FIREHOUSE!

“Edward wants to be a firefighter. One day he and Judy visit a firehouse.” So begins a day that includes both a practice fire drill and a real “emergency”—kitten up a tree. Boston terrier Edward revels in the highs and wrestles with the lows, from pretend-driving the truck to getting blasted off his feet by the fire hydrant’s spray. The Dalmatian firefighters (as well as retriever cousin Judy) display a grand, resourceful equanimity—and the daring exploits that Edward’s permitted syncopate perfectly with a three-year-old’s firefighting dreams. Teague’s full-bleed oils supply just the right balance between dramatic, dizzying perspective and resourceful, doggy competence, and the visual laughs are nicely pitched to a preschooler’s developing sense of humor. Firemice—in jackets and helmets—provide I Spy opportunities, and the charming fantasy concludes with a big parade in Edward’s honor. No depicted conflagrations here—just sure-fire fun. (Picture book. 3-5)