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Billy & Blaze #3
Blaze and the Forest Fire: Billy and Blaze Spread the Alarm
Billy and Blaze race a forest fire in this installment of the classic, beloved Billy and Blaze series, from renowned author C.W. Anderson.
Billy and Blaze are more than just friends—they’re heroes! When they spot smoke in the brush, they race through the woods to sound the alarm.
At the end of the day, Billy and Blaze are rewarded for their bravery—with carrots for Blaze, chocolate cake for Billy, and a very special present that they can share.
Blaze and the Forest Fire is part of the classic Billy and Blaze series. Sensitive drawings and easy-to-read words capture the warmth and special understanding between a boy and his horse.
Billy and Blaze are more than just friends—they’re heroes! When they spot smoke in the brush, they race through the woods to sound the alarm.
At the end of the day, Billy and Blaze are rewarded for their bravery—with carrots for Blaze, chocolate cake for Billy, and a very special present that they can share.
Blaze and the Forest Fire is part of the classic Billy and Blaze series. Sensitive drawings and easy-to-read words capture the warmth and special understanding between a boy and his horse.
50 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 1969
4 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
C.W. Anderson
75 books69 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
C.W. Anderson - aka Clarence William Anderson
From Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarence...
Clarence William Anderson (1891–1971) was an author and illustrator of children's books. Known professionally as C.W. Anderson, Anderson had an interest in horses and drawing.
Anderson started his career by illustrating for other authors, but eventually began developing texts to accompany his realistic and lively black and white drawings. He is best known for his "Billy and Blaze" book series.
The adventures of Billy and Blaze would revolve around proper care of the horse, while teaching a lesson. Anderson would go to great lengths to give accurate information. He would even go on to write Heads Up, Heels Down as a training tool for young horse lovers. All of the stories Anderson wrote would be based on true stories or people that Anderson knew, only the plots were fiction.
By the end of Anderson's life, he had written and illustrated over thirty-five horse books, and also had created covers for the Saturday Evening Post.
C.W. Anderson - aka Clarence William Anderson
From Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarence...
Clarence William Anderson (1891–1971) was an author and illustrator of children's books. Known professionally as C.W. Anderson, Anderson had an interest in horses and drawing.
Anderson started his career by illustrating for other authors, but eventually began developing texts to accompany his realistic and lively black and white drawings. He is best known for his "Billy and Blaze" book series.
The adventures of Billy and Blaze would revolve around proper care of the horse, while teaching a lesson. Anderson would go to great lengths to give accurate information. He would even go on to write Heads Up, Heels Down as a training tool for young horse lovers. All of the stories Anderson wrote would be based on true stories or people that Anderson knew, only the plots were fiction.
By the end of Anderson's life, he had written and illustrated over thirty-five horse books, and also had created covers for the Saturday Evening Post.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 12, 2024
D: Which book did you like more tonight?
C: I liked all of them.
D: What did you think of this book?
C: I liked it.
D: What was your favorite part?
C: All the fire parts. They got the farmers quick to get some help .
E: *disengaged in the book, looking at truck book*
C: I liked all of them.
D: What did you think of this book?
C: I liked it.
D: What was your favorite part?
C: All the fire parts. They got the farmers quick to get some help .
E: *disengaged in the book, looking at truck book*
October 15, 2020
Onvan : Blaze and the Forest Fire: Billy and Blaze Spread the Alarm - Nevisande : C.W. Anderson - ISBN : 0689716052 - ISBN13 : 9780689716058 - Dar 56 Safhe - Saal e Chap : 1969
September 9, 2020
Wonderful illustrations. White patriarchy was the sea in which I swam in the sixties when this was written and I was a little white girl who thought she must be a little white boy, because all the heroes in the books were little white boys.
February 21, 2019
We thoroughly enjoy the Blaze books and this one is no exception. These books are particularly great for older boys who are a bit behind their grade level in reading. Billy is courageous and brave and handles his independence responsibly. The sketched illustrations are beautifully done.
December 19, 2021
Blaze must clear several obstacles as Billy rides him to a farm to warn others about an imminent forest fire in the making. Beautiful black and white drawings; the horse is especially well executed.
July 12, 2024
This is the third book in the Billy and Blaze series. You do not have to read the previous two books in the series in order to understand what's going on. If you're like me, though, you're wondering what happened to Billy's German shepherd/Alsatian, Rex. He's sick in this book, so does not appear. This was first published in 19398. I guess that with the hints of World War II in the air, anything German was frowned upon, so that was it for the dog.
No dog aside, this is still a vivid and fast-paced entry in the Billy and Blaze series. This was a time where there weren't any cell phones and space between neighbors. A fast horse and rider were often the only fire alarms available.
Blaze tends to get forgotten in the universe of equine fiction. It's hard not to get dazzled by all the black stallions or pinto ponies out there. Blaze is a quiet, unassuming little guy. He looks like a miniature Thoroughbred. Anderson never tells us his color, which was odd, considering he did that for all of the other horses in his books. Blaze is either a bright bay or a chestnut.
No matter his color or lack of breeding, he's a goddamm hero.
He's obviously frightened by the forest fire, but never puts Billy in danger. He's not the best Jumper in the world, but he gives it his all when asked.
Riders and parents today are sure to be more horrified of Billy riding in shorts and without a helmet than of the forest fire.
No dog aside, this is still a vivid and fast-paced entry in the Billy and Blaze series. This was a time where there weren't any cell phones and space between neighbors. A fast horse and rider were often the only fire alarms available.
Blaze tends to get forgotten in the universe of equine fiction. It's hard not to get dazzled by all the black stallions or pinto ponies out there. Blaze is a quiet, unassuming little guy. He looks like a miniature Thoroughbred. Anderson never tells us his color, which was odd, considering he did that for all of the other horses in his books. Blaze is either a bright bay or a chestnut.
No matter his color or lack of breeding, he's a goddamm hero.
He's obviously frightened by the forest fire, but never puts Billy in danger. He's not the best Jumper in the world, but he gives it his all when asked.
Riders and parents today are sure to be more horrified of Billy riding in shorts and without a helmet than of the forest fire.
April 14, 2018
Horses were extremely popular back in the day, especially when it came to travel and/or war. In these books by C.W. Anderson, we can see how young boy, Billy, uses his beloved horse to take on several different adventures. In this book, readers get to see how Billy uses his horse to take on a wild fire and spread awareness to others. Since we do not use horses as much as we used to, this story helps young readers see just how valuable horses have been in the past. The author shows just how driven Billy and his horse, Blaze, are when it comes to taking on new obstacles.
I think these books are more directed towards young male readers, rather than female because it shows how brave Billy is on his horse. I think that if the author/illustrator would change the characters to show girl's being brave on horses as well, it would be more beneficial to young readers, not just males.
I think these books are more directed towards young male readers, rather than female because it shows how brave Billy is on his horse. I think that if the author/illustrator would change the characters to show girl's being brave on horses as well, it would be more beneficial to young readers, not just males.
February 18, 2026
I read this over my 7-year-old’s shoulder and was sorely disappointed she went so fast because the pictures were so beautiful! We have read one other Blaze book (Blaze and the gray spotted pony); these illustrations, though by the same creator, were superior. Blaze and/or Billy stood out from the rest of the drawing, as if he didn’t want to bother much with scenery or household details when the horse and boy were the real stars. I loved the results! Blaze in particular stands out and somehow with pencil CW Anderson captured Blaze’s physiology - every muscle - and especially the sheen of Blaze’s coat.
I always look for clean and well written - and this fulfilled my expectations. The story was adventurous but not scary.
I am really more of a dog person, but we will continue with this series!
I always look for clean and well written - and this fulfilled my expectations. The story was adventurous but not scary.
I am really more of a dog person, but we will continue with this series!
June 20, 2018
Another in the Billy series. Billy and Blaze come across a forest fire. In order to alert the neighbors, they must climb higher and higher fences until the last one has barbed wire on top. Blaze just barely scrapes over it and Blaze and Billy land upright on the other side. The fire is put out before any "real" damage can be done, the neighbors take care of Billy and Blaze, they go home and mom and dad are thrilled he's been so brave, and then later Billy gets new riding pants and bridle from the neighbors because he's such an awesome and brave boy.
An attempt at tension in this one? But again, no doubt at any point that everything is going to be fine and Billy will be the happiest boy in the world.
An attempt at tension in this one? But again, no doubt at any point that everything is going to be fine and Billy will be the happiest boy in the world.
March 25, 2022
Excellent "longer-than-a-reader, but shorter-than-a-chapter-book" title for young readers. Perfect story for grades K-4! Even older kids will enjoy this simple tale of a brave boy and his horse, saving a forest from a fire. Parents will sigh with delight at this portrayal of a simpler time when children rode horses in forests unaccompanied, enjoying the wonders of nature (rabbits, squirrels, birds, flowers). Lovely black-and-white vintage illustrations on every page. * This series reminds me of the "Flicka Ricka Dicka" series - also delightful!
March 24, 2021
I was a *horse kid* and still kind of am, and I am sad I never came across Anderson's striking work as a youngster. This book has so much appeal: detailed-pencil-horse-drawings appeal, kid-saving-the-day appeal, hop-on-your-pony-in-your-shorts-to-go-on-an-adventure appeal. This is a simple, delightful story with a lot of heart and two protagonists (human and equine) with gumption and tenderness.
October 23, 2022
What a joy to revisit this wonderful story. I have always loved these books, the artwork and stories are just the best! All these years later, I'm 58 and thoroughly enjoyed this adventure! I found the whole series and thought that a relaxing Sunday spent reading the group would be a super way to spend the day. I can't stop smiling. :)
September 21, 2019
What a sweet and courageous story this is. It shows bravery and is a page turner for being a picture book. The illustrations are beautiful, too. It also demonstrates the close relationship that Billy and his horse, Blaze, share.
April 27, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+❤
We're all obsessed! Illustrations are very similar in this book but the text is much longer than the first which is absolutely perfect for a 5-8 year old. A heroic boy and a superhero horse!
We're all obsessed! Illustrations are very similar in this book but the text is much longer than the first which is absolutely perfect for a 5-8 year old. A heroic boy and a superhero horse!
January 11, 2025
The Billy and Blaze series is great for little kids who love adventure and nature. When we finished the series, my seven year old said “We are DEFINITELY reading those again.” They are treasures that you won’t find on any of the modern children’s book lists.
July 27, 2017
Really like this series. Billy and Blaze are able to warn about a dangerous fire in the woods. Poor Blaze has a hard time jumping by the end. Love the kindness and sweetness of these stories.
June 18, 2018
ATOS 4.1
September 30, 2020
Another in the series that I remember having and reading as a child.
December 20, 2020
I loved this book when I was a kid, and I love it even more as an adult!
March 30, 2025
I am really enjoying this book series! This one had more fantastic illustrations with a engaging story teaching about the danger of fire and helping even if the problem wasn't caused by you.
September 27, 2025
These books are really beautifully illustrated!!!
August 5, 2024
I've seen these books on so many recommended lists. Orig 1938, these are actually new-to-me now as I don't recall them from my childhood. There is a whole series which we might have to look into. My reason for buying this one is the Memoria Press First Grade StoryTime Treasure reading and language arts curriculum. However we are reading it today in the beginnings of our Forest for the Trees unit study.
My copy is a gorgeous pencil colored reverse illustration from the book and an orange border. The interior illustrations are all black and white and possibly pencil sketches. Each set of facing pages has the one on the left of a few lines of text, much as the Flicka, Ricka, Dicka vintage books, and the facing page of a full page illustration.
This story, Blaze and the Forest Fire had interest and suspense and excitement as each page was turned. My daughter deeply enjoyed it and has already asked if we have any of the other books. (Billy and Blaze is the first book - we haven't yet read - and is in the StoryTime Treasures curriculum as well).
I do believe I'd recommend this. A boy does a good deed as does his horse and earns his community's respect. Kids should be encouraged to "See a need, and take the lead" as our Frontier Girls motto states and protect nature by Leave No Trace as well.
My copy is a gorgeous pencil colored reverse illustration from the book and an orange border. The interior illustrations are all black and white and possibly pencil sketches. Each set of facing pages has the one on the left of a few lines of text, much as the Flicka, Ricka, Dicka vintage books, and the facing page of a full page illustration.
This story, Blaze and the Forest Fire had interest and suspense and excitement as each page was turned. My daughter deeply enjoyed it and has already asked if we have any of the other books. (Billy and Blaze is the first book - we haven't yet read - and is in the StoryTime Treasures curriculum as well).
I do believe I'd recommend this. A boy does a good deed as does his horse and earns his community's respect. Kids should be encouraged to "See a need, and take the lead" as our Frontier Girls motto states and protect nature by Leave No Trace as well.
March 11, 2015
I liked the pony and I'm glad the boy was with the boy. When Billy and Blaze were traveling in the forest they saw a fire. When they saw the fire they went to a farm that was very far away which was the only place around. When they got there they jumped over a big fence and fell. This was a good and happy story.
May 21, 2015
Billy and Blaze are in the woods and see a forest fire. They run to a neighboring house and let the adults know. The fire is able to be put out before anyone or any property is harmed. Blaze and Billy are both rewarded for their bravery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2008
The first series I ever read! I love these books most of all!
November 5, 2009
It was a good book. But it was not one of my favorites. I liked the end when Billy got the gift. Blaze was brave. They did the right thing.
June 14, 2021
Blaze and the Forest Fire: Billy and Blaze Spread the Alarm (Paperback)
by C.W. Anderson
a historical novel of a boy and his horse
by C.W. Anderson
a historical novel of a boy and his horse
May 24, 2012
Just the right amount of danger and suspense for the new reader.
June 22, 2012
My six year old loves to hear these stories.
October 28, 2012
Great horse stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews