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National Fire Prevention Week 2006In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls. According to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925.* This information from the National Fire Protection Association gives the background for this year’s Oct. 8th through Oct.14th commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 (“…conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871.” The NFPA has worked diligently to educate people about fire safety to help prevent destructive fires. Each year they focus on a different aspect of fire safety. This year’s focus is on the kitchen. More fires start in the kitchen than in any other part of a home, so teaching and learning about kitchen/cooking fire safety should be a high priority for everybody. Look for lots of tips and lessons on their web site; and, also, look through the following titles for books to share with youngsters (and older readers, as well) on various aspects of fire safety--some more serious than others but all a good springboard for discussion about fire safety in your house. *NFPA's Fire Prevention Week Web site, www.firepreventionweek.org. ©2006 NFPA.")Contributor: Sheilah Egan Reviews
Hugo the Flying Firefighter Loretta Broekstra There is something surreal about a turtle who has a pet dog, but that is just a small bit of humor in this fun story about Hugo the elephant, the airplane Wilco, and their bravery in putting out a fire in a neighbor’s house. Hugo and Wilco buzz over the landscape and inhabitants of Hometown--population, 49--enjoying an airplane’s-eye view of the community. From their vantage point, Hugo spots smoke seeping out of a window of a house. He shouts down to several folks, but he cannot get anyone’s attention. Then he has an idea--he asks Wilco to skywrite “FIRE!” with his own smoke. By the time the firemen arrive, Hugo is already dampening the blaze; he is the hero of the hour. Children will ask to reread this simple but well-written text with its bright, cartoon illustrations. 2005, Allen & Unwin, $13.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Diane Carver Sekeres, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-7411-4334-9 ISBN: 978-1-7411-4334-8 
I Drive a Fire EngineSarah Bridges Illustrated by Amy Bailey Muehlenhardt Every young reader will identify with Jackson, the driver of the fire engine. Jackson tells us all about fighting a fire—from the moment that the call is received in the firehouse until the fire truck is back in the firehouse after the fire is out. This book presents professional firefighters but does not discuss volunteer firefighting. Teamwork is mentioned in the story, as well as driving safety from the perspective of the fire engine driver and the drivers on the road. Small inset boxes reinforce and expand the knowledge presented in previous pages. The primary lettering typestyle and the use of color to highlight the machine and the driver against the grays and browns of the surrounding environment draw the child's eyes to the important details of the story. The inclusion of different genders in non-traditional roles adds to the quality of this series. Nevertheless, different genders are not included in each title. Helpful pages at the back of the book include a diagram of a fire engine, a glossary, fun facts, web resources, a brief bibliography, and an index. The front and end flaps have tire tracks running top to bottom to add to the attraction of this "working" title. This is part of the "Working Wheels" series, which currently includes 30 titles. Series titles are included in the help pages. This is an excellent early career book for elementary collections. 2006, Picture Window Books, $22.60. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Joyce Rice (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-4048-1606-2 Magnus at the Fire Jennifer Armstrong Illustrated by Owen Smith Magnus the fire horse at the Broadway Firehouse in Hope Springs represents a part of American history. He and his two strong partners are quickly in place when the fire bell sounds, ready to pull the steam pumper and to stand steady no matter how hot the fire or chaotic the situation. Magnus is proud of being considered a hero. One day, however, a motorized fire engine arrives, and the horses are sold away. Still, whenever the fire bell clangs, Magnus feels that he must go. He jumps the fence no matter how high, but at the scene of the fire he is in the way. But when the new engine blows its engine and is too heavy to be moved, the firemen rig up a harness and Magnus manages to pull the engine to the fire in time. A hero again, Magnus finally accepts retirement in the country. The story is exciting; the characters, including Magnus, have real personalities. Smith’s double-page scenes emphasize the melodrama of fire-fighting. He uses oil paints to create naturalistic settings with a historic feeling, in which the muscled horses play the starring roles. The engines are lovingly depicted with gleaming brass boilers and bright red tanks, but there is no doubt that the horses are the focus, particularly Magnus. The author adds information on the changing history of firefighting from volunteers passing buckets of water through horse-drawn pumpers to self-propelled fire engines. Note the stirring end-paper illustrations of horses in action in the beginning, and of Magnus peacefully at pasture at the end. 2005, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, $15.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature). Best Books:
Protecting Your Home: A Book About FirefightersAnn Owen Illustrated by Eric Thomas. This is a nice, twenty-four page, colorful book about firefighters and the services they perform. The book is targeted for preschoolers through ages six and seven. The text is minimal and in large print and the illustrations are also large, filling up most of the pages. Facts about firefighters are kept simple. The opening page begins with the question, what do firefighters do? The following pages explain how they keep their trucks clean, wear heavy suits and masks, climb ladders, spray water, use tools, rescue people, help save pets, etc. This book can also be used to teach colors and shapes. There are lots of blues, greens, and reds in addition to circle and square shapes. The last few pages give information on interesting facts such as, most fire trucks are red, but yellow ones are also common. Another page describes a firefighter's equipment. There is also a glossary of words to know such as turnout gear and air pack. The last page lists sources of information, Web sites, and books to read. Author Thomas offers a multi-purpose book on a subject of interest to young children. Parents and teachers will appreciate its simplicity and appealing child-like illustrations. 2004, Picture Window Books, $21.26. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Della A. Yannuzzi (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-4048-0088-3 Qué hace un bombero? Ellen Catala It goes without saying that firefighters risk their lives to put out dangerous fires. But what else do they do during a typical day at work? This Level A book in the “Yellow Umbrella Books” series shows firefighters in a wide range of occupational activities. Ensuring that their fire trucks and other equipment are in working order is a must! Firefighters also respond to vehicle accidents and help take injured or sick people to safety. In addition to spending time training for emergencies, they also take time to educate young people about the dangers of fire and how to reduce fire risks. As for the firefighting job itself, this book shows firefighters breaking through a wall to reach the fire, as well as helping to put out forest fires by digging ditches around the fire and by using helicopters to dump huge buckets of water on burning areas. The glossy photographs that accompany each page depict the exact scenes described by the text. The final page of the book contains a combined glossary and index. This easy read would make a useful tool when discussing careers or fire safety. 2005, Capstone Press, $15.93. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Ramirose Attebury Wendt (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7368-4180-6 
Safety FirstRebecca Weber One in the continuing 'Spyglass" series about social studies and science designed for early readers, this book deals with safety issues at home, at school, on the road, at play and fire safety at home. Action packed color photos of children enhance the limited text and graded vocabulary based on "Guided Reading" principles. Basic safety principles are encouraged using the strategy of thinking first before you act. The variety of environments mentioned will elicit discussion and activities among readers, but additional information from other sources will be needed to facilitate full understanding. A glossary, index and sources for further study are included. 2004, Compass Point Books, $18.60. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7565-0626-3 Tito, the Firefighter/Tito, el bombero Tim Hoppey Illustrated by Kimberly Hoffman Translated by Eida de la Vega Tito, a boy who lives in East Harlem, a Spanish-speaking neighborhood in New York, is taken on the ride of his life all because he is biligual. Tito’s friend, Richie, who is a firefighter at the local fire station, does not know Spanish. One day, Tito sees that Richie needs help understanding a man who cannot speak English. A smoke alarm has gone off in a building nearby and the man is desperate for the firefighters to come. After Tito translates for Richie, he is asked to ride in the truck to show the firefighters the way. After the fire is averted, Tito becomes an unofficial, honorary firefighter and is called their little bombero. The book’s text is primarily in English with intermittent Spanish words in bold red type. A vocabulary list is included. Written by a real firefighter from East Harlem, this book is sure to please those girls and boys who dream of helping others in this profession. Additionally, the book’s message can provide a sense of pride for children who are bilingual and an impetus for children who are trying to learn a second language. 2004, Raven Tree Press, $16.95 and $4.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Michelle Negron Bueno (Children's Literature). Awards, Honors, Prizes:
ISBN: 978-0-97249-733-6 ISBN: 0-97419-926-5 ISBN: 978-0-97419-926-9 What Does a Firefighter Do? Ellen Catala Consultant, Mark Edelbrock Dramatic photos of firefighters in action and simple, easy-to-read sentences answer the question this book's title poses. They include the diverse aspects of firefighting that many children may not be aware of. For example, it teaches that firefighters also help car crash victims and people who are hurt in other situations as well. They also educate others about fire safety and are always learning new, better ways to do their jobs. Readers will see that firefighters use a variety of tools to put fires out, such as shovels for digging and powerful hoses. Included is a page of words-to-know/index section with words such as alarm, helicopter, and practice. This book would be appropriate for teachers to have children read on their own and then follow up with comprehension questions. This title is Level A Social Studies in the "Yellow Umbrella Books for Early Readers" series. 2004, Capstone Press, $15.93 and $6.50. Ages 4 to 6. Reviewer: Cherie Ilg Haas (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7368-2911-3 ISBN: 0-7368-2870-2 
WildfireTaylor Morrison Hot, dry summers produce forest fires that require hundreds of trained firefighters and volunteers to bring them under control. Well-researched and colorfully illustrated, Morrison details how fires develop and the conditions that cause them to rage out of control, the tireless work of the firefighters, the equipment used not only to fight fires but also to predict them, and the attention to detail required to bring this destructive force of nature under control. This is only part of the story. Morrison makes a strong case for the use of prescribed fires. These controlled fires are necessary to thin the Ponderosa pine forests and stabilize the ecosystem. Unfortunately these fires are not popular with the public, but the author makes a strong case for their use. The narrative is precise and as intense as its subject, and it does require very careful reading. In some cases it is necessary to re-read sections for full comprehension, but one is rewarded with a very informative and thorough discussion of wildfires. Dramatic paintings depict the power of fire, and smaller drawings are explicit in illustrating the finer points of the text. Pair this with Patricia Lauber’s Summer of Fire for a fascinating look at nature in one of its most powerful moments. 2006, Houghton Mifflin, $17.00. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey (Children's Literature). Best Books:
ISBN: 0-618-50900-3 Wildfire! Annie Auerbach Part of the “Matchbox Hero City series” this title showcases the various vehicles involved in fighting a forest fire. The cover picture of a water bomber spreading retardant on a raging wildfire is sure to draw a young reader’s attention. The cinematic, airbrushed pictures are, without a doubt, the book’s strongest feature. Though there are characters in the book, their presence is actually confusing, as they drop in and out abruptly, making the story difficult to follow, even for adults. The story, however, is not what is important here. Every picture sports a “cool” vehicle in action--complete with vividly displayed Matchbox logo. Through the spotlighting of the different vehicles, a young reader could get an idea of what kind of organization and activity is necessary to combat a forest fire. Aside from a mention of saving the forest and the wildlife, the book does not dwell on environmental concerns. Also, though it gives a nod to inclusion by having one white woman and one African-American man appear in the pictures, it could not be accused of being terribly enlightened on diversity. What this title amply provides is action and the opportunity for vehicle-obsessed preschoolers to look at pictures of fire-fighting machinery. 2005, Little Simon, $3.50. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Courtney Angermeier (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-689-86728-X 
Wildfire!Elizabeth Starr Hill Pictures by Rob Shepperson When he was four, Ben's parents were killed in a car crash so he lives with his grandparents in a rural Florida town. A city boy named Elliot moves into town and thinks he is better than everyone else. Even more aggravating, Elliot ends up getting the dog Ben wants. Mad and jealous, ten-year-old Ben still seeks Elliot's approval which leads him to make some bad choices. Ben looks forward to Fourth of July every year with the games and fireworks. This year, however, because it has been extremely dry and there have been problems with fires, fireworks are banned. Ben and Elliot have other plans, though, and do something dangerous and stupid. Ben realizes he made a mistake and races against time to fix things. A dramatic story illustrated with wash-and-line drawings. Readers will be entertained by this exciting adventure. 2004, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Michele Wilbur (Children's Literature). Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Wildfire Alert! Lynn Peppas Fire can be nature's friend or a devastating enemy depending on the situation. People have used it to cook food and to heat their homes, but fire can also destroy homes and take human life. Fire is made up of oxygen, fuel and heat. If all three of these ingredients are not present, a fire will not start. There are also three stages of a fire including pre-heating, flaming combustion and glowing combustion. Fire is also part of the forests' ecosystem and acts to clean the dead fuel littering the forest floor. Fires are an important part of the natural growth cycle of forests so sometimes prescribed fires are necessary. The ash left from a forest fire is also used by nature as a nutrient for new plants. There are three types of wildfires including ground fires, surface fires and crown fires. Wildfires destroy millions of acres of forest every year. In recent years, fires have scorched large sections of Yellowstone National Park, British Columbia and Australia. Well-known city fires have also occurred over the years including the Oakland, California fire in 1991 that killed 25 people and destroyed over 3,000 homes. Following fire codes and being prepared with fire extinguishers can help prevent many fires. There are many specially trained firefighters including those at fire stations, hot shots and smoke jumpers. A part of the "Disaster Alert" series, this book also includes a glossary, index, and a fire safety plan. 2004, Crabtree Publishing Company, $23.92 and $8.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Michele Wilbur (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7787-1574-4 ISBN: 0-7787-1606-6 
Disasters Up Close: FiresMichael Woods and Mary B. Woods This well-written, well-researched text introduces readers to the concept of fire as a destructive force of nature and often, manmade devices. Six chapters detail what fires are, how and why different fires through history have started, which parts of the world are more likely to have fire disasters/places where spectacular fires have occurred, and the various ways we define how bad a fire is as well as the manner in which fire safety has changed over time because of fire disasters on passenger boats, in buildings, and so on. The final two chapters focus on how people come to others’ rescue during and because of fire disasters and what we may be able to expect in the future concerning firefighting and the general prevention of fires. A timeline of amazing fires through history, beginning with the destruction of the Temple of Artemis in 356 B.C. and concluding with the 2006 fire season in Nepal, helps clarify the earlier comments in the book concerning “hot spots” in the world and through history. A glossary and source notes section provides other sources for interested readers. I also found the “Places to Visit” section quite interesting as it allows American readers to consider museums that showcase fires. A worthy read. 2007, Lerner Publications Company, Ages 9 to 14, $27.93. Reviewer: Jean Boreen ISBN: 0-8225-4713-9 Fire Cat Pippa Goodhart Illustrated by Philip Hurst The story of the Great Fire of 1666 in London is told through experiences of a young boy named John. His adventures in searching for his cat bring him into danger as the fire rages for several days. It is supposedly his suggestion to Mr. Pepys that the fire will not burn earth which brings about the action of razing houses to create a firebreak. John is encouraged by Samuel Pepys to keep a diary just like the great writer/documentarian did. Pepys diary, as the timeline and endnotes indicate has been a great source for learning about life in the 1600s. After so many people were left homeless by the fire, the rules for building houses were changed and the rat population which had spread the plague was also dislodged and that was an unexpected boon. While the art is a bit monotonous—yellow backgrounds reflecting the fire and characters with a cartoonish appearance, the story of the fire and John’s search for his cat Sammy and the little twist at the end make this an interesting chapter book. Part of the “Go bananas” series which includes fun facts and an activity related to the story. 2006, Crabtree, Ages 6 to 8, $19.96 and $4.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot. ISBN: 0-7787-2675-4 ISBN: 0-7787-2697-5 ISBN: 978-0-7787-2697-5 
Let’s Find Out: Fire StationWiley Blevins Illustrated by Megan Montague Cash A series addressed to preschool and kindergarten children, this title includes a spiral-bound story and activity book, along with pertinent stickers and an attached wipe-able marker and toy hook and ladder truck. A teaching guide for parents fills the end papers. The story is a simple visit to a fire station with straightforward photographs illustrating firefighting methods and vehicles. The photos have been cleverly chosen to include male and female firefighters of all colors. Lessons are given on how to be a fire safety expert, with a child demonstrating what to do if his clothes catch on fire. The activity pages—which are printed on heavier, glossy sheets suitable for reuse—include a maze, basic counting, and size and shape recognition exercises. The book closes with the image of a large telephone and the numbers “911.” The text and illustrations are basic to match the no-nonsense approach of the lesson. Overall, it’s a fairly useful little package. 2006, Cartwheel Books/Scholastic, Ages 3 to 6, $8.99. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr. ISBN: 0-439-72606-9 To stay up to date on new books by these authors, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Updated 9/29/06
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A Fire Drill with Mr. Dill
Fire Safety
Firefighters to the Rescue!
Hero Cat
Hotshots!
