The Midwest Book Review
Community Workers is written and illustrated to appeal to children ages 4 to 9 and showcase typical jobs people have in a community to make it a better place for children and their families to live in. Each title in this superbly produced series is available separately but school and community libraries would be well advised to acquire the complete series for their young students and patrons. The series is ideal as home schooling supplements as well.
Children's Literature (CLCD)
This is a nice, twenty-four page, colorful book about firefighters and the services they perform. The book is targeted for preschoolers through ages six and seven. The text is minimal and in large print and the illustrations are also large, filling up most of the pages. Facts about firefighters are kept simple. The opening page begins with the question, what do firefighters do? The following pages explain how they keep their trucks clean, wear heavy suits and masks, climb ladders, spray water, use tools, rescue people, help save pets, etc. This book can also be used to teach colors and shapes. There are lots of blues, greens, and reds in addition to circle and square shapes. The last few pages give information on interesting facts such as, most fire trucks are red, but yellow ones are also common. Another page describes a firefighter's equipment. There is also a glossary of words to know such as turnout gear and air pack. The last page lists sources of information, Web sites, and books to read. Author Thomas offers a multi-purpose book on a subject of interest to young children. Parents and teachers will appreciate its simplicity and appealing child-like illustrations. 2004, Picture Window Books, $21.26. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Della A. Yannuzzi (Children's Literature).
