EMERGENCY RESCUE

This large, chunky nonfiction offering presents basic information about rescue vehicles accompanied by realistic images and a siren sound.

Two to three simple, straightforward sentences per page describe the work of firetrucks, police cars, ambulances, and emergency helicopters. Each double-page spread includes multiple photographic illustrations depicting various elements described in the text. The firetruck pages, for example, include a large image of a fire truck and smaller images of gear such as a helmet, a hose, and an ax. The final spread showcases all of the vehicles and poses such questions as “Which one carries hoses and ladders?” and “Which one can fly?” The subject matter is of high interest to toddlers and preschoolers, the information easy to understand, and the design bright and appealing. The biggest selling point, though, is likely to be the big red button that pokes through the upper right-hand corner of each spread and plays a loud siren sound when depressed. Companion volume Farm Vehicles! features tractors, a combine harvester, a baler, and a crop sprayer and boasts a green button that makes the sound of a revving engine.

Nonfiction for wee ones that is equal parts entertaining and educational.