PreS-Gr 2-With a siren, a horn, a tank full of water, and a "whole lotta, WHOLE LOTTA HOSE," a big red engine, the latest star in the popular series of picture books that includes I Stink! (2002) and I'm Dirty! (2006, both Harper Collins), comes equally loaded with swagger and personality. After introducing himself and flaunting his features, a 911 call comes in that completely changes the story's tenor. The fire engine races off to the Pine Street Warehouse and takes readers with him. Urgency and power flood the spreads through the combination of words and visuals. "Traffic? I'm talkin' to YOU! Over to the curb-I'm comin' through!" Done in watercolor and gouache, the illustrations use bold colors, powerful perspectives, and strategic line work to create movement and energy. Never faltering in confidence or persistence, the fire engine directs his tools until the flames are completely out. Back at the fire station, he calls on the firefighters (never shown in the story) to clean him up and put him to bed-but not before he poses his original question from the beginning: What do you call a big red engine like this? "BRAVE! That's what. And-GOOD LOOKIN'." The back cover shows him sound asleep. This boisterous story pays homage to the importance of fire fighters-and their engines-while maintaining plenty of action and a sense of fun.-Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Here's a sure-to-be-popular choice from the writer-illustrator team behind picture-book favorites such as I Stink! (2002) and I'm Dirty! (2006). Not just brave, this fire engine is bold, brash, and brassy as he toots his own horn. While he points out his impressive equipment, the contents of his toolbox, and the many things he can do, the alarm sounds. He races through city streets to join other fire trucks and deal with a burning warehouse. No people appear in the illustrations, though the truck gives firefighters a little credit for putting out a blaze, as well as caring for the equipment, washing the engine, and polishing his chrome. The focus remains on the proud fire truck, whose distinctive persona sets the tone through the lively text and well-crafted paintings. Created with watercolor and gouache, the illustrations include dramatic action scenes, as well as quieter pictures showcasing the brave (And GOOD LOOKIN') fire truck. Great fun for reading aloud.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2014 Booklist

The McMullans' latest collaboration, following other transportation-themed books (plus a T. Rex), looks at the important job of a fire engine.In informal, enjoyable language that mixes slang and street talk, an anthropomorphized (and very self-confident) fire engine introduces itself and all its equipment: "Wanna see what I'm packin'?" The book loosely follows the engine from a 911 call through its successfully putting out the (mostly nonscary) fire in a warehouse and then heading back to the station to care for the equipment and the truck. Vocabulary is introduced throughout. "Transmitter? / Gimme the green! // Traffic? / I'm talkin' to you! / Over to the curb / I'm comin' through!" While the invitation to match the names of tools with pictures of them may frustrate readers, who will want an answer key, observant children will find many (though not all) answers within the text. Though the engine does mention the fire fighters, they are strangely absent from the watercolor-and-gouache illustrations, which may be disappointing to those kids who aspire to firefighting careersin reality, the truck is only another tool. For those kids who dream of the station, the fire pole and the calls, this will be an exciting ride. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

A supremely confident fire engine races to the rescue in the latest vehicular outing from the McMullans. Jim McMullan's watercolor and gouache artwork continues the series' strict vehicular focus: no firefighters appear, and the empty warehouse on fire means no citizens are in danger. Kate McMullan's rundown of the many tools on board the truck will satisfy young gearheads and future firefighters alike ("Can you match 'em?" asks the truck, appearing next to hydrant wrenches, saws, hooks, and more), and the truck's bravado (and bravery) never waver. Ages 4-8. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.