The book is far more informative than the typical picture book on the topic, and easy-to-understand fire prevention and other safety information provide adults the opportunity to discuss fire safety with children. However, the order of information is a bit haphazard, and the text and the illustrations do not always match up well: for example, “Firefighters stay on duty at the firehouse” shows the crew at a supermarket. This may confuse young readers, though fire truck aficionados are unlikely to object.
Clay’s obvious knowledge of firefighters and their equipment shines through in his colorful illustrations. The accurate information and an unusually wide array of fire equipment will please young fans of emergency responders. Despite some stumbles in the text, Drez’s soothing prose ensures that this picture book will be a bedtime reading hit, using a familiar format—wishing firefighters goodnight—to assure children they are safe at night.
Takeaway: This instructive and detailed book introduces young readers to firefighters, firefighting equipment, and the basics of fire safety.
Great for fans of Chris L. Demarest’s Firefighters A to Z, Leslie McGuire and Joe Mathieu’s Big Frank’s Fire Truck.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: B-
Illustrations: A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: B+
