For a simple and straightforward children’s book, This is the Firefighter (Disney/Hyperion) is a good, illustrated story for kids aged four through eight. The 32-page book, written by New York City writer Laura Godwin with illustrations by New York City artist Julian Hector, went on sale this week. The story of a mid-city fire—and how a squad of firemen respond—is likely to hold a child’s interest. The narrative in rhyme is both strong and suspenseful: “This is the station. This is the bell. And this is the signal that all is not well.” Pictures match the copy, with cute and clever touches, from a lady in curlers on a cellular phone to a firetruck Dalmatian that covers his eyes during the plot’s climax. There’s enough going on for repeat readings, though the fire itself is a bit underplayed and, contrary to the title, the focus is on the squad, not on the individual. Nevertheless, his actions are heroic and treated as such and the happy ending delivers a sunny city with a towering skyscraper.
