The Rusty, Trusty Tractor
on Goodreads (101)
What’s inside...
Will grandfather buy a new tractor to replace his faithful old one?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-4
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the tractor rusty, but trusty? How do you feel about things that are old but still useful?
Why do you think Grandpa didn't want to buy a new tractor? What does this tell us about valuing what we already have?
Can you think of anything you have that is like the tractor—old but you still love to use it? Why is it special to you?
How did the tractor help the characters in the story? What does that teach us about teamwork and helping others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the importance of perseverance and reliability, as demonstrated by the tractor, by drawing parallels to everyday life or their own experiences.
Discuss the value of taking care of our possessions so they last a long time, which is not only practical but also environmentally friendly.
Share stories of family heirlooms or older items in your house that still serve a purpose, to reinforce the book’s theme of cherishing what we have.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of hard work
Explanation: The protagonist's dedication to repairing and maintaining the old tractor exemplifies diligence and persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of consistent effort to maintain and care for their belongings, be it toys or tools.
Example Lesson: Appreciating the old
Explanation: The story highlights the worth and reliability of the old tractor compared to newer models, teaching respect for older, enduring things.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to value and find beauty in older objects and heritage, fostering a sense of continuity and respect for history.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter and solve various mechanical and farming challenges, promoting critical thinking.
Real-World Application: This underscores the importance of approaching problems logically and creatively, relevant in everyday problem-solving situations children might face.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing setbacks, the characters continue to work on the tractor, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to keep trying and not give up easily when faced with difficulties, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Family and community bonding
Explanation: Repairing the tractor becomes a collaborative effort that brings people together, highlighting the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of working together with family and friends to achieve common goals and build stronger relationships.