Little Tractor’s friends help him realize the importance of honesty. In this latest in the series, first published in Belgium and the Netherlands and translated from Dutch, Jules the herding dog has hurt his leg, and Little Tractor jumps at the chance to help by moving sheep to another pasture. Expecting the task to be “easy peasy,” Little Tractor races off without listening to Jules’ instructions. That’s when the trouble begins. Though he’s unable to relocate the herd, he returns to the barnyard and tells Jules everything went fine. But later, feeling bad for the hungry sheep, Little Tractor asks his other animal friends for help. They unanimously suggest asking Jules for advice, and he finally does, admitting that he lied earlier because he wanted Jules to be proud of him. With Jules’ instructions, Little Tractor successfully herds the sheep to the new pasture. Starring an earnest protagonist who, like many preschoolers and toddlers, initially struggles with following directions, this simply told story delivers a solid message without preaching to or talking down to its audience. Aware that owning up to a mistake can feel overwhelming, Quintart surrounds Little Tractor with an empathetic, supportive group of pals. In Goossens’ detailed farm scenes, bright-red Little Tractor stands out easily; his winsome expressions make him immensely relatable. A gentle lesson about telling the truth even when it isn’t easy.

– Kirkus Reviews