Fire Engine No. 9

Starred review from July 15, 2015
It's firefighters to the rescue in this action-packed homage to both the heroes and their truck. Under a calm, blue sky, firefighters wash Engine No. 9. But then, an alarm! Crew members whoosh down the pole and dash for their gear. Horns blast and sirens wail as cleverly designed onomatopoeic text creates an urgent, dynamic energy. The actual meaning of the text, composed almost entirely of repeated sounds ("BRRRRRIIING!"; "WEOOO!") and verbs ("HURRY!"; "CLIMB!"), is almost ancillary to its prominence as a design element, the large, blocky, sans serif words placed within illustrations for maximum effect. The firefighters follow the billowing black cloud to the blaze. With ladders, hoses, tools, and teamwork, they save a baby and extinguish the fire. The digital illustrations, with their strong color blocking and left-to-right drive, also play with format, as several vertical spreads thoughtfully emphasize the heights of the ladder and fire pole. A vivid, primary palette bursts from the page, as the Jolly Rancher-red engine sizzles with heat. Bold and energetic, and complete with fire-safety tips and fire-gear endpapers, this is one surefire win for the firefighter fan. (Picture book. 3-6)

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July 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 1-On a bright sunny day, Engine No. 9 responds to the fire at the corner of Fourth and Main. The first of three dramatic vertical spreads shows the firemen sliding down the pole. They suit up and rush to the engine, the rings of the alarm ("BRRRRIIING!") are repeated over and over in various letter sizes. Sandwiched between the black billowing smoke and the dark silhouettes of other vehicles, Engine No. 9 speeds forward with sirens blasting ("WEOOO! WEOOO! HONK! HONK!"). Youngsters are caught up in the same urgency as the firefighters, who quickly hook up their hoses and turn the water on the red-gold flames. Climbing the ladder to the second floor, a firefighter breaks a window, crawls under the smoke, and rescues a crying baby. Back on the ground, the family is safely reunited at Luigi's restaurant. The fire is out, and the equipment is stored away. The final spread shows a picnic at the fire station provided by Luigi's new food truck. Signs read "Thank you, ENGINE No. 9" and "ALL NEW! Mobile Lunch Buffet!" The endpapers feature fire equipment clearly labeled. A fire safety list from FEMA is included. VERDICT The exceptionally fine, full-color graphic artwork combined with the sound and action words make this book a surefire winner.-Mary Jean Smith, formerly at Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 15, 2015
Preschool-K *Starred Review* It's a calm day at the fire station until the alarm sounds, the dalmatian barks, and firefighters slide down the pole. Fire Engine No. 9 speeds through the streets, siren blaring and horn honking. At the burning building, one firefighter climbs in through a window and rescues a baby. Soon, the fire is out and the family is grateful. From the quiet opening to the dramatic rush to reach the scene and douse the fire, the digital artwork shapes the main narrative. With great flair, Austin uses color, texture, and even form to amplify the drama, as when the formerly upright fire engine leans forward, straining to reach the fire in time. The brief text mainly carries the sounds, such as the dog's BARK! BARK! BARK! and staccato words, such as instructions to the baby-toting rescuer: CRAWL! CRAWL! Young children will enjoy chiming in on the many sound effects and other repeated words, while the well-constructed, colorful illustrations offer pleasures of their own. An appended page offers kids nine bits of practical advice on what to do when a home is on fire. On the handsome endpapers, the firefighters' tools show up distinctly against the crimson backgrounds. Highly recommended for young fire engine fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)