Meme and Puff Engine the Tractor

Meme and Puff Engine the Tractor is a heartwarming, beautifully illustrated picture book and Book 2 in the Meme’s Farm series, inviting young readers back to the wonderful world of Meme’s Farm, where every day brings a new adventure and an opportunity to learn something new.

Meme has always dreamed of owning her own farm, and now that dream has finally come true. Surrounded by rolling green paddocks, friendly farm animals, and the beauty of the countryside, she is excited to begin her new life as a farmer. There is just one small problem—Meme has never driven a tractor before!

Fortunately, she has a bright red tractor called Puff Engine, who is just as eager for adventure as she is. Together, they set off to explore the farm, but it isn’t long before excitement turns into trouble. Puff Engine becomes stuck deep in the mud, and Meme isn’t sure what to do next. With the help of Poppa Gerry and the watchful presence of Tuki the Kōtuku, Meme discovers that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and that asking for help is a sign of courage, not weakness.

More than just an entertaining farm adventure, Meme and Puff Engine the Tractor provides meaningful opportunities for grandparents, parents, teachers, and caregivers to talk with young children about resilience, problem-solving, and the importance of asking for help when faced with a challenge. As Meme learns to navigate unfamiliar situations with courage and determination, children discover that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and that confidence grows through perseverance, encouragement, and the support of others.

Inspired by the real-life experiences of author Kathie Rittson-Thomas, the Meme’s Farm series celebrates the adventures of a grandmother who began farming later in life. Each story is based on true experiences and is written to entertain, inspire, and encourage young children to believe in themselves, embrace new challenges, show kindness to others, and understand that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

Featuring beautiful full-colour illustrations of tractors, farm animals, native birds, and the peaceful New Zealand countryside, this delightful picture book captures the magic of life on the farm while nurturing children’s curiosity and imagination. Its engaging story and simple language make it perfect for bedtime reading, shared family time, classrooms, libraries, and children beginning their own reading journey.

Perfect for children aged 1–7 years, Meme and Puff Engine the Tractor is Book 2 in the heartwarming Meme’s Farm series—a collection of gentle stories celebrating perseverance, friendship, self-belief, courage, and the joy of learning through real-life adventures on the farm.

Kathie Rittson-Thomas is a Hawke's Bay farmer and children's author whose stories are inspired by her real-life adventures on Meme's Farm in Central Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.Starting her farming journey later in life, Kathie quickly discovered that each day on the farm brought new challenges, valuable lessons, and plenty of memorable moments. These experiences became the heart of the Meme's Farm series-warm, engaging stories that encourage young children to believe in themselves, show kindness, persevere, and feel confident asking for help.Based on true events, each book features lovable characters, farm animals, tractors, motorbikes, and the beauty of the New Zealand countryside. Through her storytelling, Kathie aims to spark curiosity, build resilience, and nurture a love of nature, while creating meaningful moments for families to enjoy together.A proud grandmother of three, Kathie continues to spend time on her farm, where new adventures are always unfolding. She hopes her stories inspire children to dream big, embrace new experiences, and discover that with courage, determination, and the support of others, anything is possible.