This Is the Firefighter - Hardcover

Laura Godwin, also known as Nola Buck, is the author of many picture books for children, includingWhat the Baby Hears, Central Park Serenade, Barnyard Prayers, The Flower Girl, Little White DogandChristmas in the Manger.Born and raised in Alberta, Canada, she now lives in New York City.

Julian Hector is the author and illustrator ofThe Little Matador(July 2008). A graduate of Parsons The New School of Design, he lives and works in New York City.

Among the most recent batch of firefighter picture books, such as Tom Graham’s Five Little Firefighters (2008) and Sue Whiting and Donna Rawlins’ Firefighters (2008), this offering holds its own well. A basic rhyming story, it follows an urban fire company as it rushes to a burning high-rise and saves several families. The appealing art uses primary colors to depict contemporary scenes filled with lots to look at (New Yorkers will recognize the geography as Manhattan-esque, but the location could just as easily be any Big City, U.S.A.). The text is rhythmic and consistent: “This is the ax that knocks down the door. These are the people who wait on the floor. This is the wave. This is the shout. These are the firefighters who bring each one out.” A good choice for a rescue-themed storytime or to fan the flames of interest for young firefighter enthusiasts. Preschool-Kindergarten. --Andrew Medlar