The Hired Hand (picture book)

The Hired Hand is a picture book written and illustrated by Robert Ramirez. Published in 2021, the book tells the story of a young boy named Mateo who befriends a hardworking and mysterious hired hand on his family's farm. The narrative explores themes of friendship, community, hard work, and the dignity of labor. Mateo learns valuable lessons from the hired hand, who is portrayed as a quiet but kind and capable figure. The illustrations are often described as capturing the beauty of the rural setting and the warmth of the characters' relationships. The book is intended for children and aims to promote positive values and an appreciation for the contributions of those who work the land.