Arthur's Tractor - Hardcover

Pippa Goodhart has had several picture books published for children. She lives in Leicester. Colin Paine has illustrated many fiction titles for Bloomsbury, including 'The Conjuror's Cookbook' series and the 'Big George' novels by Eric Pringle. This is his first picture book. He lives near Worthing, West Sussex.

PreS-Gr. 2. Tractor-obsessed boys will be devastated to discover that this book is actually a fairy tale complete with princess, knight, dragon, and a happily-ever-after ending. Of course, they may relate to Arthur, who is actually so tractor-obsessed himself that he's oblivious to the fairy tale unfolding under his nose. When Arthur hears the "Eeek!" of the princess, he assumes his tractor's "sprocket spring sprigget" needs a twist and an oil. When he hears the thud, thud, thud of a knight on horseback, he assumes it's the old bundle weaver. Even when jostled by the dragon, Arthur unblinkingly takes the scenario in stride, borrowing the knight's sword to fix his blade and using the princess' frock to wipe it clean. Goodhart writes amusingly, "The blade was fixed, but the lady lingered." In the end, it's Arthur and the princess who live happily ever after. The book bubbles with delightful British colloquialisms ("Oh, dollops of dung"), amusing cartoon-style illustrations, and great sound effects. A quirky read-aloud for youngsters with mechanical leanings and a penchant for happy endings. Karin Snelson
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