him alone.
Then one day, when a cold autumn rain sets in, Otis and the animals snuggle close and play Otis’s favorite game: the quiet game. Otis knows the puppy and ducks can’t sit still for long, and soon the farm friends begin to giggle and squirm, feeling warmed by one another’s friendship. But on this day, Otis can't seem to take his eyes off the lonely figure in the cornfield.
A deeply resonant book about subtle acts of compassion and standing up for others, featuring everyone's favorite tractor, Otis.
Why read this book
- Emphasizes empathy and understanding through charming characters.
- Fosters emotional growth and social development in young readers.
- Encourages friendship and cooperation values.
- Ideal for family reading, strengthens bonds and discussions.
The Big Picture
- Explore empathy through Otis's interaction with the scarecrow.
- Understand feelings of loneliness and acceptance.
- Learn importance of friendship and compassionate responses.
What parents love
- Engaging story that holds children’s attention.
- Addresses emotions and empathy brilliantly.
- Perfect blend of fun and moral lesson.
- Beautiful illustrations complement the story.
Diversity & Representation
- Scarecrow symbolizes acceptance of diverse emotions and personalities.
- Engages children with themes of friendship and inclusivity.
- Encourages acceptance and understanding of different perspectives.
Discussion points
How do you think Otis felt when he first met the scarecrow?
Why do you think the scarecrow never smiled?
What could Otis and the farm animals do to make the scarecrow feel a part of their group?
How do you feel when you meet someone new? Does it remind you of Otis?
What does this story teach us about friendship and kindness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about their own experiences with meeting new people and how they felt, drawing parallels to Otis’s feelings.
Discuss the importance of inclusion and how they can be kind to everyone, even those who might seem different.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to highlight the emotions of the characters, pausing to ask your child how they think each character feels at different points in the story.
After reading, engage in a creative activity, like drawing the scarecrow with a big smile, and discuss what could have made him happy in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Otis and the Scarecrow,' Otis displays empathy by noticing the scarecrow’s loneliness and making efforts to include him.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize when someone feels left out and taking steps to include them in group activities or games.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the story, Otis continues to interact with the scarecrow despite his unchanging expression, demonstrating persistence.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to continue engaging with new challenges and not be discouraged by initial lack of response or difficulties.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of friendship as Otis and the farm animals try to interact with the scarecrow, showing camaraderie and care.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of forming bonds and caring for others, regardless of their outward appearance or responses.
Example Lesson: Acceptance
Explanation: The book conveys a message of accepting others as they are, exemplified by the animals’ acceptance of the scarecrow's differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept and embrace individual differences in their peers, promoting inclusivity.