by Spencer Brinker

Do you need to update your community helpers section of your library? This four book set geared toward your youngest learners is perfect! Each of the four books focuses on a different type of firefighter. Titles include: Smoke Jumpers, Firefighters on the Water, Airport Firefighters and City Firefighters.

Simple text and exciting photos that illustrate each firefighter’s type of job in an emergency situation are very engaging. For example, Smoke Jumpers starts with a forest fire scenario and moves through the course of fighting the fire, showing equipment and the work of the smoke jumpers.

There are several important nonfiction text features in these books. A basic table of contents and index show the book’s organization for young readers. Headings are clearly identifiable and students can easily find the sections they want. Unfamiliar words are in bold type and defined in the glossary. Each two page spread has a short passage and large photo that illustrates the text. Many of the photos are labeled to further note the important details. Additional exploration is possible with suggested books and webpages noted at the end.

These books are a well-organized and appealing introduction to different firefighting jobs and a sound purchase for those libraries looking to update their collection. Teachers will appreciate the many nonfiction text features. Students will love these books, because they are exciting and fresh, with many different types of people doing jobs that kids might want to do in the future Highly recommended.