The main character of "At the Firehouse", is a Dalmatian dog who goes to the fire station on visitor's day. His journey at the firehouse describes everything a child would want to know about firemen. For example, at one part in the book both pages contain a painting of a fire truck and have everything labeled on what it is, including pumper controls, sirens, valves, connector, nozzles, etc. While this is a picture book, it is also very informational to the students about firetrucks, fire fighters, firefighter uniforms and tools. This would be a great book to use as an introduction or aid to a fire safety unit. It could also be included in a text set for a unit on careers or helping the community. The illustrations of balloons, cookies and hats that visitors were given on visitor's day gives children prior knowledge on what it would be like to visit a fire station, if they otherwise could not have that experience. The children can relate to the main character. I would use this story in whole group shared reading. ( )

This was such a cute book about a pup, Jason, who goes to the fire station on visitor's day. Jason loves fire engines so he was super excited to learn all about the trucks, fire fighters, their clothes and tools. One of my favorite pages in this book is where both pages contain a painting of a fire truck and have everything labeled on what it is: sirens, valves, nozzles, connector, pumper controls, etc. I think this is a perfect book to introduce to grades K-2 when learning about different careers and having parents come in and explain what their jobs are. I remember when I was little, about first grade, and we had a few parents come speak to us about their jobs and I loved hearing about all the different careers and things they do. Anne Rockwell did a great job on the beautiful watercolor illustrations. I loved the little details of the fire engines on the balloons, cookies and hats they were given on visitor's day. Very cute book! ( )

At the firehouse we learn all there is to know about the fire trucks and getting ready to fight a fire. Great book to share with children during career days. ( )

A young story about a young pup who visits the firehouse and learns all about what goes on in the fire station. I think this is a great book to have in your classroom, especially when talking about different careers because even though it is a picture book it is also very much an informational book explaining what takes place at the fire station and also shows the different parts on the fire truck.. very cute!

Age appropriateness: Middle elementary
Review: This book is an example of realistic fiction (besides the fact that they are dogs), and shows children what it would be like to visit a firestation. The children are able to relates well with Jason (the main character), and can put themselves in his shoes.
Media: Paints ( )