Our visit to the farm got us thinking of (and singing) one of our favorite sing-along books, so I thought it only appropriate to feature it today. I'm also excited because after borrowing it from the library on several occasions, watching its animated video on youtube repeatedly, and singing the song more times than I can count, I'm finally giving my son his own copy of Driving My Tractor as an Easter gift. I can't tell you how many times I've had this song stuck in my head, and yet, I'm still happily willing to add this sing-along to our home library. That's got to say something about how great it is, right?
Driving My Tractor is an upbeat, fun, toe-tapping sing-along that is a favorite of both my son and daughter. Watch the video clip mentioned above and you'll immediately see what I mean. The colorful, bold illustrations are wonderfully appealing to toddlers and preschoolers, and the fact that is a counting book about animals makes it perfect for that age group, as well. The end of the book also features some fabulous information about other types of farm machines (such as combine harvesters and balers) and a beautiful two-page spread about various types of crops that farmers grow (including at what times of the year they can be planted and harvested.) I love books that include informational "extras" like this, and love watching my son soak up all of that knowledge even more. The other thing that is so great about this book, as with so many others from this publisher, is that it truly grows with your child. My daughter (20 months) loves the bold pictures and the silly sing-along song, just as my son (age 4) has for quite some time. Now that he is a little older, though, he appreciates other things about the book, such as the information about the types of crops at the end. Plus, the book comes with a cd featuring the vocal talents of Steve Songs, so you'll know just how the tune goes and be able to add the song to your child's music collection. In fact, the tune is so catchy and easy to sing, I don't think I could read the book without singing it now even if I tried. Driving My Tractor is a perfect book to have in the car for road trips, afternoon story time, or any time you simply want to stop what you're doing and sing and dance with your kids.
** One last little thing... Driving My Tractor was one of the first Barefoot Books we read and came to love, and was part of the reason why I became a Barefoot Ambassador last summer. I am continually impressed by the quality of Barefoot Books and their passion for art and literacy, and I always find it refreshing to know that there is a publisher out there whose books I am pretty much guaranteed to love. I felt I needed to add this disclaimer here because I don't want anyone reading this to think that I am only featuring this (or other Barefoot Books) out of possible personal gain. On the contrary, I just want you to know about them because they are truly great books that I think everyone with children should know about! Find them in your local library and see what I mean. After all, this is the whole mission of my blog: to share fabulous children's books that are well worth reading so that no day goes without a great story. No pressure, just great books! That's what it's all about.
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