The Fire Engine Book

by Jesse Younger, Aurelius Battaglia (Illustrator)

Clang, clang! The fire trucks are here, ready to help put out the fire. The pumper truck will provide the water. The hook and ladder will help the fire fighters climb to the high floors of the burning building. All the important fire trucks and fire-fighting tools are included in this wonderfully-illustrated picture-book, plus funny and interesting details for children to discover along the way.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

24 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book to my daughter, and if she was doing the rating and reviewing, it would probably get 2 stars. There were no princesses, no unicorns and a distinct lack of Piggie and Elephant (her favorite series). She listened to me read it with polite indulgence and when done said, "Thanks daddy... can I pick the next story?" She had humored me enough. It was time to get back to the princesses and unicorns.

But I'm in charge of this review and I do the rating around here.

This book has a lot of sentimental attachment to me. It's one of the first books I remember having read to me, and one of the few I distinctly remember my dad reading. I remember sitting at the table, eating Oreo cookies, and having a glass of milk as my dad read.

My dad was also on the fire department, so when he read this, I knew I was getting the real inside information, not just the distilled kid take. This obviously was how it was.

In that regard, the book is actually pretty good. It does have a lot of details that I wouldn't necessarily expect in a kid's book (even down to explaining that people in the fire department have overnight shifts, and have to live part of the time at the firehouse). So would I suggest it? If you know a child into firefighters, fire trucks or anything like that, absolutely. If the child is like my daughter and prefers princesses, ponies and finds that a lack of pink in her book is a distinct disadvantage to the story... you may want to pass.

That said, it's still staying on our bookshelf. :)

3/5 stars

[Monica Loftus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teaches children about what life as a firefighter is like. Love the illustrations

[Little Champs]

2822

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how in this story they take you in to the fire house and also into a fire. It shows the children what it could be like which is nice for them.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have read this book so many times. One of my child’s favourites. He loves firefighter books! The page with the equipment labeled is their favourite.

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another one that I just don't know if I had as a child. Something about the outside is so familiar, but nothing about the inside.

I can see why it'd be appealing to kids. Kids love trucks and they certainly love fire trucks. Giving some insight into what they do would work wonderfully for younger kids.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute little book that explains what fire fighters do, and how they help people!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little book about fire fighters

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the shape books. Informative cuteness too.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for preschoolers, if a bit old fashioned.