Hotshots! [Hardcover]

Chris L. Demarest (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Sparks from a train ignite
a field baked for days.
Then winds whip it into
a fast-running blaze.

With fire now spreading out of
control, the hotshots are called.
They're ready to roll.

What are hotshots?

They are an elite ground fire-fighting corps of men and women highly trained to understand the scientific nature of fire in order to go deep into the heart of a wildfire, beyond the reach of hose lines, to limit the destruction of land and wildlife.

As more homes are being built into the natural landscape, the role of the hotshot in fighting fire has become increasingly important. With stunning pictures and an action-packed text, fine artist and volunteer firefighter Chris L. Demarest here captures the spirit of the dedicated hotshots and the real-life drama of the dangerous work they must do every day.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-An outstanding informational source that is highly appealing in its presentation. The brief rhyming text, similar to that in Demarest's Firefighters A to Z (2000) and Smokejumpers One to Ten (2002, both McElderry), tells the story of the "hotshots" called to put out a brushfire that is threatening to destroy a mountainside neighborhood. The short, uncomplicated text belies the author's knowledge of his subject. Despite an occasional forced rhyme, each word has been carefully chosen. While the text is simple enough for young listeners, it includes keywords that impart factual material. An author's note includes additional information and explanations of terminology. Borderless, double-page pastel illustrations effectively show the progression of events, from the accidental ignition of dried grass and deployment of brush rigs and trucks until moments after the fire has been extinguished. The vivid color and smudgy look of the pastel crayon artwork perfectly re-create the wildly raging fire and the hotshots. Every library will want to have this book on hand.
Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

K-Gr. 2. Similar in subject and format to Demarest's Firefighters A to Z (2000) and Smoke Jumpers One to Ten (2002), this large-format book features hotshots, "the elite ground fire-fighting corps with permanent stations dotted throughout the western United States." Sparks from a passing train ignite a fire that rages out of control, burning homes as well as brush-covered countryside. The hotshots respond quickly, racing up a mountain, setting a "backburn," and protecting themselves with heat-resistant coverings when the blaze overtakes them. After their backburn stops the fire, they reload their tools on the truck, ready for the next call. The rhythm of the short, rhyming text sounds a bit clunky, and some terminology may confuse the uninitiated. But the story builds to a terrific climax, and the dramatic, intensely colored pastel illustrations are riveting. In the appended note, Demarest describes the process of battling wildfires, explains the fire-fighting terms used in the book, and lists books, videos, and Web sites for further information. Sure to enthrall children with an interest in fire fighting. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry; 1 edition (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689848161
• ISBN-13: 978-0689848162
• Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,274,067 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in the 1950s, Chris Demarest was influenced by both his parents' artist abilities. His mother once worked for the Walt Disney animation studios and his father was a life-long doodler. In the upstairs attic of his parents' house, Demarest's father escaped to draw pictures of airplanes. That passion led his father to join the US Army Air Force in WWII, flying the dangerous missions from India into China, referred to as 'the Hump".

Demarest spent most of his years in publishing doing a cartoon, light-hearted style, but tapped into his youth and began working on a series of adventure books. Firefighters A to Z became a NY Time Best Book 2000. Documenting more firefighting careers, USCG work and the Hurricane Hunters, Demarest does all his research first hand. In 2004, he flew with the Hurricane Hunters out of Biloxi Mississippi into Hurricane Ivan, a Cat 4 storm.

His latest book, ARLINGTON: A History of Arlington National Cemetery will be published by Roaring Brook Press, Fall 2010.

Contact info: [e-mail]
Website: http://www.pbase.com/chrisdemarest
603 460-3095

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A simple and engaging picturebook for beginning readers, May 23, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hotshots! (Hardcover)

Written and illustrated by Chris L. Demarest, Hotshots! is a simple and engaging picturebook for beginning readers about "hotshots" - elite firefighters who are trained to brave wildfires and dig trenches to limit the destruction of land and wildlife. Unforgettable and dramatic full-color illustrations fill the pages of this simple yet memorable story about those amazing men and women who risk their lives to protect land, animals, and people from the ravages of forest fires.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just another firefighting book, May 21, 2003

By 

Tara C Rothwell (Portola, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hotshots! (Hardcover)

This one describes those elite crews we hear about all summer battling wildland fires. Simple, yet illustrative text that complements the bold, large as life illustrations. Accurately depicts the work of the Hotshots. If your kids love firefighters as mine do they will love this book.

1.0 out of 5 stars Don't Buy It!, October 11, 2005

By 

Fire Wife - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hotshots! (Hardcover)

As a "hot shot" family I was excited to find the book to read to our daughter about her daddy when he's gone fighting fire. This book is a joke. Not only is it not based on fact. It actually has firefighters deploying fire shelter as though it is an everyday occurence. The writer should be ashamed of this book. Horrible verse, horrible story! Don't waste your money!