Uncle Rocky, Fireman

by James Burd Brewster, Dayna Barley-Cohrs (Illustrator)

New firefighter, Rocky Hill, arriving at his first fire is confronted by a frantic mother shouting, "Save my Baby, Save My Baby." While his crew attacks the fire, Rocky, his heart pounding with the urgency of the situation, crawls through the upstairs searching for the baby trapped in her crib.

Called "Good Books for Young Boys" Uncle Rocky, Fireman is a series of children's illustrated story books about the adventures of a firefighter and his two nephews. Apart or together they fight fires, rescue people, and help neighbors. The stories are free of bad behavior and the characters are kind, friendly people who enjoy helping others, so parents may confidently read Uncle Rocky, Fireman to their children. Uncle Rocky, Fireman emphasizes service to others and devotion to duty with each story ending with the trademark statement, "Glad to do it!

Download coloring pages or see the other books in the "Glad to do it!" series at: www.GladToDoIt.net.

30 pages, Paperback

First published June 26, 2013

About the author

James Burd Brewster was raised in Albany, NY, learned to sail on Lake Champlain, navigated a Polar Icebreaker in the US Coast Guard, and married Katie Spivey from Wilmington, NC. They lived in Baltimore, MD when Ben and Luke heard the Rocky Hill, Fireman stories. The family grew to five (Ben, Luke, Rachel, Andrew, Sam) and settled in Pomfret, MD, outside of Washington, DC. Ben and Luke are no longer 6 and 41/2. Ben is a Marine, married, and father of 5 and Luke is an Apple employee in Chicago, IL. Ben now reads Uncle Rocky stories to his children (Levi, Micah, Judah, Felicity, and Seth).

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great and educational for students! I'd suggest a first grade audience due to the longer story line and pictures. It shows the firemen as normal people just like us, who sacrifice all they can to help. I'm happy to add this book to my collection of Community Helpers!

[Dedra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a good bit of action in it. It might be a little scary for pre-K and K, so you'd have to gauge your class to see if they could handle both the length of the story and the intensity. It would also be a good fit for our MS/HS Achieve students.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this as a Good reads first read. I thought this book was great. I'm excited to be able to share it with the private school associated with my church.

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was Rocky Hill’s official first day as a fireman. He had just completed his training and was ready to begin his new career. When the alert went off there was a fire, Rocky did not hesitate to join his coworkers to help with the situation.

Arriving at the scene he finds a mother frantic over the fact her baby is trapped inside the burning house. Rocky knows that he has very little time to save the youngster. Will his heroic efforts be enough to save the day, or will his first day be his last?

UNCLE ROCKY, FIREMAN #1 Fire! Is one exceptional book! I was so impressed with the real to life illustrations that breathed life into this delightful story. Rocky is a character who is a true hero. I was glued to this book until I learned the fate of the fire situation.

James Brewster is a very talented author who knows how to craft an unforgettable story. This was my first experience reading his works and let me assure you that it certainly will not be my last. This book is part of a series that I predict will be a sure hit with parents and their young kids. I highly recommend this book be considered as an excellent addition to elementary school libraries. The story is one that is assured to be a huge asset to a child’s education.

[Carrie Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Rocky Hill, the newest firefighter on the crew. This is such a fun children's book. After years of telling his sons made-up stories of a firefighter named Uncle Rocky, the author decided it was time to put the stories in print. And I am so glad he did! Now I can share these delightful stories with my boys. The first book introduces us to Uncle Rocky and his role as a firefighter. There is even an action sequence the author encourages your child to participate in--from the Clang, clang, clang of the bell which they imitate to the putting on of the "bunker gear." How fast can your children do it?
In addition to the great stories, the book features wonderful illustrations. My boys enjoy looking at the puctures just as much as hearing the story. I look forward to reading many more of these stories and re-reading them over and over. There is also a website where you can find coloring sheets to correspond with the stories.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review which I have given.

[Penny Mcguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Uncle Rocky, the new fireman. Rocky shows children how important it is to be organized and to help others in need. Kids of all ages (even me!) enjoy hearing all of the different noises of a fire truck. I can't wait to pass the books along to my grandsons to read. It tugged at my heartstrings to know that he rescued the baby and all he could say was, "Glad to do it!". I believe will let children realize that you don't need to get something in return for helping others. Looking forward to reading more of his books! The illustrations in the book are amazing works of art. Keep the books coming, Mr. Brewster.

I received the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen Carmody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Kids will really love the "sounds" that can be make from the story; the clang, clang of the alarm bell, the vroom, vroom of the engine, the snap, snap, snap on the turnout coat, etc. Your child will learn real firefighter terms, like turnout coat and smoke inhalation. Your child can get involved by acting out parts of the story. This story was especially heart tugging because a baby was caught in the fire. (Spoiler Alert) Everything turns out fine. If your child loves firefighters then you should definitely pick up this book.

[Ronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read it will teach kids about a firemans job and maybe helpful to learn to get low when theres lots of smoke and just the basic's about being a fireman alot of kids want to be firemen when they grow up so I think its a good book to catch alot of the childrens attention and will be helpfull if they ever have a fire.