Tractor Zack on Sunshine Kibbutz

K-Gr 3–In this holiday tale that describes life at a collective agricultural settlement, a dilapidated old farm tractor is given a new purpose when beloved Tractor Zack pulls a load that nearly ends his job before they can celebrate the beginning of the harvest season on Shavuot. In a group effort to uphold tradition and culture, family and friends at the Sunshine Kibbutz share community responsibilities. Illustrations depict the tractor's headlights as eyes to project the emotions of Tractor Zack. A Jewish grandma, with her long challah-woven gray hair, embodies warmth and strength through her expressive eyes and joyful portrayal throughout. Along with the grandma, a sun-kissed grandfather and inquisitive dark curly haired grandson named Ben perform their daily routine of farming while making a collective effort with community ­members. The author emphasizes the structured lifestyle of maintaining the community by assessing and resolving problems. The community elders pass on lessons of tradition and responsibility while knowledgeable grandparents, firm on tradition, present young Ben with ways to manage challenges. Sunshine Kibbutz members take action to organize their festive parade and find a new use for beaming Tractor Zack. Themes throughout Sunshine Kibbutz serve as a cultural anchor for awareness of the community and teach young readers about alternative social settings, such as ­communal living.