Hotshots! (Hardcover)

by Chris L. Demarest (Illustrator) "Sparks from a train ignite a field baked for days..." (more)

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

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• 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.com Sales Rank: #990,321 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #38 in	Books > Children's Books > Obsessions > Firefighting
  #71 in	Books > Children's Books > Issues > Safety > Nonfiction

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

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 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

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!