Fire Engines

Children's Literature

This entry in the easy-to-read "Emergency Vehicles" series features large print and plenty of white space to attract older readers who have high interest but low reading skills. The text defines the emergency vehicle's uses, points out the people who use the gear, and mentions some of the tasks each performs. Photographic emphasis is on the machines with close-ups of equipment, dashboards, and special gear, and a little less on the situations in which they may be used. Unfortunately, for today's multicultural populations, there are no people of color pictured, which is a real disadvantage especially given the school populations that are likely to be attracted to the topic. Photographs are clear, clean, and in this case, feature all men posing with their firefighting equipment and uniforms. A glossary, index, and other helpful trade books and Websites are included. But purchasers should be wary of what is implied by the pictures. 2002, Gareth Stevens,
— Susan Hepler