Firefighters A-Z uses rhyme to introduce the alphabet through a firefighters point of view. It gives information on the various tools firefighters use on a daily basis. For being as short as it is, there is valuable information on firefighters in this book. Children can learn a lot on this theme in just a few pages. In the classroom, we can elaborate on the tools used and why firefighters do the things they do and possibly have the local firefighters come to visit the school to talk about fire safety, and perhaps a tour of firefighting trucks.

Summary:
Firefighters A to Z is a mix between an alphabet book and a book about firefighters. This informational book goes through the entire alphabet relating each letter to the job of a firefighter.

Review:
Great book for Kindergarten or lower level readers who are just beginning the process of learning how to read. The use of the alphabet and intriguing illustrations are great clues that will help children to read Firefighters A to Z. The text is informational by illustrating and labeling all of the pieces of a firefighter's uniform. The book also uses rhyming words which can be helpful clues to young children if they are stuck on a particular word. The book also addresses teamwork and the importance of working together which can be a useful tool because many young children look up to firefighters. ( )

Characters: Pictures of Firefighters

Setting: Firemen in a variety of scenarios providing assistance to the community

Theme: Helping professions, alphabet book

Genre: Alphabet picture book (from www.storyplace.org)

Golden quote (optional): “T is for Teamwork. No one works alone.”

Summary: This colorful alphabet book takes the reader through a day in the life of a firefighter. Scenes show what firefighters do along with the materials and tools they use. Each pair of pages has a rhyming scheme, which gives a sing-song rhythm for the reader.

Audience: Pre-school through lower elementary ages

Curriculum ties: Social studies, community, ELA

Awards (optional):

Personal response: This is a nicely done large picture book for smaller children to see the alphabet within the community of what firefighters do. The author is also the illustrator and provides an informative “Author’s Note” at the end. I did not know what a “k-tool” was and it nice of the author to explain what the tool does (used for removing deadbolt locks from doors). Demarest wrote the book for his son, Ethan, to show what firefighters do every day. The illustrations are colorful without being fearful and are soft in nature. My favorite page was for “T” – T is for Teamwork. No one works alone. It clearly captures the essence of community. ( )

Firefighting from A to Z for the preschool crowd. Realistic illustrations show firefighters in action. Author's note explains in greater detail the job of fighting fires (author is active volunteer fire fighter). ( )