Meet “Casey & Friends.”
Written by Holly Dufek, Illustrated by Paul E. Nunn | Published by Octane Press
Ages 4-8 | 32 pages | 9×9-inch hardcover | $14.99 each
Growing up in an agricultural community, I sometimes forget that my kids may not have as much interaction in knowing where their food comes from and all the machinery needed to produce it before it comes to the store. Books are great way to learn about things we can not always visit or see and so I would like to introduce you to “Casey & Friends”. It’s a book series about farm life and machines of modern agriculture.
The author is seasoned educator and national curriculum writer, Holly Dufek. She has collaborated with Paul Nunn, a Pixar “Cars” artist, to help make information on farm equipment kid-friendly.
Four “Casey & Friends” books are being released in 2015:
A Year on the Farm with Casey & Friends (Jan. 2015) introduces children to the world of modern farming by teaching them about the different jobs a farmer does each season. Casey and her team show how tractors, combines and other equipment: plant and harvest crops, work in the farmyard, and care for animals. Learn how farming involves planning for the year, reacting to the weather, and working as a team.
Big Tractors with Casey & Friends (Apr. 2015) shows how the biggest, most powerful tractors handle the demanding jobs of pulling and powering on the farm. Find out how Big Red and Sammy – the biggest tractors on the farm – use their powerful muscles to work in the field with the rest of the team. Learn about the science of farming and discover how advanced technology makes Big Red and Sammy special.
Combines with Casey & Friends (June 2015) explains the step-by-step processes used to harvest crops by the most complex machines on the farm. Follow Cody and Kellie—the combines of Happy Skies Farm—as they do the work of three machines: gathering, separating, and unloading grain and corn.
Planters & Cultivators with Casey & Friends (Sept. 2015) features the specialized farm equipment used to cultivate, plant and spray crops. Learn how Tammi the Tiller, Evan the Early Riser Planter and Peter the Patriot Sprayer work together to make this year’s crop bigger than ever. Explore the science of soil and discover how Casey’s team keeps it healthy.
Big Tractors, the most recent title, has Casey and her friend Tillus, the earthworm, show us what her big tractors can do to help on the farm. “Tillus Talk” showcases many tractor facts in the page margins. With being about modern farming, children will learn about AFS (Advanced Farming System) technology, the benefits of tracks versus tires, and more. An easy to read glossary and “Fun Facts” page are also included to extend learning fun.
Here’s a toy tractor that looks like Big Red the Magnum from Big Tractors. It is a CASE IH Magnum 370 CVT tractor toy | Built to 1:64 scale | Single front & rear duals, detailed interior, free rolling wheels | MSRP $8.50. Recommended for ages 3+.
My son enjoys playing with Big Red and one reader will win one too!
Giveaway:
This contest is open to residents of the US only, 18+. One reader will win a copy of Big Tractors and a CASE IH toy tractor. The giveaway ends on May 28, 2015. Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.
OCTANE PRESS produces high-quality narrative and illustrated books for discerning enthusiast audiences. Some of the company’s best-known titles include Red Tractors 1958–2013: The Authoritative Guide to IH and Case IH Tractors and Beast: The Top Secret Ilmor-Penske Engine that Shocked the Racing World at the Indy 500. Octane Press has won several book awards, including IBPA Benjamin Franklin awards (Red Tractors 1958–2013, Forward, Adventurous Motorcyclist’s Guide to Alaska) and Independent Publisher Awards (In the Red, Red Tractors 1958–2013).
Disclosure: I received Big Tractors and a CASE toy tractor for this post. No other compensation was received.
