John Deere (Drive. Ride. Fly.)

This is a new series created for younger gearheads ages 10 and up. They incorporate a flashy style that's sure to keep a kid's attention.

Nothing runs like a Deere—and nothing sums up the might of the American farm machine like the bright green John Deere tractor. Young readers and machine enthusiasts will revel in this full-color, picture-filled, fact-packed book about the tractor that has worked America’s fields for more than a hundred years. Here’s the whole fascinating model-by-model story of the John Deere tractor from its beginnings in 1892 to its triumphant place on the farms of today. An inspiring portrait of the muscle of American machinery and an exciting close-up look at the big green workhorses that keep our farms rumbling, this book is the ultimate guide to the ultimate tractor.

Booklist, April 1, 2007

“In their debut series for young people, the go-to publishers for automotive enthusiasts gets it right. These lavishly illustrated single-subject books, which include ‘Corvette’ and ‘Chopper,’ will be hot commodities with younger kids as well as car-obsessed teens.”

Note:  The series is one of ten selected by the American Library Association as the year’s top non-fiction picks launched in the last 12 months.

American Authors Association Web site, May 2006Reviewed by the Associate President“The book is family friendly and well-written. The text is easy to read and there is a glossary in the back of the book. It merits putting this book on your gift list for those special young men in your life.”

Toy Farmer, June 2006 (circ.: 28,500)

“For over 40 years Motorbooks has created the best books on cards, motorcycles, tractors, trains and trucks. Drive.Ride.Fly. offers young enthusiasts all the detail on the hottest and coolest vehicles on the planet.  The new series is recommended for ages 10 and up, but you don’t have to be a youngster to appreciate this book, which includes detailed information in short narrative tables, lists and a glossary of terms. Bright color and graphics invite all to page through this book and learn about John Deere.”

Forest Lake Times, May 24, 2006 (circ.:12,000; also online)

“Maurer co-wrote the nonfiction book John Deere with Rod Beemer, a tractor expert. Together the pair combined historical knowledge, photography and contemporary style to create a book about John Deere tractors that appeals to not only enthusiasts, but reluctant readers.”
                                                                                                                                                 

Small Farm Today, May 2007

“This is a fun read for anyone of any age.”