Fire Engine No. 9 by Mike Austin

Told almost entirely in sound words, this day-in-the-life look at firefighters and their fire truck will appeal to the youngest vehicle enthusiasts and to parents with a penchant for exuberant read-aloud sessions. With art reminiscent of Donald Crews’s transportation books, Mike Austin evokes the excitement of a 911 call as we follow firefighters sliding down the fire pole, racing through town, and up the ladder truck.

Sticky tape? I imagine, unless you are a teacher-librarian or a archivist you probably don't have strong opinions about sticky tape but this can be a very hot topic in a school library. I volunteer at an amazing school library (one of the best in Australia) and a couple of weeks ago this book - Fire Engine No. 9 was returned. The baby in the family had ripped many of the pages.  The class teacher correctly asked the parent not to attempt any repairs. BUT alas the parent went crazy with her sticky tape! Sticky tape!  In a library we use very special tape which doesn't bleed, crumble, discolour or wreck a perfectly good book. 

The library staff were so upset. This book is a favourite with the youngest preschool children and it is regularly included as a read aloud so I offered to source a replacement. The 'new' copy arrived today. Fire Engine No. 9 was first published in 2015. The board book edition is still available but the library wanted the full size hardcover. I do love using Better World Books.  This copy of Fire Engine No. 9 is slightly damaged - there are some tiny tears on a couple of pages - but I know the skilled library staff can easily administer their repair kit and this book will once again look almost new. 

Take a look at Mike Austin's web pages and  flick through his illustrations - they are so fabulous. There are more here.  You can see inside Fire Engine No. 9 here but if you can get your hands on the actual book please use it as a read aloud - it will be a way better experience than using a video. It is especially fun when the book turns length-ways.

Other fire engine books that will be in your school or local library which are perfect to share with preschool children:

Here is the sequel to Fire Engine No. 9 and Mike has another book about first responders.