STURGIS, S.D. – Author Jolene Pisel examines themes of self-worth, identity and purpose in her children’s book, “Little Tractor Brown,”
The book introduces readers to a small brown tractor that feels it does not belong. Surrounded by larger and newer tractors, it believes it is not as capable or valuable. These feelings lead the tractor to question its role and importance.
When the tractor arrives at Farmer Frank’s farm, its perspective begins to change. As it takes part in everyday farm work, the tractor slowly understands that its size allows it to perform tasks others cannot. These moments help the tractor realize that every role on the farm matters.
“I hope to help children understand that they are wonderfully and perfectly made,” said Pisel. “They have tremendous value exactly as they have been made. They don’t need different attributes to be acceptable.”
The story includes realistic farm details such as equipment, animals, and daily chores, which reflect the author’s own background in farming. Farmer Frank is inspired by the author’s husband and serves as a tribute to her father, who was a farmer.
The author explains that the book was written to help children face common challenges such as comparison and low confidence. The story encourages children to believe in themselves even when they feel overlooked. It also teaches that kindness, encouragement, and friendship can have a strong impact on others.
Written in clear and simple language, Little Tractor Brown is designed for young readers. The book aims to help children understand that they are important just as they are and that discovering one’s purpose often comes from using one’s strengths with confidence.
Jolene Pisel is a born and raised Iowa native. As a dairy farmer’s daughter, she learned to milk cows, bale hay and drive tractors at an early age. For 43 years she farmed beside her husband, Kirk, raising crops, cattle, and daughter, Lacy. Writing has always been one of her passions and after the couple retired from farming, the grandma of two had time to focus more closely on writing books for children based on her own experiences.
