Fiction - Transportation & Travel, Time

My Little Red Fire Truck

Name: My Little Red Fire Truck
Author: Stephen T. Johnson
ISBN: 9781416925224

by Stephen T. Johnson

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Overview

Caldecott Honor artist Stephen T. Johnson's new multiconcept novelty is a book and a toy in one. My Little Red Fire Truck gives practice telling time while its sturdy moving parts provide hours of fun — and allow readers to see how it would be to work on a real fire truck!

Synopsis

Publishers Weekly

From the maker of My Little Red Toolbox, this dynamic book lets readers handle the care and maintenance of a fire truck. An unseen narrator takes 30 minutes each morning to make sure everything is in order, and kids can help by using a variety of movable, often removable, components. A green cardboard nozzle can be inserted into a diesel fuel tank; on another page, readers can partially unravel a yellow hose; a later spread features a driving wheel with a changeable gearshift as well as a handheld radio. The energetic, gadget-filled format provides a gratifying tactile experience. Ages 3–up. (Sept.)

About the Author, Stephen T. Johnson

Stephen T. Johnson is the creator of such well-known children's books as the Publishers Weekly bestseller My Little Red Toolbox, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award winner My Little Yellow Taxi, and the Caldecott Honor, New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year Alphabet City and the New York Times Best Illustrated and ALA Notable Book A is for Art.

His drawings and paintings are in numerous private and permanent collections, including the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Solo exhibitions of his work have been featured at the Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester, New York; the Katonah Museum of Art, New York; and the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas. Among his public art is a mosaic mural at the DeKalb Avenue subway station in Brooklyn, New York, and a 70-foot mural planned for 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Johnson and his family make their home in Lawrence, Kansas. Visit him at www.stephenjohnsonstudio.com/.

Reviews

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Editorials

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

If you remember My Little Red Toolbox which was published in 2000, then you will have a pretty good idea of how this book is designed. The thick pages contain a variety of pop-out tools and other innovations such as a revolving lecticular red light. I think it is a bit of a stretch to say that the fire bell jumps off the page and that the walkie talkie is interactive. The fire bell has an accordion folded paper backing which raises it from the page. The premise is interesting—the protagonist has thirty minutes to get his fire truck ready for action. There is a countdown clock on each page as he or she goes through a checklist of items. The truck needs to have the fuel tank topped off, oil and transmission fluids checked (and the dip sticks do pull out). With nearly ten minutes elapsed the tires are checked to make sure there is sufficient air pressure. The fire hose is checked and it can actually be turned to have the hose extend about two inches. The ladders and tools are checked and then the engine is started. There is a key to insert and levers as well as a steering wheel. In thirty minutes it is all ready to go. The book is useful for imaginative play, but is more of a personal purchase since the removable parts can easily be lost and much of the fun would be gone. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot

Publishers Weekly

Kirkus Reviews

Little only in comparison to the real thing, this unusually sturdy interactive book features thick cardboard pages held together with a cloth-reinforced tape binding that should last. Within, pop-out cardboard pieces allow drivers to fill the gas, turn the key in the ignition, stow the fire axe and other duties critical to keeping their truck prepped. A clock inset on each page ticks from 6:00 to 6:30, with just three minutes allotted for each task. For truck-mad children, this book is a dream come true-they'll want to spend far more than just three minutes under the hood checking the fluid levels, and when they put it in gear, watch out! Although it's tougher than the average pop-up, the book's removable pieces are something to watch out for, but this engine's just too fabulous to pass by. (Informational pop-up. 3-6)