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The Big Red Tractor and the Little Village
by Francis
Chan
Reviewed by Melissa Lockcuff
"This story not only tells the story of the big red tractor, but it shows how we need God, His Word, and His Spirit, to truly thrive and live the life we were intended to live."
As a parent, it is so wonderful when I find a book that not only tells
a great story, but one that teaches my children values through the story.
The Big Red Tractor and the Little Village is one such book. My youngest
is all about tractors and trucks, so he was pretty mesmerized.
In the beginning of the story, we learn of a tractor that lives in a certain
village. Every year the people of that village push and pull that tractor, in
order to plow their fields. They work so very hard because they don’t know
the potential the tractor has of helping them. Every year, they only gather enough
food to feed their one village. That is, until Farmer Dave discovers a book that
teaches how the tractor runs. As he reads and studies, he begins to understand
that there is more that could be done; he sees how the tractor could truly change
their lives. Of course, he has to prove it to the villagers by fixing the tractor.
When the tractor is fixed, the people are amazed at how much can be accomplished
in so little time. In fact, the future year brings a harvest of food so bountiful
that they not only have enough for their village but enough to help others in
need.
This story not only tells the story of the big red tractor, but it shows how
we need God, His Word, and His Spirit, to truly thrive and live the life we were
intended to live. In order to bless others, we have to first yield our hearts
to Him.
The book is also filled with colorful illustrations that go right along with
the story. The author includes supporting Scripture, as well. I appreciate the
symbolism between the Owners Manual for the tractor and the Word of God. It was
so funny to imagine people pushing and pulling on a tractor to plow a field….but
when you really think about it, that’s how it is when we try to live our
lives without the Holy Spirit, without God. This was a wonderful way to illustrate
that truth to my own children.
