Book excerpt: FROM THE #1 BESTSELLING ILLUSTRATOR OF MATT DE LA PENA'S LOVE AND WATTY PIPER'S CLASSIC 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. Praise for OTIS AND THE SCARECROW: "Otis the tractor’s goodhearted nature continues to shine in his fifth picture book." –Publishers Weekly “Readers will enjoy this sixth tale of an admirable leader who does the right thing with quiet confidence.” –Booklist “Teachers will see the connection between the lonely scarecrow and the outsider in the classroom and will be able to find many uses for this volume in the curriculum. Fans will enjoy this more cerebral Otis and might build a little empathy along the way.” –Kirkus Reviews “Loren Long creates a perfect book for the beginning of the school year with "Otis and the Scarecrow."--Examiner.com