Brassy the Fire Engine Saves the City

Plenty of story to engage older pre-schoolers accompanied by wonderful illustrations. Dennis Smith is a veteran FDNY firefighter (retired) who has written extensively on firefighting in the non-fiction arena; he turns his storytelling skills back to a younger audience with success. Justin Miller's illustrations suggest that Brassy's triumph occurs on the curving and narrow streets of downtown NYC...the cover illustration more than suggests the Twin Towers and another illustration has an image that recalls the Chrysler building in NYC. Fun touches in the story include Capt. Bill (accurately depicted in white shirt, i.e., an officer) advocating on Brassy's behalf with the Chief and an unnamed dalmation as Brassy's loyal companion. And yes, in this story firemen (and women) do indeed wear red suspenders. Note that the School Library Journal description/review listed above refers to an out of print edition; the storyline in this book is revised and more interesting.

After reading this book several times from the local library, we purchased "Brassy" for our four-year old son who loves fire engines. We've read a lot of the fire books out there, and this is one of the better books. It has good illustrations and also a good story. Enjoy!

Brassy is a little fire engine but he's loved and well taken care of at the fire station. He's scrubbed down, buffed and polished after each fire. And Brassy has his friends Captain Bill and fire fighters Pat and Nancy, and he is able to help everyone. But when newer and bigger fire engines join the station, Brassy is sent across town to another fire station. Brassy is not happy. Then a fire begins that threatens the city. The big fire engines are not able to navigate the narrow streets. Will Brassy save the city? Brassy the Fire Engine Saves the City is an educational story that children will love. It is a celebration of the worth of the old as well as the new. The illustrations are realistic and colorful and are an important addition in telling the story. Armchair Interviews says: Brassy's story will be read and enjoyed by children and parents again and again.