Protecting Your Home

Children's Literature

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, Ages 3 to 7.
— Della A. Yannuzzi