The Fire

by Annette Griessman, Leonid Gore (Illustrator)

When a fire destroys her family's home, Maria believes that they have lost everything, but her Mama reminds her of everything they still have--each other--in a celebration of strength and courage that pays tribute to the dedication and bravery of firefighters everywhere.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 6, 2005

Reviews

[babyhippoface · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wide-eyed and frightened, Maria, her Mama, and brother Pepito watch their home burn to the ground. When a fireman saves Maria’s bear Niña and a family portrait, a grateful Mama explains that the fire may have taken their home, but it did not take everything they have. The textured illustrations are lovely, soft, and dark, with hopeful patches of bright red and yellow that leap off the page, perfectly harmonizing with the tone of the story. This honest and beautifully-illustrated picture book will speak to the hearts of readers, especially those who have experienced tragedy.

[Kelly Thevenot · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fire is a touching children's book about keeping what counts the most. Even though a house was burnt down they all got out safely. I would include this book when teaching a lesson over fire safety. It would be a great book to read before firefighters came to a school to give children information about a fire.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Fire" is a story of learning and bravery.

Right from the cover, you gain a sense of the emotional tone: sorrow and fear within the children; focus and strength from the firefighters.

Right from the cover, then, all of us are introduced to the powerfully human illustrations by Leonid Gore. As for the story itself? That comes to us courtesy of the eloquent author Annette Griessman. Vivid writing, telling a haunting story.

That ending is child-sized, and immensely touching. As for the final picture? That one really pulled on my heart. Here's to the wise mama in this story!

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sad children’s book with a strong message about family.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story helps us reinforce to our children that while things can be replaced, our loved ones are what really matters in our lives. A fire can take away our possessions, but if a family can escape and survive, the rest is just not that important.

I think this is a touching tale that does not dampen the tragedy of a fire and also helps to teach children about safety (getting low and getting out of the building). The focus is on the family and the illustrations really work well to complement the story. We really enjoyed reading this book together.

[Salsabrarian]

Mama is cooking soup as Maria and Pepito watch, when Maria sees a tendril of smoke seeping under the kitchen door. Mama discovers the house is on fire and they all escape. The firefighters battle the blaze but the house is a complete loss except for a family picture and Maria's beloved teddy bear. "The fire came and took our home but it didn't take everything," Maria concludes. A compassionate, not-too-scary treatment of a very scary event. Good for generating discussion and empathy.

[Heather Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very moving story about a fire that destroys this little family's home. They learn about what the most valuable things really are. I also really enjoyed the voice of this author. Lots of imagery adn effective syntax.

CO: 2005

Genre: Realistic Fiction

[Madison LibraryBookFamily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated picture book about a young girl who deals with a fire that burns her house down. Great book for introducing the role of firefighters and what to do when your house is on fire.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations. The love this family has for each other comes shines through the pictures and the children's eyes are haunting.