Little Smokey

by Robert Neubecker (Author)

Reading Level: K − 1st Grade

For a brave firefighting airplane, the sky's the limit! This timeless story of teamwork and determination is perfect for kids who loved The Little Engine That Could and shows how even unlikely heroes can help their community in times of need.

When forest fires blaze, the airplanes at Nif-C spring into action! Some swoop low to spray water on the flames. Others drop bright red fire retardant. Little Smokey hasn't quite figured out her job yet, but she wants to help. . . . And when a fire like no other flares up--a fire that none of the other planes can control--it's Smokey's turn to show what she's made of.

Featuring useful information about wildfires and fire prevention in the back of the book, Little Smokey is a must-have for children growing up in a world where climate change makes natural disasters a common occurrence. Parents looking to teach their kids about how fires spread and what they can do about it will surely want to take flight with Little Smokey.

"Positively cinematic. . . . this book may look like a classic, but with forest fires ever more frequent and intense, it's truly timely." --Kirkus

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Hardcover
$17.99

Kirkus Reviews

Positively cinematic. . . . this book may look like a classic, but with forest fires ever more frequent and intense, it's truly timely.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1--When a forest fire strikes, it's comforting to know there's a great team of brave planes at the Nif-C (National Interagency Fire Center) to put it out. Each plane has an important job and has earned a specific name. Bruno, the water scooper, dives down and scoops up water to pour on the flames. The Air Tanker is Buster; he flies fast and sprays water to douse the fire. Bertha, the biggest plane, is a V.L.A.T. (Very Large Air Tanker). She carries tons of red fire retardant to fight the big fires. There's one plane that wants to help the others but she's just too small. She practices and practices but the people in the tower still dismiss her. The little plane knows she can help the others so she waits for the perfect chance to show what she can do. This is an excellent story about bravery, patience, determination, and teamwork. The illustrations are beautifully drawn with bold colors and interesting perspectives. The planes have great facial expressions that make them come alive, while conveying information about how the planes are used to help put out the fires. Back matter provides more detail for children who want to know about wildfires and the crews who do so much to help. VERDICT This book will become a favorite for those who enjoy planes, firefighters, and more.--Barbara Spiri, Southborough Library, MA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes


Robert Neubecker
ROBERT NEUBECKER draws for Slate.com, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. He is the award-winning author-illustrator of Wow! City!, Wow! Ocean!, and Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing. Robert lives in Park City, Utah, with his family, dogs, cats, and lizards. Visit him at RobertNeubecker.com.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781984851048
Lexile Measure
430
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication date
August 20, 2019
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV036000 - Juvenile Fiction | Science & Technology
JUV041010 - Juvenile Fiction | Transportation | Aviation
JUV029010 - Juvenile Fiction | Nature & the Natural World | Environment
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
Courage
Fire extinction
Size
Equipment and supplies
Airplanes

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