Demarest follows up Firefighters A-Z (2000) with this compelling offering on counting. As in Firefighters, Demarest broadens the scope of the traditional concept book by packing the pages with information. In this case, it’s about an elite team of firefighters who parachute into remote locations to battle forest fires. It opens with a bang: “One lightning bolt, in a flash strikes a tree . . . Two pilots radio in what they see.” Demarest’s dramatic pastel illustrations show the tree ablaze as it’s struck by lightning; on the opposite page, a colorful vignette depicts the pilots from the rear as they spot the plumes of smoke outside ahead. By numbering each stage of the response, Demarest heightens the tension until, finally, the smokejumpers leap from the plane (“Ten seconds later . . . the slap, which means “GO!”) At this point, the countdown reverses as three double-page spreads show the ensuing action. In the first, the smokejumper appears in full gear as her parachute skims the surface of the trees and smoke and fire erupt in the background. Later, the smokejumpers clear the area, saw down a tree, and an airplane blankets the area with “three drops of slurry [to] help slow the fire’s spread.” Black-and-white labeled drawings of a “smokejumper outfit” and “Wildland Firefighter Outfit” appear in the opening and closing; an author’s note relates the history of the field and provides further information about terms introduced in the text. References, suggested reading, and the National Smokejumper Association Web site are also included. (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-8)
Pub Date: June 1, 2002
ISBN: 0-689-84120-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2002
One of the watershed moments in African-American history—the defeat of James Braddock at the hands of Joe Louis—is here given an earnest picture-book treatment. Despite his lack of athletic ability, Sammy wants desperately to be a great boxer, like his hero, getting boxing lessons from his friend Ernie in exchange for help with schoolwork. However hard he tries, though, Sammy just can’t box, and his father comforts him, reminding him that he doesn’t need to box: Joe Louis has shown him that he “can be the champion at anything [he] want[s].” The high point of this offering is the big fight itself, everyone crowded around the radio in Mister Jake’s general store, the imagined fight scenes played out in soft-edged sepia frames. The main story, however, is so bent on providing Sammy and the reader with object lessons that all subtlety is lost, as Mister Jake, Sammy’s father, and even Ernie hammer home the message. Both text and oil-on-canvas-paper illustrations go for the obvious angle, making the effort as a whole worthy, but just a little too heavy-handed. (Picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: May 1, 2004
ISBN: 1-58430-161-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2004
A charming tale of an athlete who may not steal any bases but who will certainly steal readers’ hearts.
Ohtani, pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, teams up with Blank and Liem to tell the story of how his dog, Decoy, threw out a ceremonial first pitch.
It’s a big day! Decoy leaps “off the bed. Then back onto the bed. Then off the bed.” The enthusiastic pup heads outside to practice with his lucky baseball but is quickly distracted by squirrels (“we’ll play later!”), airplanes (“flyin’ high!”), and flowers (“smell ya soon!”). Dog and pitcher then head to the ballpark. In the locker room, Decoy high-paws Shohei’s teammates. It’s nearly time! But as Shohei prepares to warm up, Decoy realizes that he’s forgotten something important: his lucky ball. Without it, there will be “no championships, no parades, and no hot dogs!” Back home he goes, returning just in time. With Shohei at the plate, Decoy runs from the mound to his owner, rolling the ball into Shohei’s mitt for a “Striiiiike!” Related from a dog’s point of view, Ohtani and Blank’s energetic text lends the tale a sense of urgency and suspense. Liem’s illustrations capture the excitement of the first day of baseball season and the joys of locker room camaraderie, as well as Shohei and Decoy’s mutual affection—even when the ball is drenched in slobber, Shohei’s love for his pet shines through, and clearly, Decoy is focused when it matters.
A charming tale of an athlete who may not steal any bases but who will certainly steal readers’ hearts. (Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: Feb. 3, 2026
ISBN: 9780063460775
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Oct. 10, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2025
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