Sparky the Fire Dog

by Don Hoffman

Meet Sparky. This adorable Dalmatian puppy is an important member of the team at the fire station. But he's more than just a cute character in a book: Sparky is the official spokesdog for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and what he has to say can actually save lives. This canine hero rescued a little girl and her family, and now he's helping kids become junior fire inspectors right in their own homes. In colorful, appealing illustrations, Sparky takes a group of young animals through the neighborhood, pointing out hazards, giving basic fire prevention and safety tips, and showing them how to be prepared in case of an emergency. From having a working smoke alarm to being careful with candles and knowing where your exits are, Sparky's advice may be the most important thing children--and their parents--ever learn.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name

Reviews

[Bruce · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the dalmatian’s didactic dream, Sparky imagines he’s a superhero that lands in a neighborhood playground to instruct the young animals on fire safety. Going from house to house starting with Mrs. Sheep and ending at Mrs. Turkey’s front door (so that the animals visited spell out SAFETY FIRST) Sparky warns children to check smoke detectors, have a plan to get out of the house when the alarm sounds and gather in a predetermined spot before calling the fire department, and to stay away from matches, lighters, stoves, and outdoor grills and stay three feet away from the stove when a parent is cooking. He also warns them about the potential dangers that could be caused by candles and space heaters.

It’s OK for what it does, but Sparky omits mentioning drop and roll or checking doors for heat and smoke, staying below smoke, or what to do if you are not in your home or backyard.

The U.S. Fire Administration's publications for children available from FEMA are a more comprehensive choice.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was perfect to teach my 5-year-old about fire safety. It was filled with information but told in a story.

Some of the tips:
Check your smoke alarms every month.
Don't go to sleep with a fire going in your fireplace.
Don't leave a candle burning in a room unless you're in it.
Plan and practice an escape plan with your family.
Keep a 3-ft 'kid free' zone in front of your stove.
Turn your pot handles away from the edge of the stove.
Keep matches and lighters up high.
Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
Never use your BBQ grill inside.
Have a house number on your home.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book to help teach children about fire safety inside and out of the house. And tips that adults may not really think about either. Told through the eyes of Sparky the fire department dog. This book is full of information and has some extra data in the back. Illustrations are nice throughout the book as well so for children not able to read they could look through this book and enjoy it.

[Mortis Boys · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative for kids.