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Finding Fire
Can a young boy find fire for his family—and bring it safely home? An exciting, nearly wordless picture book adventure as visually compelling as a Pixar short.
After a hard rain douses the family fire, a brave young boy sets out to search for more fire to bring home before the cold season sets in. Along the way, he’ll face many challenges, from perilous mountains to fearsome predators to raging rivers, and find something wholly unexpected: a friend. In his picture book debut, artist Logan S. Kline crafts a dramatic tale inspired by prehistoric times and told almost entirely through stunningly detailed illustrations. “Finding Fire started with the sketch of a small boy holding a torch and grew from there,” he says. “A lot of research went into creating the art for this book, yet the look of the boy changed very little over time as he was inspired by my children, from my younger son's wiry frame to my elder son's wild hair that goes in a million different directions.” This gorgeous adventure story just begs to be visited again and again, with each perusal promising new discoveries.
After a hard rain douses the family fire, a brave young boy sets out to search for more fire to bring home before the cold season sets in. Along the way, he’ll face many challenges, from perilous mountains to fearsome predators to raging rivers, and find something wholly unexpected: a friend. In his picture book debut, artist Logan S. Kline crafts a dramatic tale inspired by prehistoric times and told almost entirely through stunningly detailed illustrations. “Finding Fire started with the sketch of a small boy holding a torch and grew from there,” he says. “A lot of research went into creating the art for this book, yet the look of the boy changed very little over time as he was inspired by my children, from my younger son's wiry frame to my elder son's wild hair that goes in a million different directions.” This gorgeous adventure story just begs to be visited again and again, with each perusal promising new discoveries.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2022
1 person is currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Logan S. Kline
1 book433 followersLogan S. Kline is an artist whose work has appeared in several magazines, including Highlights, Ladybug, and Cricket. He is also a high school art teacher. Logan S. Kline lives in upstate New York with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 26, 2022
"Long before
the secrets of fire had
been discovered,
people had to find fire.
And if they lost it...
if it went out...
someone would need to
search for more."
A little boy sets out on a quest to find fire in this (almost) wordless picture book. It's a long ago time, and the boy must face many difficulties to help his family, his community.
A true adventure, told with gentle humor amid scary danger, of a strong child overcoming serious obstacles in order to save others.
the secrets of fire had
been discovered,
people had to find fire.
And if they lost it...
if it went out...
someone would need to
search for more."
A little boy sets out on a quest to find fire in this (almost) wordless picture book. It's a long ago time, and the boy must face many difficulties to help his family, his community.
A true adventure, told with gentle humor amid scary danger, of a strong child overcoming serious obstacles in order to save others.
September 21, 2022
have you ever heard “a picture is worth a thousand words?” well, here’s 40,000.
a coworker told me i HAD to “read” this book. she said “i know you. you’re gonna love it.” and, well…she does, and i did. (thanks, tracy!)
you don’t need words on a page to understand and appreciate this story. i’ve come to the understanding that this story is about curiosity, bravery, friendship, love, and perseverance, to name a few. and that is the beautiful thing about art, or a picture book with no words, save for the first page or so.
we can look at the same set of images and gather a completely different or similar story, and there’s no way to disprove one another because there’s no text to back it up. it leave the reader to gather their own understanding and takeaway, and this can do wonders for a child learning the beauty of what imagination can do.
a coworker told me i HAD to “read” this book. she said “i know you. you’re gonna love it.” and, well…she does, and i did. (thanks, tracy!)
you don’t need words on a page to understand and appreciate this story. i’ve come to the understanding that this story is about curiosity, bravery, friendship, love, and perseverance, to name a few. and that is the beautiful thing about art, or a picture book with no words, save for the first page or so.
we can look at the same set of images and gather a completely different or similar story, and there’s no way to disprove one another because there’s no text to back it up. it leave the reader to gather their own understanding and takeaway, and this can do wonders for a child learning the beauty of what imagination can do.
October 18, 2022
Finding Fire is a stunning, wordless picture book that won me over completely. I will be sharing this book for many years to come and it will hold a special place on my bookshelf. This is one of those books that I knew I wanted to read the minute I saw the cover. The art just spoke to me. Kline's art has all the elements that I particularly love in picture book art; appealing characters, a lush setting, and a compelling plot. The illustrations do such an amazing job telling the story that words aren't needed. This is one of those stories that it would be delightful to hear a child tell in his/her/their own words. The story revolves around a young boy living in prehistoric times who leaves home to find fire. Because his family does not yet know how to start a fire, they must rely on finding an existing fire and bringing it home. The fire must be kept going at all times. As the story begins, rain extinguishes the families fire, and the boy volunteers to go search for more. The boy faces real dangers along the way in the form of a river, saber-toothed tigers, and an injury. At this point, the boy faces real discouragement shown in the form of tears, this picture really tugged at my heartstrings. But thanks to a surprise discovery, the boy's mission may not be as hopeless as it seemed. Sigh. I love, love, love this book, and plan to share it with everyone I know, especially my students. Highly, highly recommended for the tender story of courage and friendship, and the absolutely gorgeous artwork. I sincerely hope that Logan S. Kline will be creating many more picture books in the future.
September 17, 2022
Like the illustrations. Story is a bit lightweight and didn't measure up.
February 16, 2023
This utterly gorgeous nearly-wordless picture book captured my heart in an instant! So much so, that I had to buy the book immediately and pore over the illustrations again and again. The story is not as simple as the wordless format would have you believe. It tells the tale of a prehistoric boy who goes out in search of fire when his family's home fire goes out. Each illustration details his journey, from a near run-in with wildcats to a sudden injury to the making of a new friend. I have read this book over and over, and each time I find a new detail to love.
January 24, 2023
A nearly perfect picture book! Finding Fire tells the story of a young Neanderthal boy who goes off to find fire to bring back to his family. He makes a unique friend along the way. The boy is clever and a problem-solver. Can he do it?
The book features almost no dialogue and allows the nearly cinematic illustrations to allow readers, particularly reluctant and/or younger ones, to ingest the story. Great read-alike for fans of Meet the Croods! Bravo Logan S. Kline!
The book features almost no dialogue and allows the nearly cinematic illustrations to allow readers, particularly reluctant and/or younger ones, to ingest the story. Great read-alike for fans of Meet the Croods! Bravo Logan S. Kline!
August 25, 2023
2022 Cybils Picture Book Finalist
This was a charming story with a very cute little mastodon. I had a fondness for wordless stories, and this one does a great job of providing a robust plot with pictures alone. The artwork wasn't my favorite but it wasn't bad; it just kinda said "Disney" to me, so well done but not amazing. I was a little concerned that the kid seemed so different from the family -- is this a Clan of the Cave Bear situation?
This was a charming story with a very cute little mastodon. I had a fondness for wordless stories, and this one does a great job of providing a robust plot with pictures alone. The artwork wasn't my favorite but it wasn't bad; it just kinda said "Disney" to me, so well done but not amazing. I was a little concerned that the kid seemed so different from the family -- is this a Clan of the Cave Bear situation?
September 9, 2022
Beautifully illustrated children’s book that tells a story, even without words.
June 8, 2023
This is such a sweet, cute picture book without words. The illustrations are adorable. I loved this one and sharing it with the little people in my life.
November 18, 2024
A wordless picture book about how a boy overcomes trials to find fire for his family.
September 28, 2022
Adorable, wordless book with a lanky, quirky style. I especially love the characters that are not part of the central story.
February 8, 2023
What a great story! The pictures are BEAUTIFUL! The first page is in black and white and fireless-leading to feelings of darkness and dread. Turn the page and a bit of color peeks out as you see the boy's red hair as the scene begins to take on more color. The colors brighten and deepen and the monochromatic fades away as the story is "told." By the end of the story (when they have fire again), the images are bright and full. What a powerful expression of the power of the fire just through that color scheme change. Besides the color, the drawings themselves are fantastic, with great details (the wolves getting thorns on their noses, the boy's tearing eyes). All of it blends together so well to move the story along while creating humor and drama and fully engaging the reader.
On the other side of the gorgeous illustrations, is a great story. There is a variance in the size of the illustrations some large whole page, and other panel stories providing a closer look at some of the events. The story explores family, karma, pushing yourself, friendship, and returning home (and many more things you can bring to it).
Love, love, loved it.
On the other side of the gorgeous illustrations, is a great story. There is a variance in the size of the illustrations some large whole page, and other panel stories providing a closer look at some of the events. The story explores family, karma, pushing yourself, friendship, and returning home (and many more things you can bring to it).
Love, love, loved it.
September 15, 2022
My kids and I love wordless picture book and this is easily one of our new favorites! Finding Fire is an utterly gripping adventure story with tender moments, humor, and daring. We were rooting for the young boy in the story from frame one of the narrative and just were so charmed by him every moment along the way. I love the style of the illustrations -- beautiful detail with a modern vibe that also pays homage to ancient times. The brightness of the fire when it appears in frame is mesmerizing when juxtaposed against the more subdued tones of the scenes. I also loved the layout of pages -- some scenes take up two pages across while others are built in more comic storybook frames. It is a really interesting way to read through the story. As I said, this is easily a new favorite of ours and one we will revisit.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Candlewick Press. Opinions are my own.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Candlewick Press. Opinions are my own.
October 18, 2022
In this debut picture book, high school art teacher Logan S. Kline tells a wondrous tale of long ago when, if people's fire went out, someone must go in search for it again. With a small intro to begin, the rest is an amazing wordless adventure when, after some argument, one young boy volunteers to go for the family. On the way, he takes refuge in a thorn tree from frightful creatures, manages to survive, and treks on with his own "fire" and determination. A lightning storm shows promise when smoke rises from afar. Along the way, he finds a way to save another creature, one that becomes a friend. I've read it more than once, seeing extra details Kline adds like the mountainous landscape, white-capped river waves, and the people's attire. This will be one for young readers to imagine themselves in such a time and place. What would they do? How would they face the dangers?
Thanks to Candlewick Press for the copy!
Thanks to Candlewick Press for the copy!
December 5, 2022
When their fire goes out, the cave family are in trouble. A young boy volunteers to go in search of fire, hoping that a lightning strike might set the trees on fire. Along the way, he encounters many dangers and even makes a friend when he rescues a little mastodon/wooly mammoth creature.
This story is told entirely without words, but the illustrations are so expressive that you don't really need words. The art is compelling and clear, so that the story flows along naturally from page to page. I really felt connected to that little caveman child, and was cheering for him to succeed in his quest for fire! He has so much courage to venture out into the wilderness all alone. He's resourceful and clever too, finding inventive ways to stay safe from predators.
This is such a fun book!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This story is told entirely without words, but the illustrations are so expressive that you don't really need words. The art is compelling and clear, so that the story flows along naturally from page to page. I really felt connected to that little caveman child, and was cheering for him to succeed in his quest for fire! He has so much courage to venture out into the wilderness all alone. He's resourceful and clever too, finding inventive ways to stay safe from predators.
This is such a fun book!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
October 16, 2022
A breathtaking wordless book about the discovery of fire during the ancient stone age period. A cave family lost fire in their bonfire one night. Everyone is saddened over the loss and does not know how to get the fire back. A brave young boy volunteers to leave his secure family to discover fire. Readers will follow the young boy on his journey. Be captivated by the landscapes he sees. Fall in love with the companion he befriends on the way, and you will hold your breath at all the crazy obstacles he needs to go through to discover fire.
I am hoping this book gets awards in the future for its realistic and astounding illustration!
Needs to be in all public, school, and classroom library.
I am hoping this book gets awards in the future for its realistic and astounding illustration!
Needs to be in all public, school, and classroom library.
October 22, 2022
"Long before the secrets of fire had been discovered, people had to find fire. And if they lost it...if it went out... someone would need to search for more"
Finding Fire is a beautifully illustrated picture book with no words. A young boy is on a journey to reignite the fire that has gone out within his family's cave. Along the way he is tested by the cold, some hungry tigers, and his own exhaustion. That is until he hears cries up ahead of someone in need.
A tale of hardship, friendship, and teamwork, Finding Fire says a great deal with very few words. The author and illustrator, Logan S. Kline illuminates each and every detail on the page, some looking almost like a photograph. I may have to purchase this one for my own collection.
Finding Fire is a beautifully illustrated picture book with no words. A young boy is on a journey to reignite the fire that has gone out within his family's cave. Along the way he is tested by the cold, some hungry tigers, and his own exhaustion. That is until he hears cries up ahead of someone in need.
A tale of hardship, friendship, and teamwork, Finding Fire says a great deal with very few words. The author and illustrator, Logan S. Kline illuminates each and every detail on the page, some looking almost like a photograph. I may have to purchase this one for my own collection.
February 9, 2023
This has the potential to spark some very fun conversations with children. As a storybook with almost no words, it leaves the interpretation of what is going on up to the audiance, allowing them to make their own conclusions on what is happening, how do our characters feel, and many more.
I would recommend reading this as a small group storytime of no more than three kids unless there is a way to make the images bigger. My childhood librarian would put the pictures up on a projecter for better viewing for my elementary class. Even if read at home with your own children, this book will be nothing but constant talking.
Loved it.
I would recommend reading this as a small group storytime of no more than three kids unless there is a way to make the images bigger. My childhood librarian would put the pictures up on a projecter for better viewing for my elementary class. Even if read at home with your own children, this book will be nothing but constant talking.
Loved it.
March 8, 2023
Adorable wordless picture book perfect for a communal storytelling. A prehistoric family's fire has gone out, someone must be brave enough to go find fire and bring it home. This adorable nearly worldless picture book tells the adventures of a young boy looking for fire. Along the way he shows bravery, cunning and friendship. The illustrations in this fun and exciting adventure are detailed and vivid. A fantastic addition to any adventure or friendship storytime. a great book for encouraging students to help tell the story. Recommended for preK-3.
September 22, 2022
* Spoiler alert *
The story is wordless
The illustrations are beautiful with a mix of hand drawn and digital techniques
This would make a great video game like Bonk's Adventure for TurboGraphix 16
The story is wordless
The illustrations are beautiful with a mix of hand drawn and digital techniques
This would make a great video game like Bonk's Adventure for TurboGraphix 16
October 10, 2022
The illustrations are beautiful in this wordless book. It even has scratches on the caveman's arm. I love that attention to detail in the story. This is perfect for fans of Ice Age as another place to see your favorite extinct animals.
November 29, 2022
What an amazing story, a wordless picture book about a fun (ny) prehistoric boy on the search for fire who befriends a mammoth? an elephant? along the way. They make a good team. I loved this book! How fun for a preschooler to tell this story!
December 18, 2022
This is one of the sweetest picture books I’ve ever seen! The art is beautiful and conveys the story with such emotion that I had happy tears at the end. Lovely lovely. This is going to be on my short list for children’s book gifts 🥹
January 5, 2023
Oh my goodness! I tend to be an illustrations person; I always judge a book by it's cover. In this case, both those things are breathtaking and accompany a delightful story. This one is going on my favorites list.
April 4, 2023
A visually compelling picture book about a young prehistoric child on a quest to find fire for his community. Except for a brief introduction, this book is wordless, but words are unnecessary because each illustration tells a vivid story of adventure. A wonderful tale of kindness and courage!
December 5, 2023
I cannot articulate how detailed this book is. Every page tells a story without words that is so powerfully communicated by even the smallest details. The illustrations and story truly are so special that I raved about this book to everyone I spoke with for weeks.
January 16, 2024
Finding Fire is the tale of a a prehistoric boy who sets out to find fire. Danger, daring deeds and a new friend make the trek worthwhile. The book is wordless, but the illustrations depict a glorious adventure!
April 1, 2022
I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
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September 4, 2022
Perfectly illustrated and great story for small children. Loved it!
September 13, 2022
Beautifully illustrated
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews