Fire Engine No. 9

PreS-Gr 1—On a bright sunny day, Engine No. 9 responds to the fire at the corner of Fourth and Main. The first of three dramatic vertical spreads shows the firemen sliding down the pole. They suit up and rush to the engine, the rings of the alarm ("BRRRRIIING!") are repeated over and over in various letter sizes. Sandwiched between the black billowing smoke and the dark silhouettes of other vehicles, Engine No. 9 speeds forward with sirens blasting ("WEOOO! WEOOO! HONK! HONK!"). Youngsters are caught up in the same urgency as the firefighters, who quickly hook up their hoses and turn the water on the red-gold flames. Climbing the ladder to the second floor, a firefighter breaks a window, crawls under the smoke, and rescues a crying baby. Back on the ground, the family is safely reunited at Luigi's restaurant. The fire is out, and the equipment is stored away. The final spread shows a picnic at the fire station provided by Luigi's new food truck. Signs read "Thank you, ENGINE No. 9" and "ALL NEW! Mobile Lunch Buffet!" The endpapers feature fire equipment clearly labeled. A fire safety list from FEMA is included.