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Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine
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AGES 4-8
When the Mayor Himself decides the town of Someport-by-the-Sea needs a new fire engine the Fire Chief picks a shiny, bright red one that has all the latest tools needed to put out fires. The new fire engine becomes the joy of the children in town and the pride of the fireman and townspeople alike.
But after many years the fire engine becomes old and worn until everyone begins to laugh and call it Rusty. Sad and forlorn Rusty is ignored and forgotten. Then during the 4th of July parade in a summer like no other Rusty saves the day in a most surprising and unusual way.
Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine tells the story of a fire engine and the fireman and boy who love him. It is a lighthearted and multi-layered story, richly told, that will appeal to children and adults alike.
Whimsical illustrations create an air of fantasy, drawing children into Rusty’s world while stimulating their imaginations as they follow Rusty’s journey from hero to outcast and back again.
The surprise ending brings the tale to a heart-warming and satisfying conclusion that reveals all things have hidden value that is waiting to be released. Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine is a classic story of love, loss, transformation and redemption.
AGES 4-8
When the Mayor Himself decides the town of Someport-by-the-Sea needs a new fire engine the Fire Chief picks a shiny, bright red one that has all the latest tools needed to put out fires. The new fire engine becomes the joy of the children in town and the pride of the fireman and townspeople alike.
But after many years the fire engine becomes old and worn until everyone begins to laugh and call it Rusty. Sad and forlorn Rusty is ignored and forgotten. Then during the 4th of July parade in a summer like no other Rusty saves the day in a most surprising and unusual way.
Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine tells the story of a fire engine and the fireman and boy who love him. It is a lighthearted and multi-layered story, richly told, that will appeal to children and adults alike.
Whimsical illustrations create an air of fantasy, drawing children into Rusty’s world while stimulating their imaginations as they follow Rusty’s journey from hero to outcast and back again.
The surprise ending brings the tale to a heart-warming and satisfying conclusion that reveals all things have hidden value that is waiting to be released. Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine is a classic story of love, loss, transformation and redemption.
16 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2017
About the author
Joe Fisher
3 books7 followersJoe Fisher received advanced degrees in Sociology and Public Health from Tufts and Harvard Universities respectively. After successful careers in market research and public health policy consulting Joe now writes full time from his home base in Sanibel Island, Fl. Like his career, his writing is wide ranging and eclectic from academic and business books and papers to trade works on such diverse topics as public reactions to serial murder and the medical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of recovery from a near death experience. His work has earned praise from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, The Library Journal, The Miami Herald and the New England Journal of Medicine among others. Recently, Joe jumped to the world of children’s picture books with the series The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine and Ospreys in the Outfield: A Sanibel Story.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 8, 2022
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine by Joe Fisher is a story about the small town of Someport-by-the-Sea needing a fire engine, so they finally voted to buy one. Everyone was so happy about their lovely red fire engine that they named him Reddy because he was so bright red and was always ready to go. Reddy the fire engine was always the one to start the 4th of July parade, which was a big deal. Until the day every realized Reddy was old and Rusty, and his new name they gave him was Rusty. This lasted on for a while, and there were lots of changes in the small town, and Rusty was still there. Doing what? Well, you can read the book to find out.
First of all, this book is hardcover with a dust jacket, and has the cutest story with illustrations that give you a smile with their beautiful colors. I think any child would love this book because it is so beautiful inside and out. The book is so very nice.
Then its the sweet story. I always love when stories are written about bringing different things to life, and this is just what we find in The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine. I love that Rusty is given a name and is part of the community. Even when he was almost forgotten, he was still part of the community. There is a valuable lesson here for every child, and every person really. It is that you are never Forgotten, no matter what situation you are in. You may not be the top person in your class, but you won’t be forgotten. This story gets Five Stars from me. I hope you will check this story out for yourself. This book would be wonderful in any school or classroom Library or your child’s personal library.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine by Joe Fisher is a story about the small town of Someport-by-the-Sea needing a fire engine, so they finally voted to buy one. Everyone was so happy about their lovely red fire engine that they named him Reddy because he was so bright red and was always ready to go. Reddy the fire engine was always the one to start the 4th of July parade, which was a big deal. Until the day every realized Reddy was old and Rusty, and his new name they gave him was Rusty. This lasted on for a while, and there were lots of changes in the small town, and Rusty was still there. Doing what? Well, you can read the book to find out.
First of all, this book is hardcover with a dust jacket, and has the cutest story with illustrations that give you a smile with their beautiful colors. I think any child would love this book because it is so beautiful inside and out. The book is so very nice.
Then its the sweet story. I always love when stories are written about bringing different things to life, and this is just what we find in The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine. I love that Rusty is given a name and is part of the community. Even when he was almost forgotten, he was still part of the community. There is a valuable lesson here for every child, and every person really. It is that you are never Forgotten, no matter what situation you are in. You may not be the top person in your class, but you won’t be forgotten. This story gets Five Stars from me. I hope you will check this story out for yourself. This book would be wonderful in any school or classroom Library or your child’s personal library.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
January 8, 2023
This was a very cute book, with the message that just because something isn’t new anymore that it can still have value, even if it’s not what is typically expected.
My only quibble with it was this is NOT small screen eReader friendly. I was trying to read this on my phone in an app and the print was SO tiny, even when zoomed, that I had to have it about one inch from my face to read it. That’s why it took me so long to read it, it was a pain to read!
So if you are considering this book, get a real tree copy or have a larger screen eReader to use.
There was a lot of writing for a picture book, so it might not work with antsy little ones who don’t sit still for longer books being read to them. It also might be too much for little ones just learning to read.
The artwork was a little simple, not a lot of background, it seemed to be mostly the primary figures and a lot of white space around them.
3, it was cute and has a good message, stars.
I won this on GoodReads from the author.
My only quibble with it was this is NOT small screen eReader friendly. I was trying to read this on my phone in an app and the print was SO tiny, even when zoomed, that I had to have it about one inch from my face to read it. That’s why it took me so long to read it, it was a pain to read!
So if you are considering this book, get a real tree copy or have a larger screen eReader to use.
There was a lot of writing for a picture book, so it might not work with antsy little ones who don’t sit still for longer books being read to them. It also might be too much for little ones just learning to read.
The artwork was a little simple, not a lot of background, it seemed to be mostly the primary figures and a lot of white space around them.
3, it was cute and has a good message, stars.
I won this on GoodReads from the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2022
The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine is a charmingly sweet story. Rusty was once known as “Reddy, the ready Fire Engine.” But one day, Reddy was no longer so red. In fact, he was quite rusty! From then on he was mocked and teased for being old and no longer useful.
The story of Rusty helps teach children that usefulness is not lost and does not disappear because of being “old and out of shape,” as it were.
The illustrations by Jaye Boswell are bright, whimsical and appealing, adding plenty of engagement for youngsters.
My two-year-old granddaughter enjoyed the story immensely. The winsome prose drew her immediately into the story. The adorable illustrations led to many questions and exclamations. We broke the story into two nighttime adventures because she was so enthralled with it!
The target market is ages 4-8, however, I think both younger and older children will enjoy the story, too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
The story of Rusty helps teach children that usefulness is not lost and does not disappear because of being “old and out of shape,” as it were.
The illustrations by Jaye Boswell are bright, whimsical and appealing, adding plenty of engagement for youngsters.
My two-year-old granddaughter enjoyed the story immensely. The winsome prose drew her immediately into the story. The adorable illustrations led to many questions and exclamations. We broke the story into two nighttime adventures because she was so enthralled with it!
The target market is ages 4-8, however, I think both younger and older children will enjoy the story, too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
August 23, 2022
Rusty The Forgotten Fire Engine is the cutest story! I love the emphasis on the fire engine even after it becomes old and rusty.
The entire town is excited to buy a brand-new fire engine. The shiny red truck with all its special tools leads the 4th of July parade each year. But once its shine wears off and the bell doesn’t ring as bold, the townsfolk begin to lose interest.
My grandson loves this story. It explains each part of a fire truck and its use. The little boy in the story hopes to be a fireman when he grows up, so he does what it takes to make his dream happen. The story has a celebratory and magical feel to it and offers a sweet and heart-warming ending. And the illustrations are adorable, rich with color and whimsical detail.
First Line: Once, many years but not so long ago, the people who lived in Someport-by-the-Sea decided they needed a new fire engine.
Target Age: 4-8 years old
Genre: Children
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
The entire town is excited to buy a brand-new fire engine. The shiny red truck with all its special tools leads the 4th of July parade each year. But once its shine wears off and the bell doesn’t ring as bold, the townsfolk begin to lose interest.
My grandson loves this story. It explains each part of a fire truck and its use. The little boy in the story hopes to be a fireman when he grows up, so he does what it takes to make his dream happen. The story has a celebratory and magical feel to it and offers a sweet and heart-warming ending. And the illustrations are adorable, rich with color and whimsical detail.
First Line: Once, many years but not so long ago, the people who lived in Someport-by-the-Sea decided they needed a new fire engine.
Target Age: 4-8 years old
Genre: Children
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
August 24, 2022
Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine Entertains and Teaches Readers. Like the kids in the story, children always seem drawn to the sights and sounds of a bright, red firetruck! The author uses that fun love of firetrucks to offer readers more profound life lessons about respect, value, friendship, empathy, and even aging. Parents and caregivers will find a lot to love in Rusty's story.
Readers will Love the Illustrations. With brightly illustrated pages, the author and illustrator join forces to bring Rusty's story to life. I loved the author's writing style and storytelling--and the excellent way he gave Rusty's story a happy ending. I found the text to be small and too much per page for younger readers/listeners. As an adult, I even had to break out the reading glasses--which I rarely do for a children's book. It could have been broken into more pages with more illustrations to make it easier to read for the younger readers in the target audience.
Would I Recommend Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine by Joe Fisher? I loved Rusty's story and the bright, bold illustrations that brought Rusty's story to life. There was a lot of text on each page, which may make it better suited to the 6-8 age range. If you have a child that loves firetrucks and you want to share some important life lessons about aging, respect, and treatment of others--this is a great book!
I received a copy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
Readers will Love the Illustrations. With brightly illustrated pages, the author and illustrator join forces to bring Rusty's story to life. I loved the author's writing style and storytelling--and the excellent way he gave Rusty's story a happy ending. I found the text to be small and too much per page for younger readers/listeners. As an adult, I even had to break out the reading glasses--which I rarely do for a children's book. It could have been broken into more pages with more illustrations to make it easier to read for the younger readers in the target audience.
Would I Recommend Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine by Joe Fisher? I loved Rusty's story and the bright, bold illustrations that brought Rusty's story to life. There was a lot of text on each page, which may make it better suited to the 6-8 age range. If you have a child that loves firetrucks and you want to share some important life lessons about aging, respect, and treatment of others--this is a great book!
I received a copy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
August 31, 2022
Kids love books that have rhyme. They like stories with words that are themselves sounds (like Beep and Ding Dong). They also enjoy books with stories they can relate to. Most kids have seen fire engines in parades. Unfortunately some kids have lost “friends” when someone new came along. Author Joe Fisher ties all of these things together in Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine.
In my interview with Joe Fisher I learned he modeled this series after Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel. I can see that in the text of his book - the crowds going from one extreme to the other. In the case of Mary Anne it’s from rejection to a new role. Rusty’s path is similar. The crowds love him at the start, move to making fun of him, then loving him in the end when his water tank takes on a new role.
Jay Boswell created illustrations which compliment the text well. Some give children a closer look at fire engines, something they may not have experienced.
I can see this book becoming a favorite and children “reading” the sound words once they have learned the story. There are a lot of words on each page so this is definitely a book to be read aloud to younger children.
Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine would make a great gift for a young child who is enamored with fire engines and fire fighters. It would also make a great addition to the picture book section of a K-12 Christian School library.
I received a complimentary copy of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine. This is my honest review.
In my interview with Joe Fisher I learned he modeled this series after Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel. I can see that in the text of his book - the crowds going from one extreme to the other. In the case of Mary Anne it’s from rejection to a new role. Rusty’s path is similar. The crowds love him at the start, move to making fun of him, then loving him in the end when his water tank takes on a new role.
Jay Boswell created illustrations which compliment the text well. Some give children a closer look at fire engines, something they may not have experienced.
I can see this book becoming a favorite and children “reading” the sound words once they have learned the story. There are a lot of words on each page so this is definitely a book to be read aloud to younger children.
Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine would make a great gift for a young child who is enamored with fire engines and fire fighters. It would also make a great addition to the picture book section of a K-12 Christian School library.
I received a complimentary copy of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine. This is my honest review.
October 23, 2019
KIRKUS REVIEW
A once-beloved fire engine regains a town’s affection in this picture book for lap readers.
When the town of Someport-by-the-Sea buys a new fire engine—bright, red Reddy with his big, red water tank—residents young and old (all depicted as Caucasian) are delighted. Helpful Reddy makes the town proud; he receives accolades wherever he goes. But after leading his first Independence Day parade, Reddy loses his luster, and admiration shifts to new acquisitions, including a snowplow and a road grader. The truck is renamed Rusty and eventually relegated to the end of the parade. How Rusty reclaims the townspeople’s hearts involves a hot summer day, an old friend, and a surprise repurposing of Rusty’s water tank. Adults may find the narrative a bit precious at times (the ladders go “Up Up Uppity-up”; the firehouse dog goes “Bark Bark Barkity-bark”), but Fisher’s (The Next Breath, 2014, etc.) prose invites empathy, as does illustrator Boswell’s understated suggestion of a face in Rusty’s grille and headlights. The author’s observations on the fickleness of fame come through with appropriate humor and heart, and the small illustrations are pleasantly rendered against ample negative space.
A children’s tale that veers toward the sugary side, but the ups and downs of an anthropomorphic fire engine are sympathetically portrayed.
A once-beloved fire engine regains a town’s affection in this picture book for lap readers.
When the town of Someport-by-the-Sea buys a new fire engine—bright, red Reddy with his big, red water tank—residents young and old (all depicted as Caucasian) are delighted. Helpful Reddy makes the town proud; he receives accolades wherever he goes. But after leading his first Independence Day parade, Reddy loses his luster, and admiration shifts to new acquisitions, including a snowplow and a road grader. The truck is renamed Rusty and eventually relegated to the end of the parade. How Rusty reclaims the townspeople’s hearts involves a hot summer day, an old friend, and a surprise repurposing of Rusty’s water tank. Adults may find the narrative a bit precious at times (the ladders go “Up Up Uppity-up”; the firehouse dog goes “Bark Bark Barkity-bark”), but Fisher’s (The Next Breath, 2014, etc.) prose invites empathy, as does illustrator Boswell’s understated suggestion of a face in Rusty’s grille and headlights. The author’s observations on the fickleness of fame come through with appropriate humor and heart, and the small illustrations are pleasantly rendered against ample negative space.
A children’s tale that veers toward the sugary side, but the ups and downs of an anthropomorphic fire engine are sympathetically portrayed.
October 2, 2024
First, I'd like to extend a big thanks to the author, Joe Fisher, the illustrator, Jayne Boswell, the publisher, Angler Publishing, and Goodreads for the privilege of being able to win this children's picture book in a giveaway.
Rusty The Forgotten Fire Engine is a sweet children's story about how a town acquired and loved a firetruck, valuing it throughout the years until it got older, and the town had to find new uses for the truck. It has lovely illustrations with colors that bring the story to life, with the townspeople being featured in many of the pictures. The firetruck's expressions are very cute and will certainly allow a child to empathize with the truck's story. This is a great story to teach children about how the purpose of things can change over time, our value can change, but it doesn't mean that they should be thrown out or treated badly. I thought this was a very cute story that I would recommend to anyone who knows children interested in fire trucks and fun picture books.
Rusty The Forgotten Fire Engine is a sweet children's story about how a town acquired and loved a firetruck, valuing it throughout the years until it got older, and the town had to find new uses for the truck. It has lovely illustrations with colors that bring the story to life, with the townspeople being featured in many of the pictures. The firetruck's expressions are very cute and will certainly allow a child to empathize with the truck's story. This is a great story to teach children about how the purpose of things can change over time, our value can change, but it doesn't mean that they should be thrown out or treated badly. I thought this was a very cute story that I would recommend to anyone who knows children interested in fire trucks and fun picture books.
August 22, 2022
Rusty The Forgotten Fire Engine is a very entertaining story for children. It is about a very much needed new fire engine which over years loses it's momentum and then through dire circumstances discovers a new use.
An analogy can easily relate it to real life of humans. There is a lot of activity within these pages. It will be a fun story-time in reading this entertaining book.
The hardback book is well made, attractive with nice quality pages that are quite thick.
The Illustrator, Jaye Boswell, did an awesome job of creating large colorful images with smaller writing on each page.
I, personally am not a fan of the popular cartoon-like art. However the artwork was done well.The only other negative is I feel this book is too wordy for Pre-school age children.
*This book was gifted me with no pressure to ost a positive review. this is my hone
An analogy can easily relate it to real life of humans. There is a lot of activity within these pages. It will be a fun story-time in reading this entertaining book.
The hardback book is well made, attractive with nice quality pages that are quite thick.
The Illustrator, Jaye Boswell, did an awesome job of creating large colorful images with smaller writing on each page.
I, personally am not a fan of the popular cartoon-like art. However the artwork was done well.The only other negative is I feel this book is too wordy for Pre-school age children.
*This book was gifted me with no pressure to ost a positive review. this is my hone
September 2, 2022
I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
What a sweet story! The town’s new fire engine is named Reddy because he’s always ready to get to fires to extinguish them, but as he gets older, slower, and mostly forgotten, the townspeople rename him Rusty. Children will love how Rusty regains the favor of everyone and becomes a beloved hero and he even gets to head the parade every year!
Along with a good story, the illustrations are great with vibrant colors. There is a lot of text, so it would be best for this book to be read aloud to younger readers. There are also sections that are fun to read aloud such as “A bell that went Ding, Dong Dingity-dong (As if to say) Hold on. I won’t be long.”
I can’t wait to read this to my 3-year-old grandson the next time he comes over!
What a sweet story! The town’s new fire engine is named Reddy because he’s always ready to get to fires to extinguish them, but as he gets older, slower, and mostly forgotten, the townspeople rename him Rusty. Children will love how Rusty regains the favor of everyone and becomes a beloved hero and he even gets to head the parade every year!
Along with a good story, the illustrations are great with vibrant colors. There is a lot of text, so it would be best for this book to be read aloud to younger readers. There are also sections that are fun to read aloud such as “A bell that went Ding, Dong Dingity-dong (As if to say) Hold on. I won’t be long.”
I can’t wait to read this to my 3-year-old grandson the next time he comes over!
September 2, 2022
This is a delightful book about a little red fire engine that, while at first is loved by all, is forgotten as it ages and becomes rusty. But one hot summer day Reddy/Rusty endears himself once again to his community. This is an actual story that Mr. Fisher told his children when they were young. The jingles are very catchy and sure to thrill your children.
The wonderful illustrations help to convey the message of the story – the importance of caring for something and not letting it be forgotten. It is perfect for leading to a discussion of the importance of not letting that is loved be forgotten and brushed away for newer (or younger) versions. It can even lead to the discussion of how the elderly should be loved and cared for as they still contribute to society.
Perfect for all those little girls and boys who may be obsessed with fire engines.
The wonderful illustrations help to convey the message of the story – the importance of caring for something and not letting it be forgotten. It is perfect for leading to a discussion of the importance of not letting that is loved be forgotten and brushed away for newer (or younger) versions. It can even lead to the discussion of how the elderly should be loved and cared for as they still contribute to society.
Perfect for all those little girls and boys who may be obsessed with fire engines.
August 23, 2022
A cute firetruck story. How quickly new things can be forgotten when the next new thing comes along. Yet they don't lose their value or worth just because they aren't "new" anymore. In fact, there might be new things up their sleeve and be surprisingly useful in other ways new things can't be.
I love the hidden life lesson of not disregarding or disrespecting the older things. It had a few cute rhyming chants, and the illustrations were charming. It was a bit too long for my hyperactive 6-year-old daughter, but I'm sure a child with the love of fire engine trucks will enjoy this series. I rate it 3.5
Disclaimer: I was given a copy from author but not required to give a good review. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love the hidden life lesson of not disregarding or disrespecting the older things. It had a few cute rhyming chants, and the illustrations were charming. It was a bit too long for my hyperactive 6-year-old daughter, but I'm sure a child with the love of fire engine trucks will enjoy this series. I rate it 3.5
Disclaimer: I was given a copy from author but not required to give a good review. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 27, 2022
Rusty the Fire Engine is the pride of Someport-by-the-Sea until a new snowplow and ambulance and a slew of other trucks take over the spotlight. But thanks to Jim, a veteran fireman, and Mike, the honorary Deputy Fire Chief, Rusty is never forgotten. When he saves the day one hot summer, the town remembers why they loved Rusty in the first place.
With fun wordplay and a sentimental storyline, Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine is a lovely book to read as a family. The colourful illustrations are charming and there are lots of fun details to discover throughout the book. This book is sure to be a hit with children interested in trucks and would be a great addition to classrooms and school libraries.
With fun wordplay and a sentimental storyline, Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine is a lovely book to read as a family. The colourful illustrations are charming and there are lots of fun details to discover throughout the book. This book is sure to be a hit with children interested in trucks and would be a great addition to classrooms and school libraries.
August 30, 2022
Children will fall in love with this little fire engine whose first name was Reddy. The cute illustrations and rhyming will make it a picture book that kids will want to read many times. Children love a star, and Reddy was important and loved. But when he got rusty and old he was forgotten. He was made fun of and his name was changed to Rusty. He was about to be replaced when he got his second chance to be loved. This little book teaches children some great life lessons.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
November 13, 2023
I read this with my 4-year-old who loves everything fireman-related.
Story was good, but it would've been better if the author had broken up the amount of text on each page. It was text heavy for a kids' book, and he was ready to turn the page before the text was done.
The illustrations were not great - they were a little cheesy and old school. It reminded me of something out of the 80s/90s, and my 4yo wasn't a fan.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
Story was good, but it would've been better if the author had broken up the amount of text on each page. It was text heavy for a kids' book, and he was ready to turn the page before the text was done.
The illustrations were not great - they were a little cheesy and old school. It reminded me of something out of the 80s/90s, and my 4yo wasn't a fan.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
January 27, 2024
Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine was a good read. Through cute rhymes, it teaches kids the parts of a fire engine and the use for those parts.
It also teaches that even when we take care of them, things get old and are treated differently than when they are new. My heart broke for Rusty as he was pushed farther and further back in the parade.
I wasn't too fond of the Mayor but I liked Jim and Mike. Jim had faith in Rusty and continued to take good care of it and it was worth it!
There are so many ways that parents and teachers can use this story to teach important lessons, a few of which are:
- Respect for their toys
- Respect for their pets
- Respect for the elderly
- Don't follow the crowd
- Speak positively
What I liked:
- Colorful illustrations
- The author's storytelling skill
- The play on words from Reddy/Ready to Rusty
What Gave Me Pause:
- The size of the writing of the actual story. It seemed more chapter book size than picture book me.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and will be giving my copy to my daughter for my grandson. It's amazing how one person's positive comment can change a person's outlook about themselves or their worth. Let's speak kindly to and about one another.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and I have written this review voluntarily.
It also teaches that even when we take care of them, things get old and are treated differently than when they are new. My heart broke for Rusty as he was pushed farther and further back in the parade.
I wasn't too fond of the Mayor but I liked Jim and Mike. Jim had faith in Rusty and continued to take good care of it and it was worth it!
There are so many ways that parents and teachers can use this story to teach important lessons, a few of which are:
- Respect for their toys
- Respect for their pets
- Respect for the elderly
- Don't follow the crowd
- Speak positively
What I liked:
- Colorful illustrations
- The author's storytelling skill
- The play on words from Reddy/Ready to Rusty
What Gave Me Pause:
- The size of the writing of the actual story. It seemed more chapter book size than picture book me.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and will be giving my copy to my daughter for my grandson. It's amazing how one person's positive comment can change a person's outlook about themselves or their worth. Let's speak kindly to and about one another.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and I have written this review voluntarily.
March 23, 2024
This is a cute little book intended for the young child. Everyone loves something when it is bright and shiny but this story has the message that the old and reliable have uses too and should not be forgotten. I think kids will enjoy it.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
May 5, 2023
Cute story that shares a bit of reality. When things are new they are interesting, but often as things get older they lose their appeal. Including the cute rhymes and Mike as a boy and then an adult were nice touches. I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
August 24, 2022
Shows that we can adapt to changing circumstanes.
November 10, 2022
Thanks for the kindle copy.
Nice story and illustrations.
Nice story and illustrations.
December 18, 2022
I received a Kindle copy in a Goodreads giveaway. The story is entertaining, however, the illustrations are lacking. My 6 year old made me cover the dog because she said it looked like a scary rat.
January 15, 2023
Received from a Goodreads giveaway
Just a overall cute book. The story, the illustration. My 4 year old grandchild loved it
Just a overall cute book. The story, the illustration. My 4 year old grandchild loved it
January 11, 2024
This book is super cute! Teaches adults and kids to appreciate things even if they are old and not new anymore. I recommend this book to read to your kids!
August 5, 2025
Cute story about a fire engine and its journey as it ages. I tend to struggle with the small font on some childrens books on Kindle. This was no exception as the words were quite small.
August 28, 2022
A new fire engine was needed for the small town of Someport-by-the-Sea. They searched and searched until they found the perfect fire engine. The townspeople loved the fire engine so much that they decided to call him Reddy. They even came up with a song for him.
Reddy, Reddy red and bright
Standing guard both day and night
In the dark and in the light
Reddy, Reddy has fires to fight
With so much love and attention Reddy was getting, the town featured him in the annual parade. But then, year after year, something new pushed him farther and farther behind.
As the years went by, Reddy was looking old and tired. “Reddy doesn’t look ready anymore,” they said. “Reddy? Don’t you mean Rusty?” And that’s how the new name came about.
Rusty, Rusty, old and slow
The fire’s out before you show
Rusty, Rusty time to go
Will it take one old friend to bring back the shine in the old fire engine?
With colorful illustrations and catchy rhymes, this book was joy to read.
Reddy, Reddy red and bright
Standing guard both day and night
In the dark and in the light
Reddy, Reddy has fires to fight
With so much love and attention Reddy was getting, the town featured him in the annual parade. But then, year after year, something new pushed him farther and farther behind.
As the years went by, Reddy was looking old and tired. “Reddy doesn’t look ready anymore,” they said. “Reddy? Don’t you mean Rusty?” And that’s how the new name came about.
Rusty, Rusty, old and slow
The fire’s out before you show
Rusty, Rusty time to go
Will it take one old friend to bring back the shine in the old fire engine?
With colorful illustrations and catchy rhymes, this book was joy to read.
August 20, 2022
Rusty The Forgotten Fire Engine starts Joe Fisher’s The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine series. I really enjoyed this cute and heartwarming little story of how Rusty is turned away as he aged, becoming useless and cast aside. I love how he was redeemed and others find his true value and importance to everyone. I thought it was wonderful and a great life lesson to teach young and old readers. We all could learn these important messages and be reminded of them from time to time.
Rusty The Forgotten Fire Engine is illustrated by the talented artist, Jaye Boswell. The colorful and vivid pictures perfectly go along with the story. They are helpful with keeping the younger readers engaged and understand as to what is going on.
Rusty The Forgotten Fire Engine will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. It would be a great fit for readers who are between the ages of three and eight. I would love to see it on shelves in local libraries and classrooms for story times. I look forward to reading the next installment from the The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine series, Rusty Goes to Water World, to see what else happens to Rusty the Fire Engine. This one should not be missed.
I received a hard cover copy of Rusty The Forgotten Fire Engine from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Rusty The Forgotten Fire Engine is illustrated by the talented artist, Jaye Boswell. The colorful and vivid pictures perfectly go along with the story. They are helpful with keeping the younger readers engaged and understand as to what is going on.
Rusty The Forgotten Fire Engine will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. It would be a great fit for readers who are between the ages of three and eight. I would love to see it on shelves in local libraries and classrooms for story times. I look forward to reading the next installment from the The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine series, Rusty Goes to Water World, to see what else happens to Rusty the Fire Engine. This one should not be missed.
I received a hard cover copy of Rusty The Forgotten Fire Engine from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
August 23, 2022
A cute firetruck story. How quickly new things can be forgotten when the next new thing comes along. Yet they don't lose their value or worth just because they aren't "new" anymore. In fact, there might be new things up their sleeve and be surprisingly useful in other ways new things can't be.
I love the hidden life lesson of not disregarding or disrespecting the older things. It had a few cute rhyming chants, and the illustrations were charming. It was a bit too long for my hyperactive 6-year-old daughter, but I'm sure a child with the love of fire engine trucks will enjoy this series.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy from author but not required to give a good review. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love the hidden life lesson of not disregarding or disrespecting the older things. It had a few cute rhyming chants, and the illustrations were charming. It was a bit too long for my hyperactive 6-year-old daughter, but I'm sure a child with the love of fire engine trucks will enjoy this series.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy from author but not required to give a good review. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
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