Author/Illustrator: Ashley Wolff
Publisher: Beach Lane, 2021
Age: 3-8
Themes: wildfire, firefighters, forest animals
Opening: Buck hears the rumble. Squirrel sees the flash. Jay spreads the news. ”FireFireFire in the forest!”
Summary: (from my library’s catalog) Illustrations and easy-to-read text reveal the struggles of forest animals to survive when fire breaks out on Spruce Mountain, and the actions of the firefighters who work through the night to stop the blaze.
I picked this book because: The cover had such a strong visual impact I would have picked this to read anyway, but also because I live in a region that has been dealing with wildfires for a long time. My former neighbor was a hotshot firefighter too. I’ve read a few books that deal with fire and natural disaster, but this one is not only beautifully illustrated, but easy for kids to understand, whether they live in a region like mine or not. And highly informative. I am looking forward to sharing this when story time in the bookstore resumes and to read it while making local school visits. Thank you, Ashley Wolff, for creating such an important book!
Resources/activities: read the wonderful details included in the back matter; learn best behavior practices for forest hiking and camping; visit a local fire station.
For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.
julie rowan-zoch 
Great review. This seems like a great book to combine with Hello, Tree by Ana Crespo.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Such an important topic that affects so many lives. I’ll be on the lookout for it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Julie, thank you so much for featuring WILDFIRE! I agree it is an important topic and We will ALL probably hear more about wildfires in the years ahead. My goal was to create a book that will be real, but not terrifying for children.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And you succeeded! Brava!
LikeLike
I can’t imagine living so near beautiful forests that are threatened by wildfire. That cover really draws readers to the story. And, it sounds like it is very age appropriate for kids. Must read this book! Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! And I am absolutely certain you will enjoy it, Patricia!
LikeLike