Fire! in Yellowstone

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-- A startlingly beautiful photo essay that draws readers into the drama of the 1988 fire, unfolding the story in one-and-a-half page full-color spreads. Unfortunately, the large-print text in an easy-reader style is flat, static, and somewhat oversimplified. At the bottom of each page, a few lines of smaller print explain the visuals. These excellent photographs are the strength of the book. They show the close proximity of animals, man, and fire, merely hinting at danger and some disruption of natural food sources. They also show the contradictions and official lack of concern exemplified throughout the disaster. A few pictures speak for themselves, radiating heat, smoke, and charred devastation. At book's end, readers see new flowers, plants sprouting, and learn of nutrients found in ash. A small drawing shows the time it takes a lodgepole forest to grow. While claiming ``to explore the controversy,'' this condescending text glosses over the issues and danger and details only the plus side of the ``let-it-burn'' philosophy. Ekey fails to mention current resulting economic problems, mud-slide conditions, and loss of animal life. Vogel and Gardner's The Great Yellowstone Fire (Sierra Club Bks/Little, 1990) is a far better choice. --Susannah Price, Boise Public Library, ID