Fire

by Jackie French, Bruce Whatley (Illustrator)

One small spark brought fire awake,
Winding like a small black snake,
Fire flickered, fire crept,
Flames snickered, bushfire leapt...

Inspired by the bushfires that have affected many Australians, Fire is a moving and sensitive story of a natural disaster as seen through the eyes of a cockatoo. The fire mercilessly engulfs homes and land, leaving a devastating path of destruction.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Australia, Poetry

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Jackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving tribute showing us the deadly harshness of wildfire, to both those who fight this insidious phenomenon and those tho lose so much to it. Beautifully illustrated, my five year old commented on their uniqueness. Author and illustrator both comment on their distinctive style at the end of the book. A serious and almost unsettling story, unfortunately this topic is all too real. Very, very good. Not light hearted, but Indy did listen. He was almost somber.

It was his first day of kindergarten today, he was tired; but good to see that two nights in a row we read together.

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any Australian who is old enough to understand history and current events will have experienced a bush fire either first hand or by following to closely on the news.
Even as I write this there are fires in Australia.
Bush fires are devastating and have taken many lives and property, and this book is a beautifully presented book about the horrors of these fires in the vast land of Australia.
It is a similar idea to the book French did on flood, and is a recommended book for all to read.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackie French has captured the emotion of a raging fire in a simple rhyming style. Bruce Whatley has done an incredible job on the illustrations.These two make a great team, and I've enjoyed all the books these two have created together that I've read so far.
A great story for older children and adults a like. An important story, since Australia deals with many bushfires every year. Some absolutely devastating.
I highly recommend it.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful rhyming text provides a launching pad for discussion, but it is the amazing, realistic illustrations that I think elevate this book. I have previously read Flood, and I am sure Drought & Cyclone are just as powerful for those who have experienced them.

[Mark Friend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst a little confronting due to the topical nature of bushfires in Australia, the poetic language of Jackie French along with the fantastic illustration of Bruce Whatley make Fire a compelling text that explores environmental and social impact of the bushfires.

[Jacinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a beautifully illustrated book that gently explains the powerful ferocity of bushfires.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love everything about this series of natural disaster picture books!

[Get Ahead Kids · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book, depicting the eerie and often heart breaking subject of fire.

Jackie's emotional verse and Bruce's spectacular illustrations capture the ferocity of the bushfire.

This book depicts the destruction of the flames, the courage of firefighters and the new growth after the blaze.

As bush fires are a common occurrence in Australia, this book is an ideal introduction for young readers.

[Hamish Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children’s book is beautiful in every way. The writing is rich and lyrical. And the water colour illustrations are exquisite. The kids learnt all about the harsh realities of bush fires in an engaging way.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackie French does it again.

http://astrongbeliefinwicker.blogspot...

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful poetic writing and very topical during the Australian summer.

[Marj Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful picture book, amazingly illustrated by Bruce Whatley. So many applications in so many areas.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one beautiful picture book in every way - text, illustrations, treatment of theme... couldn't be more highly recommended.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations.

[Beth McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book and so powerful

[Stacey Socholotuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated book.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the art.