Cute holiday book, not religious. Geared toward an older child than the original Otis, what with it's talk of a horse in labor possibly not making it. ( )

Otis the tractor returns in this fourth full-length picture-book devoted to his adventures, looking forward to a merry Christmas on the farm. Not only is he given his first ever Christmas present - a horn, just like the truck has! - but his friend the horse is expecting a foal. But then on Christmas Eve, just when a terrible blizzard strikes, making travel difficult, the horse goes into a difficult labor, and the doctor is needed. Otis, frightened but determined to help his friend, sets out to fetch help himself...

Although An Otis Christmas is the fourth picture-book about Otis and his friends on the farm, it is only the second that I have read. I enjoyed the initial story quite a bit, and thought it had both nostalgic and contemporary appeal. The same could be said here, with the lovely, vintage-feeling artwork, and the idyllic farm setting, as well as the vehicular excitement. I appreciated the holiday message here, that the greatest gifts of all are those of love and friendship, and imagine that younger children will find Otis' nighttime journey quite involving. Recommended to all Otis fans, and to anyone looking for sweet Christmas stories for the picture-book set. ( )

4 1/2 - we love all the Otis books, they are well written and beautifully illustrated and this one fits the bill too. Thanks to Noodle the elf for bringing us this special present in Christmas Eve. ( )

The illustrations were great, my kids loved every detailed page. The story was ok. A nice Christmas story where Otis tries to save the horse and her foal. Nothing we would be eager to pick up again but for looking at the beautiful illustrations. ( )