DECATUR, Ill. (DTN) -- No need for snow days to be gray days. Realistic coloring books pack kids off to the farm without the muss and fuss of donning outdoor work gear. Just grab some soy crayons to make it a full agricultural teaching experience.

Art of the Tractor Coloring Book from Octane Press (https://octanepress.com/…) is so detailed it will lure older children and adults into a world of creativity. This book is "color blind" in brand preference. It features 36 sketches of popular collectible and modern farm tractors done by sketch artists across multiple platforms.

Octane Press CEO and Founder Lee Klancher said the book was conceived by a former staff member, Mary Ham, whose art is featured in the book. In total, nine sketch artists fill the pages with tractor art. Young artists will enjoy learning more about each illustrator and their artistic journey from short profiles provided.

"The world needs more good STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) books, that's for sure," Klancher told DTN. "We have a complete line of STEM-oriented books. The seven books in the Casey & Friends line for ages 4-8 feature cartoon machine characters paired with real images of tractors at work as well as STEM content developed by a curriculum writer. We also have Revolutionary Red Tractors, a book for readers age 8 and older that features technological change and loads science, math, history and more. It was developed by a children's science writer and a team of educational professionals.

"We believe deeply in doing our best to use the interest in farming and machinery to help children learn and grow. Our coloring books are wonderful interactive engagement that encourage both learning and developing creative skills," he added.

In Art of the Tractor Coloring Book, each tear-out page gives a brief history of the model and enough fodder about engine specifics to satisfy enthusiasts. Those who want a free sample can download an International 5488 drawing by Tyler Linner at https://octanepress.com/….

Green Tractors Coloring Book is another Octane Press offering. The highly detailed drawings start with a 1916 Waterloo Boy and roll through the decades of agricultural innovation.

Coloring pages for the following models include Model 60, Model 420 Crawler, Model D "Spoker," Model BWH-40, Model B, Model 830, Lanz Model 3016, Model 8020, Model 1020, Model 2020 Orchard, Model 7020, Model 4250, Model 4450, Model 7200, Model 9220, Model 9620, Model 2010, Model 5010, Model 8010, Model 8960, Model 9570RX, Model DX24 Experimental Crawler, Model GP, Model D Lindemann Crawler, Model AR, 1930s corn picker, and Model 60 Custom 4x4.

Many drawings are based on images made in a photo studio built in Hangar 2 at the 2019 Half Century of Progress Show. The coloring book includes machines from the collections of Bruce and Walter Keller, Kenny Smith, Tom and Jake Renner, Jack Purinton, and more.

Caterpillar Coloring Book from Octane Press requires pulling out the right yellow crayon to highlight the early, real and futuristic earthmovers. Think machines that have shaped our planet and others that could one day help us explore new lands. Purchase this book from Amazon or Outback Toys. (www.outbacktoys.com)

TAKING TODDLER STEPS

Don't forget to introduce wee farmers to the pleasures of coloring inside and outside the lines. Coloring books with animal and implement drawings for toddlers abound. Check out the Color Me Real series (available on Amazon) as real photographs are set free of their original color so young artists can create their own unique version of the farm scenes and settings.

Soy what you say? Give little fingers a jump start on coloring a brighter world with Crayon Rocks. Made from U.S. grown and processed soybeans, these crayon nuggets are shaped to foster early hand skills. Find them online at www.crayonrocks.com.

Pamela Smith can be reached at pamela.smith@dtn.com

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