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Fire Engine No. 9
Fire at the corner of 4th and Main! Go, Engine No. 9, go!
Told almost entirely in sound words, this day-in-the-life look at a fire engine crew will appeal to the youngest vehicle enthusiasts and to parents with a penchant for exuberant read-aloud sessions. With art reminiscent of that in Donald Crews's transportation books, Mike Austin evokes the excitement of a 911 call as we follow firefighters sliding down the fire pole, racing through town, and up the ladder truck.
Includes fire safety tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency!
“Bold and energetic, and complete with fire-safety tips and fire-gear endpapers, this is one surefire win for the firefighter fan.” —Kirkus Reviews starred review
“The simple emphatic text includes many forceful sound words… text placement, color, and size are integral parts of the dynamic illustrations.” —The Horn Book starred review
““Highly recommended for young fire engine fans.” —Booklist starred review
Told almost entirely in sound words, this day-in-the-life look at a fire engine crew will appeal to the youngest vehicle enthusiasts and to parents with a penchant for exuberant read-aloud sessions. With art reminiscent of that in Donald Crews's transportation books, Mike Austin evokes the excitement of a 911 call as we follow firefighters sliding down the fire pole, racing through town, and up the ladder truck.
Includes fire safety tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency!
“Bold and energetic, and complete with fire-safety tips and fire-gear endpapers, this is one surefire win for the firefighter fan.” —Kirkus Reviews starred review
“The simple emphatic text includes many forceful sound words… text placement, color, and size are integral parts of the dynamic illustrations.” —The Horn Book starred review
““Highly recommended for young fire engine fans.” —Booklist starred review
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
September 1, 2017
Sure to please all the young boys and girls who want to be firefighters.
September 22, 2015
Best of 2015. Strong use of onomatopoeia to tell the story. Vivid illustrations. Firefighter is a female. Multicultural characters. Good info section at the end.
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October 12, 2018WOW!!!! This book EXPLODES off the pages with vibrant illustrations and LOUD (although simple) WORDS!!! Engine No. 9 is called to a fire. WEOOO! WEOOO! HURRY! CLIMB! The words are part of the colorful full-page graphics and we can’t help but be drawn into the action. I won’t reveal the ending, except to let you know that it does end happily. Plus, there are even instructions in the back about what to do in a home fire. THREE CHEERS for a most exciting book!—Jess O.
May 22, 2021
My firefighter obsessed 2 year old loves it.
February 6, 2018
I have read this book more than 40 times and it has stood the test of repetition. For starters, not too many words, but lots to talk about in the pictures. Great end-pages, a 3-year-old's fantasy paraphernalia collection: pick-axes, walkie-talkies, smoke-extinguishers, fire hydrants, helmets, hoses. The illustrations are wonderful and the plot is very exciting! A+
November 28, 2015
every damn day, so i'm counting it. AND i have to make up the story each time.
January 26, 2016
Read this to KA. Gorgeous illustrations. Only one word per page. You could use show onomatopoeia with the words that are fire engine sounds.
June 10, 2017
5*art
3* concept
The illustrations are so vivid and full of action it didn't matter that it was otherwise so simple.
3* concept
The illustrations are so vivid and full of action it didn't matter that it was otherwise so simple.
March 4, 2018
Super simple picture book with few words about fighting a fire!
January 16, 2021
Full of sounds, perfect for young readers who love being loud.
April 10, 2022
1 - 3 years,
August 23, 2017
Perfect fr storytime for the littles
August 3, 2017
Almost wordless, sounds
September 10, 2015
Richie’s Picks: FIRE ENGINE NO. 9 by Mike Austin, Random House, September 2015, 40p., ISBN: 978-0-553-51095-9
“WEOOO! WEOOO! WEOOO! HONK! HONK! HONK!”
“Federal Judge Nicholas Garaufis laid down the law with the FDNY today, writing that the job of ‘New York City firefighter - arguably “the best job in the world” - has remained a stubborn bastion of white male privilege.’
...Garaufis’ opinion greatly expands the federal court’s role in forcing the FDNY to comply with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (of, ahem, 1964).”
-- The Village Voice, October 5, 2011
FIRE ENGINE NO. 9 is a high energy, action-filled picture book that does it right on all fronts. The story is told almost entirely in sound words that are presented in large block caps. We see members of the fire company engaged in routine maintenance and preparation of the fire engine. Then the alarm sounds, and we accompany the company on a breathtaking response to a burning building
“HURRY! HURRY!”
“CLIMB! CLIMB! CLIMB!”
From the first, the bright illustrations reveal that this is not an all-white fire company. What is even more exciting is the surprise near the end. When all is safe, after the dramatic rescue of a baby from a burning apartment, the rescuer removes the visored fire helmet, and we discover that our hero is a female firefighter!
The front- and back- endpapers contain illustrations of firefighter tools like a first-aid kit, chain saw, and pike pole. Following the story, there’s a two-page spread with a clear list of “What to Do During a Home Fire,” which is taken from FEMA’s website.
Which reminds me: It’s time to again check the batteries in my home smoke alarms.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
https://www.facebook.com/richie.parti...
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_...
“WEOOO! WEOOO! WEOOO! HONK! HONK! HONK!”
“Federal Judge Nicholas Garaufis laid down the law with the FDNY today, writing that the job of ‘New York City firefighter - arguably “the best job in the world” - has remained a stubborn bastion of white male privilege.’
...Garaufis’ opinion greatly expands the federal court’s role in forcing the FDNY to comply with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (of, ahem, 1964).”
-- The Village Voice, October 5, 2011
FIRE ENGINE NO. 9 is a high energy, action-filled picture book that does it right on all fronts. The story is told almost entirely in sound words that are presented in large block caps. We see members of the fire company engaged in routine maintenance and preparation of the fire engine. Then the alarm sounds, and we accompany the company on a breathtaking response to a burning building
“HURRY! HURRY!”
“CLIMB! CLIMB! CLIMB!”
From the first, the bright illustrations reveal that this is not an all-white fire company. What is even more exciting is the surprise near the end. When all is safe, after the dramatic rescue of a baby from a burning apartment, the rescuer removes the visored fire helmet, and we discover that our hero is a female firefighter!
The front- and back- endpapers contain illustrations of firefighter tools like a first-aid kit, chain saw, and pike pole. Following the story, there’s a two-page spread with a clear list of “What to Do During a Home Fire,” which is taken from FEMA’s website.
Which reminds me: It’s time to again check the batteries in my home smoke alarms.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
https://www.facebook.com/richie.parti...
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_...
September 18, 2015
This picture book embraces the drama of responding to a fire, showing firefighters sliding down their pole, heading out to the fire, and then putting it out. Along the way, they hook the hose up to the fire hydrant, save a baby, and head directly into the burning building. The book is filled with sounds like alarms sounding, sirens blaring, smashing windows, and the water rushing out of the hose. Climactic and action-filled, this picture book is perfect for the youngest fire-fighting enthusiasts.
Short and filled with almost entirely words that relate to the sounds of a fire response, this book reads quickly and effortlessly. The pacing is frenetic but also systematic like the response itself. The entire book has the feel of excitement but also of an elite team that is prepared to help people.
The art is vibrant and filled with motion. When the fire engine is rushing to the fire, the entire vehicle leans forward with the speed. Dark smoke appears on the page as they reach the fire, billowing over the rest of the city. Bright reds are used very effectively as a background color to amp up the drama and imply the heat of the fire. One of the firefighters is revealed to be a woman at the end of the book, something got a cheer out of me.
Sirens, trucks, action and rescues make this simple book about fire fighters a dynamic pick for toddlers. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
Short and filled with almost entirely words that relate to the sounds of a fire response, this book reads quickly and effortlessly. The pacing is frenetic but also systematic like the response itself. The entire book has the feel of excitement but also of an elite team that is prepared to help people.
The art is vibrant and filled with motion. When the fire engine is rushing to the fire, the entire vehicle leans forward with the speed. Dark smoke appears on the page as they reach the fire, billowing over the rest of the city. Bright reds are used very effectively as a background color to amp up the drama and imply the heat of the fire. One of the firefighters is revealed to be a woman at the end of the book, something got a cheer out of me.
Sirens, trucks, action and rescues make this simple book about fire fighters a dynamic pick for toddlers. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
May 5, 2017
Synopsis: "Fire at the corner of 4th and Main! Go, Engine No. 9, go!
Told almost entirely in sound words, this day-in-the-life look at a fire engine crew will appeal to the youngest vehicle enthusiasts and to parents with a penchant for exuberant read-aloud sessions. With art reminiscent of that in Donald Crews's transportation books, Mike Austin evokes the excitement of a 911 call as we follow firefighters sliding down the fire pole, racing through town, and up the ladder truck.
Includes fire safety tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency!"
Munchkin received this book through his BookU Box subscription some time ago. This book is written almost entirely with onomatopoeias (sound words) which is fun for a kid to participate in reading. This book follows the fire truck on an emergency call. There is also some fire emergency tips for kids and families at the end of the book. Munchkin of course loved the story and wants to read it all the time. One down fall is that in the story the fireman has to save a baby trapped in the fire, this ended up leading to some nightmares for several nights (we are good now but just be aware of this before reading it as a bedtime story to sensitive children).
Told almost entirely in sound words, this day-in-the-life look at a fire engine crew will appeal to the youngest vehicle enthusiasts and to parents with a penchant for exuberant read-aloud sessions. With art reminiscent of that in Donald Crews's transportation books, Mike Austin evokes the excitement of a 911 call as we follow firefighters sliding down the fire pole, racing through town, and up the ladder truck.
Includes fire safety tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency!"
Munchkin received this book through his BookU Box subscription some time ago. This book is written almost entirely with onomatopoeias (sound words) which is fun for a kid to participate in reading. This book follows the fire truck on an emergency call. There is also some fire emergency tips for kids and families at the end of the book. Munchkin of course loved the story and wants to read it all the time. One down fall is that in the story the fireman has to save a baby trapped in the fire, this ended up leading to some nightmares for several nights (we are good now but just be aware of this before reading it as a bedtime story to sensitive children).
January 12, 2016
A great book for pre-schoolers who love the whole fire engine/firefighter thing, or as a class read aloud in preschool for Fire Safety Awareness. The heavy pages, simple, striking artwork, and repeating simple text will make it a prize for reading aloud to this audience. Unlike most truck-related books it gives more detail on what the firefighters do, including a (potentially scary for some children) image of a firefighter crawling through a smoky hallway cradling what turns out to be a baby, and then the firefighter bringing the baby down the ladder while he/she cries-- this appears to be in the story to show crawling as a way to escape a fire. (Happy ending, though, in that the displaced restaurant family now has a food truck in which they bring dinner to the firefighters.)
There's a note at the back on fire safety which will be useful for discussion. My nearly-seven-year old is too old for this one, but a preschool teacher recommends it perhaps for 3's and 4's, maybe even kindergarten; we sent a copy to a 3 year old firetruck fan in the family.
There's a note at the back on fire safety which will be useful for discussion. My nearly-seven-year old is too old for this one, but a preschool teacher recommends it perhaps for 3's and 4's, maybe even kindergarten; we sent a copy to a 3 year old firetruck fan in the family.
November 23, 2016
Austin, Mike Fire Engine No. 9 Random House, 2015. $16.99 PICTURE BOOK Content: G.
This book follows the firefighters from their fire station to a fire at Luigi’s restaurant. They use their equipment to rescue a family from the burning building and to put out the fire. The Luigi family moves their restaurant to a food truck and come to the fire station to thank the firemen.
This book has fantastic illustrations with bright colors and exciting action. There isn’t a written story, but sound effects help emphasize what is going on in the pictures. There are also pictures on the front and back inside covers of some of the equipment firemen use and there is a page spread at the end that gives the facts about what to do if you are trapped in building during a fire. This book would also make a great board book.
PREK, EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
This book follows the firefighters from their fire station to a fire at Luigi’s restaurant. They use their equipment to rescue a family from the burning building and to put out the fire. The Luigi family moves their restaurant to a food truck and come to the fire station to thank the firemen.
This book has fantastic illustrations with bright colors and exciting action. There isn’t a written story, but sound effects help emphasize what is going on in the pictures. There are also pictures on the front and back inside covers of some of the equipment firemen use and there is a page spread at the end that gives the facts about what to do if you are trapped in building during a fire. This book would also make a great board book.
PREK, EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
September 6, 2015
Sound words and onomatopoeia abound in this fiery picture book sure to captivate the attentions of anyone who loves big vehicles such as fire trucks. The bright illustrations and story follow the crew of Engine No. 9 as they go about their daily work. While keeping the truck clean and shiny is important, there is often not a dull moment for these firefighters who must rush to the scene of a fire and do their best to put it out while rescuing the inhabitants. I liked the last scene in which the firefighters enjoy a reward for their hard work and heroism. The back matter includes fire safety tips, which may prove useful if readers ever encounter a fire. Although the book is loud in many respects, it's a delight to read aloud, and I guarantee youngsters will ask to hear it again so they can shout out the sounds.
October 27, 2015
Readers tag along while a team of firefighters respond to a call. Rich with sounds and action this story plays with the orientation of the book during key sequences and helps readers visualize and imagine the intense sensory overload firefighters confront in performing their duties.
A bullet point list following the story instructs readers on how to respond should they find themselves in a fire.
I really appreciated the diverse cast of firefighters which included persons of colors and women among its ranks.
This is an excellent title for sharing with PreK-2 during units about community helpers and fire safety.
A bullet point list following the story instructs readers on how to respond should they find themselves in a fire.
I really appreciated the diverse cast of firefighters which included persons of colors and women among its ranks.
This is an excellent title for sharing with PreK-2 during units about community helpers and fire safety.
December 11, 2015
Loved this! What excellent illustrations-- It has a geometric and collage-style artwork, but it's SO vivid, bright, and eye-catching. Also, I believe this could stretch among a variety of age groups. For the really young ones, the brightness of the artwork is enough. For the older ones, there's a bit of a 'wordless story' element in the sense that you can interact with the child and have them tell you the story of what's happening. The story its self (in regards to words) is simple and almost entirely made of onomatopoeia. However, there is still a progression of action with a climax and resolution.
May 18, 2017
We've read this about 20 times in two days since checking it out from the library! It's a well-done picture book, with lots of space for the reader to describe the images and ask questions about what they're seeing. It is a little intense, showing scenes of fighting a big fire and rescuing a baby from a burning building, so you have to use your judgment as to whether or not your child would get stressed/scared seeing those images. This is a great book for a kid who is really curious about all the tools and strategies firefighters use, and about fire safety (e.g., in a smokey room, crawl on the ground).
December 3, 2015
The day in the life of a fire engine and its crew is beautifully told with bold illustration and a minimal text with sound noises of the job. BRRRIIING! BRRRIIING! BRRRIIING! sounds the alarm!The fire truck rushes to the fire with WEOOO! WEOOO! HONK! HONK! The firefighter uses a hose to put out the fire - WHOOSH! WHOOSH! This is sure to be enjoyed by young fire truck enthusiasts and those who want to be a firefighter when they grow up! The endpapers have neatly labeled pieces of equipment needed for the job.
December 6, 2015
Colorful illustrations. Multicultural characters including one female firefighter. Simple yet descriptive text. I think that young children will truly enjoy making all the sounds as they follow along with the story. This is the type of book my son would have liked when he was young. He loved "Freight Train" by Donald Crewes; "Fire Engine No. 9" reminds me of that book. Great for pre-schoolers!
March 15, 2016
Firefighters have to be ready to go at a moment's notice, and when the time comes fire engine no. 9 can get them to the scene.
This was an immediate hit at our house, and The Boy (2.75) will surely be disappointed when the time comes to return it. Luckily there's no shortage of firetruck books in the world, but this one is especially fun with a unique illustration style and a gripping story (with a happy ending, hurray) and some real-life fire safety tips at the end.
This was an immediate hit at our house, and The Boy (2.75) will surely be disappointed when the time comes to return it. Luckily there's no shortage of firetruck books in the world, but this one is especially fun with a unique illustration style and a gripping story (with a happy ending, hurray) and some real-life fire safety tips at the end.
December 18, 2015
Wavered between 4 and 5 stars on this but landed on 5 because it is one of the best firefighter books I've seen. It is bright, dynamic, and exciting and told almost completely with sound words. A second read reveals many small details that really add interest. I appreciated the depiction of the crew that is mixed racially and gender. Eager to try this on young readers.
October 16, 2015
I really loved going through this book and looking at the illustrations. They did such a good job with the pictures. But what I didn't like about this book is that there are hardly any words in this book. I mean there might be a totally of 15 words through this whole book. It was kinda cool though because you can follow the pictures and understand what the stories about.
December 7, 2015
End papers have nice pictures of fire equipment. Extremely simple picture book with lots of repetitive sounds. Nice variety of pictures, change of views... Also includes a female firefighter, which I like since two of my high school classmates became fire fighters.
Would be useful if I am able to host the fire fighters for another story time.
Would be useful if I am able to host the fire fighters for another story time.
December 15, 2015
This is a surefire winner of a read aloud to the preschool and kindergarten crowd. Lively illustrations, onomatopoeia, action words, and a multi-ethnic (and male/female) cast of firefighters keeps the story moving quickly. The ending is a nice touch as the restaurant owners who suffered the fire have "come back" into business.
December 6, 2015
A terrifying story for any thinking, feeling, breathing child. Why did the parents leave the baby in the apartment when there was a fire inside?!? Why don't they rescue their baby before they flee?!!
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