Flashing Fire Engines (Amazing Machines)

I used this for my firefighter themed week in preschool. It was hard to find a book that shows all the basics of firefighters outfits, tools, and what they do. It's a great length and very sturdy, cute pictures as well.

I got 6 of the books from this series for my son for his 3rd birthday. He loves them all. He was never very willing to sit down and read with me, but he's starting to get more interested in reading. He has me read these to him over and over and over. They're cute and rhyme-y, and not awful to have to read more than once. The language is not very imaginative or descriptive, but that's really okay. It's more logical and sequential, describing what happens when you take a ride on an airplane or what happens when fire fighters get an emergency call.

I'm certainly happy I bought Flashing Fire Engines for Devon when I bought Matchbox Real Action Red Fire Truck ; it's the perfect accompaniment because it made him AND his mother happy. Mikki has a very distinctive reading voice that dramatically enhances any reading, but especially when a book is in verse for children...as this one is. The way she reads, I just know that Devon pictures himself jumping on a "real" firetruck and riding through the city with the firemen as the sound effects delight his senses. The award-winning children's poet Tony Mitton outdid himself with this book, describing noises and scenes that every kid is curious about: wailing sirens, flashing lights, squirting firehoses, blazing fires... A vivid aid to a kid's lively imagination. Mitton's choice of Ant Parker to illustrate this book was brilliant. They have worked together on several of Tony's books and proved to be a perfect match. What a team! What a book! As long as Devon is happy with my purchase, I am happy; his mom enjoying reading to him is an extra bonus. Recommended with two thumb up...and a big loopy grin! Reviewed by Betty Dravis, April 8, 2010 author of "Dream Reachers" (with Chase Von) and other books

We purchased several of these books because my 2 1/2 year old loves trucks, airplanes, rockets, etc. I love the rhyming stories, the cute animation and cleaver stories. At the end of the book it has a page descibing more detail of some of the items described in the book. We read these books at naptime and bedtime every night. I am actually going to order some additional books in the collection for some additional variety.

We have quite a few of these Amazing Machines books and Roaring Rockets is our favorite, but we've been adding others into our collection. I like the Roaring Rockets one because it rhymes pretty well and is pretty short. For some reason this one seems a bit of a longer read. My kiddo doesn't like any as much as the Roaring Rockets one but I'm sure the next time he sees a Fire Engine he'll be more into it.

Great gift. Super cute.

My 2 1/2 year old son loved the book from the minute I brought it home from the library. No matter which other books I take out to read, he asks for this one instead. What attracted me was the illustrations have a "Richard Scarry" feel to them. So they are three gentle looking animals that are firefighters and save a dog in a fire. It's a fairly quick read, good for those nights where everyone is a little more tired than usual, and it rhymes. I'm here buying a copy now since the library book has to be returned in another week and I know I'll get the request for it. At the end, it has the back page where they explain in more detail different things a fire fighter uses like helmet, air mask, etc.

My grandson (5) wants to be a fireman. He loves to read and look at the pictures.

Love the detail in each photo my kids love this story for its realism not so much the plot.

3 year old loves these books and requested the fire engine one. All the books in this series are very detailed and well written. Great way for children to learn about emergency vehicles and occupations. Wording easy for children to understand despite being very technical. Back page always has a recap of all key parts.

Another one to add to our collection of Tony Mitton and Ant Parker books. These are our Grandson's favourite books. They are informative, interesting and we love that they are in rhyme and the CD is an added bonus. We read them over and over and over.. again!

The grandchildren love this story and art work, very fun for the whole family to read togeather!

Great rhymes and cute illustrations -- my kids love these books and have begged for more in the series. It is perfect for a 2.5 year old or older!