When Two Lions first sent me Rosie: Stronger Than Steel several weeks ago, I had no idea how relevant it would be when I posted about it. But now, while people everywhere are going to great lengths to protect themselves and each other from the coronavirus, this charming little picture book suddenly feels real. I’m thrilled to partner with Two Lions Press to bring you this blog post and a collection of free printable farm activities for your kids.
Rosie: Stronger Than Steel is a fictional story set against the historical events of World War II when men went off to war and women were left with the responsibility of working in factories and on farms. Strong and smart women build Rosie, a little green tractor with plenty of heart and determination.
© Lindsay Ward.
After a long trip, Rosie gets the first glimpse of her new home. With the women on the farm, Rosie works the land and grows crops for the soldiers and the country while the war is happening. Rosie works hard, but she loves the work.
© Lindsay Ward.
One day after the war ends, Rosie breaks down. She worries that she won’t be able to work anymore, but some people restore her and make her as good as new.
This is a super sweet book that I absolutely loved reading to my daughter. Women did amazing things during World War II, and it’s great to share those stories with my children. Even though this is a fictional story, many things about it are real. If you’re looking for a good historical book to read to young children, check this one out. The writing is lyrical and lovely you’ll be cheering for Rosie before the end!
About the Book
Rosie: Stronger Than Steel by Lindsay Ward
A brave tractor farms for freedom in a story inspired by women who acted with courage and strength in American factories and on British farms during World War II.
This is our Rosie,
stronger than steel.
She’ll plow all the land
with a turn of her wheel.
Built by women in the United States and sent to England to dig and plow alongside female farmers during World War II, Rosie the tractor does whatever is needed to support the war effort. She works day and night to help grow crops for the troops…even when she has to hide in the fields. This is because she knows, like the women who built her and the women who farm with her, that they all must do their part.
Inspired by the group of American women collectively known as “Rosie the Riveter” and the British Women’s Land Army, this is a story about taking action and coming together for the greater good.
[button url=”https://amzn.to/343NdTS”]Amazon[/button] [button url=”https://bookshop.org/a/5613/9781542017947″]Bookshop.org[/button]
Free Printable Farm Activities
In honor of adorable tractors like Rosie and farms everywhere, I created these fun printable farm activities. This PDF pack includes pictures to finish, drawing challenges, and coloring pages. They are free for personal use. Just click the button and print!
[button url=”https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RpNN1q_nwl0BgtgO7C3k1azIAEshjRiW”]Get the Activities[/button]
This post was created in partnership with Two Lions Press. This blog participates in affiliate partnerships. If you make a purchase using our link, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
2 COMMENTS
Susan Paggi
5 years agoI just read your article on Brightly and wanted to share another source of mystery, secret code, cipher type books for your daughter. Has she ever tried any books by Blue Balliet? “Chasing Vermeer” is probably the most well known, but I believe there are 3 more in the series. I’ve read the first three and can highly recommend them.
Dena at Batch of Books
5 years ago AUTHORThanks for the suggestion, Susan! As far as I know, my daughter hasn’t read Chasing Vermeer. I’ll add it to our TBR!