The Fire Cat

The Cat Club

by Esther Averill

Pickles is a young cat with big paws and big plans. But all he can find to do is chase other cats, until he is adopted by the local firehouse.Knowing that this is his chance to do big things, Pickles works hard to be a good fire cat. He learns to jump on a fire truck. He learns to help put out a fire, and he even helps out in a rescue! Beginning readers will cheer when Pickle's dream finally comes true.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Cats, Fiction, Animals, Classics, Kids

63 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1960

About the author

Esther Averill (1902-1992) began her career as a storyteller drawing cartoons for her local newspaper. After graduating from Vassar College in 1923, she moved first to New York City and then to Paris, where she founded her own publishing company. The Domino Press introduced American readers to artists from all over the world, including Feodor Rojankovsky, who later won a Caldecott Award. In 1941, Esther Averill returned to the United States and found a job in the New York Public Library while continuing her work as a publisher. She wrote her first book about the red-scarfed, mild-mannered cat Jenny Linsky in 1944, modeling its heroine on her own shy cat. Esther Averill would eventually write twelve more tales about Miss Linsky and her friends (including the I Can Read Book, The Fire Cat), each of which was eagerly awaited by children all over the United States (and their parents, too).

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst waiting for my daughter's ballet class to finish I found this 1960's copy in a charity shop for a £1, very happy moment. I sat in the car and read it from cover to cover and as soon as my daughter got into the car she did the same. Considering how ancient this book is the story is very sensitive and forward thinking. Pickles is a cat living rough, he is bored and has no purpose and chases small cats up trees. Mrs Goodkind can see that Pickles needs a home and a purpose in life. After a failed attempt at living with Mrs Goodkind and her timid kitties, Pickles finds his true vocation in life and earns the respect of those around him. The illustrations are absolutely lovely, not all slick and polished but have a really good feeling of the era and have spontaneity. Beautiful colour scheme of orange, yellow, pink, and olive green. Would highly recommend to those who love simple stories and vintage illustrations. We will be definitely looking out for the rest of the series.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cry as I was reading it in the bookstore. Then I showed it to my therapist and it made him cry. (In all fairness, he's pretty easy. But still.) It's about a cat who turns his life around by doing good works. I'm serious. Listen, just read it, ok?

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this story! From the first few words--so simple, yet placed together in such a tender and descriptive way--I was a goner! Nevermind that the illustrations are also so simple, yet so full of character--I want to adopt our spunky spotted cat with the big paws and even bigger dreams. All the characters are great, Mrs. Goodkind and the firemen and The Chief. What a lovely story about the joys of finding one's purpose in the world--and how a lack of fulfillment can make one grumpy and unkind to others! It's no surprise this tale has been around since 1960. I can't say enough good things about it--so, especially if you are a cat-lover, read it!!! :-)

[George Ilsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pickles was a young cat with big paws who lived in a barrel . . .

Pickles is a mixed-up cat who needs a good home. With a good home he will be a good cat.

This picture book from 1960 is part of a series called "An I CAN READ Book". As I have fully demonstrated by working my way through all three chapters— I Can Read!

Oh, Pickles! This cat has been inspiring mixed-up children for generations. Since Pickles turns out to be such a good cat he is getting all the stars.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pickles was well on his way to life as a feline delinquent. A cat with big paws and a longing to do big things, the boredom of his aimless, friendless existence as a street-cat had turned him into a bully. Luckily, his neighbor Mrs. Goodkind wasn't ready to give up on him. She understood that he wasn't a good cat OR a bad cat, but a good AND bad cat, and that what he needed was a sense of purpose. Then one fateful day, when Pickles found himself stuck in a tree, the local fire department appeared on the scene...

Esther Averill's The Fire Cat was one of my childhood favorites, and I must have read and re-read it a hundred times. Like all great children's books, it functions on more than one level. As a straight-forward narrative about a homeless cat who finds a home and family, it is an engaging and heart-warming story, with all the appeal of the classic "orphan" tale. As a teaching tool, Averill's simple story manages to offer a keenly observed social commentary, all without ever descending into any sort of didactic display. The young reader will absorb the idea that sometimes poor behavior (such as bullying) is the result of poor circumstances, rather than "simple" malice, and that there are more creative (and effective) solutions than condemnation.

I am always amazed at the great skill and discipline required to create a successful picture book or early reader. The truly great children's authors somehow manage to write stories that are emotionally involving and intellectually stimulating, all with a limited word choice that would stymie an author of adult fiction. Not a word is out of place in such books, whose simplicity can be deceptive...

Finally, as a side note, I have discovered that Esther Averill wrote an entire series of books about the neighborhood cats depicted in this title, none of which were known to me as a child. I can hardly wait to dive in!

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

We'll call this book comfort food, along with every other book by Esther Averill, shall we? As I am curled up in bed with a cold, it makes sense to look for things that make me feel good, at least in the emotional sense, since I can't stop my nose from running (oh but I wish I could!)

Pickles is a cat who is neither good nor bad, but a bit of each. I first meet him, back when I first learned how to read somewhere about the age of three or four. I loved this book and I'm surprised I didn't wear out my copy completely. First of all, there's enough words here to be a real story, with three actual honest to goodness chapters. That alone makes this book awesome. Then put in a cat who is trying really hard to be good, the thrills and chills of fires and rescues, and a lot of really great people who love Pickles (and cameos from all the cats in the Cat Club), and you've got a winner.

I will likely read this book another hundred times yet in my lifetime, and I will likely love it over and over again. What's cool is seeing that my children love this book too. And just that easily Pickles has become a classic, as well he deserves.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fire Cat by Esther Averill is one of the Cat Club books. Pickles is a stray cat who lives outside Mrs. Goodkind's home. She wants to adopt him but he doesn't want to stay indoors. She quickly realizes that he is a cat destined for big things.

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[Susan Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to give this 5 stars, because I have never forgotten this book from my childhood. When someone said the title, I said “Pickles!” - who finds his home at the fire station - remembered his name from 40 years ago. (Library)

[August Maclauchlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 4 year old loved this book. At the end of the book we looked at each other with tears in our eyes!:) awesome book!

[Ms. B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading, rereading and enjoying this one for almost 40 years! Now I share this classic with my grandchildren.

[Jamie Winslow · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Fire Cat is a story about a cat named Pickles that lived in a barrel in a large yard next to a big house. In the house lived a lady named Mrs. Goodkind who had several cats of her own. Pickles was a cat with big paws who wanted to do big things but the only thing he knew how to do was chase other cats that came into his yard. Mrs. Goodking told Pickles that he should not chase those cats and that he needed a good home and she brought him into her home. Although it was nice Pickles wanted to be free outside. One day he chases a cat up the tree in the yard and it started to rain. The other cat eventually climbed down but Pickles was afraid to come down. Mrs. Goodkind called the fire station to come and retrieve Pickles. The fireman that helped get Pickles out of the tree took him back to the firestation to see if the Cheif would let him live there with them so he could do big things. Mrs. Goodkind called the Cheif and said the Pickles would be a good fire cat. Pickles began learning how to be a fire cat and soon the Cheif gave Pickles his very own fire hat. He was officially part of the fire crew. Pickles big job was to help a cat who got stuck in the same tree as him. He helped the cat down and was a big success as a fire cat.

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's got a spotted cat instead of a dalmatian for the fire department mascot. And the cat wears a fire hat. It's brilliant. Go and read all the Esther Averill forthwith.

[Mya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was an excellent read at taught many lessons that is worthwhile for children to grow as they learn.

[Sharn Dhah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching story with a great message for kids to learn early on, Pickles is a cat who begins the story homeless and a bully to other cats. After being taken in and cared for by Mrs. Goodkind, Pickles tries to behave, but soon reverts to his old ways. Mrs. Goodkind, ever forgiving and supportive, tells Pickles that he is not good and not bad, but a mixture of both (like everyone in the world). Pickles is very aware of his behavior, and strives to become something greater than himself. When he is accepted into the firehouse, he pushes himself to learn all he can, persevering even when things are difficult. He also learns to be kind to other cats. He reflects on his past behavior, regretful that he was ever so cruel. This story shows that it's possible to change if you're determined, and no one should be written off because they are "bad." Also humorous at times, without being overly moralistic.

[Austen to Zafón · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, funny book. My son just read this aloud to me last night and we laughed and laughed at Pickles' expressions and especially about Pickles thrusting his paw out for the fireman to see. Also, my son was thrilled to notice Jenny Linsky in the fire truck. We both love Jenny and her cameo appearance was a bonus. A classic story about finding a purpose, pursuing your dreams, kindling your compassion, and finding a place where you feel you belong.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page 12 (art) and Page 13 (text) are two reasons to live.

Please please let us all be good and bad and a little mixed up. Please let there be Mrs. Goodkinds who have the strong necks of men and play a supporting role in the story.

Yes, it's a moral tale but it feels as if it gets there honestly. And we all have a good time on the way.

[Peter Wolfley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is oft quoted in our home. A fantastic tale of a spunky young upstart who goes from rags to riches while finding his destiny. Great life lessons in this one. Many are not good or bad. Just mixed up.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there a way to give a book more than 5 stars? Because I love this book more than 5 stars worth. I read it constantly as a child, and it's still fun today. Oh, Pickles. What a good cat you are!

[Dakota Haire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im missing you lots Grandmama, im sorry we don't talk anymore. Im just so different now that im grown, and im not sure you would really like me all that much. Lately I've been thinking about the summers Lauren and I would spend with you and Papa when we were little. I've been remembering all the time we would spend with eachother, and all the books we would read. This one was always my favorite. You read this to me countless times, and when you couldnt I would beg Papa, Mom or Dad, or really any other relative take your place. That being said, none could read to me as good as you.

I remember one particularly hot night, sometime in the early 2000s, not being able to sleep. I crept across the hall to your room and woke you. I remember you taking me to that big blue recliner you kept in the front room, sitting me in your lap, and reading me The Fire Cat. I must have drifted off because dont remember anything beyond the first few pages.

But we will never share a moment like that again. You will never ask me to pick another book for you to read to me. You will never have me sound out the big words and push through those long sentences that were always oh so easy to stumble over. You will never hold me as I drift off to sleep and then carry me back to bed. After all, I havent seen you in three years, and I havent spoken to you in two.

I heard that a few years ago, around the start of our estrangement, you had cleaned out and thrown away most of your books. I cried when my sister told me The Fire Cat was one of them. Im sure in her own way she loved that book just as much as me. Its just that this is the only book I actually remember you reading to me.

But maybe I never loved the book. Maybe I just loved sitting in my Grandmama's lap, and receiving the love only a grandmother knows how to give. Maybe I just loved those tiny intimate moments, those silly rituals that are so lovingly shared between grandmothers and their grandchildren. That generational love. That unending, powerful love you so expertly knew how to give.

I wonder, Grandmama, what was it that you called your father's mother? Did you also call her Grandmama? Did she sir you on her lap and read for you too? Did she hold your hand and tuck you in, always making sure she left the closet light on? Did you cry when you realized those moments would never happen again? Were you too prideful to stay in touch?

I miss you Grandmama.

I love you bunches and all the time

~Dakota.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed revisiting The Fire Cat by Esther Averill. I read this one many times as a child. But I had no idea it was part of a larger series of books, the Cat Club series by Esther Averill. The Fire Cat does not star Jenny Linsky. It stars Pickles. Pickles has been a delightful character in almost all of the other books in the series. He is probably one of Jenny's best best friends. In the Fire Cat, readers learn more about Pickles. Was he always a fire cat? Of course not! There was a time he was a hopeless cat that was a little bit bad and a little bit good. One of the firemen takes an interest in him and takes him to the fire station. He is hoping that the chief will allow Pickles to stay. Pickles most definitely wants to stay. He wants to prove himself worthy, so he decides to learn by example. He learns to slide down the pole, for example, he learns how to work a hose. The fire chief is definitely charmed, I imagine cat-loving readers are just as charmed. I certainly was! The Fire Cat is a feel-good read. Readers see Pickles transform from a slightly-naughty homeless cat to a brave and dutiful fire cat. He learns responsibility and compassion. Overall, it's just a good story.

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

PICKLES, THE FIRE CAT
A Review
---------------------

This book was originally published in 1960, so comparing its illustrations and other details to modern books seems a bit unfair. The illustrations are not great, but the book is still around in libraries and schools and has been re-published several times. In short, even though it looks a little dated, the story still stands.

Generally speaking, I dislike books with anthropomorphism, but in this case, I think the author uses the technique without "cutesiness" or gross exaggeration. Moreover, since cats can sometimes seem so human-like to children (and adults), I think the reader can connect to Pickles and the lessons that Pickles learns in a way that would not be possible were the technique not used.

Overall, I enjoyed this little book and think it makes a wonderful addition to family story times. (Although, as it is 60+ pages long, it might not work as well in other contexts and/or with very young / picture-book readers.)

[Donna Crane]

Many level one readers are awkward for read-alouds but not The Fire Cat! With its engaging text superbly supported by simple but effective illustrations this title works for both early readers and younger children too. Why would a yellow and black spotted cat make trouble and chase other cats? Because he hasn't yet found his life's work! Pickles is a stray who needs to have his prodigious gifts channeled into meaningful activity. Mrs. Goodkind recognizes his potential and arranges for him to be adopted by the local firehouse. Next thing you know, Pickles is a model cat-citizen. Within a limited color palette and using expressionistic perspective, author and illustrator Esther Averill tells the story of a cat who is both bad and good and for whom readers can cheer as he takes charge of his destiny.

[Melissa Foley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Fire Cat," is geared toward readers ages 3-8. It is a sweet story about a cat that does not want to be a house cat. Instead, Pickles wants to work in a fire station and help the fireman save people and other cats. Pickles practices hard to become a fire cat and proves he is worth keeping at the fire station. He becomes one of the fire crew.

Children will be drawn to this story because it involves firemen, a cat, and a warm-hearted story about a cat who use to do bad things, and then later, becomes a hero.

This book is a chapter book, but it is a good book for beginner readers. A teacher can use the story to teach that in order to do "big things," one has to practice hard and train like pickles did. It could help students think about "big things" they would like to do one day.

[Heather B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a cute story about a homeless cat, Pickles, wanting to do big things in his life with his big paws. One day after chasing a little cat up a big tree he could not get down and fire fighters had to be called. The fire fighter got him out of the tree and he asked the fire chief if Pickles could stay at the firehouse. Pickles did get the opportunity to live at the firehouse and become a firehouse cat. After much practice and hard work Pickles became a good cat fire fighter. Recommend for early readers K-2nd grade. Published 1960.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pickles was living in a barrel and he was the bully of the street. One day it begins to rain and his neighbor, Mrs. Goodkind, helps Pickles and has him come and live with her. Well Pickles is not a bad cat, nor is he a good cat. Finally Pickles ends up living with the fireman and learns that good cats succeed and can be given important jobs.

This is good beginner book for children who can read simple sentences and are ready for chapters. The chapters are short and the story continues to keep the child drawn in to the story.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pickles is a bad cat, who wants to be a good cat. So he does what totally makes sense and that is tags along with the men from the firehouse! Oh and he is yellow with black spots, so quite the unique cat! And another of the books from my childhood, so if you have kids...or just like feline fire fighters check this book out, but you don't have to take my word for it! -cue reading rainbow da-da-DA music-

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the Swedish version of this book, "Brand katten". Amazingly I understood a lot of it.

A cute story about an orphan cat who is eventually adopted by a firestation after being rescued from being stuck in a tree. The kitty learns how to be a good fire-cat, including sliding down the firepole and riding in the firetruck. Eventually he is called on to rescue another kitty in the very same tree he was stuck in.

[Friend of Pixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, funny book. Logan read this aloud to me last night and we laughed and laughed at Pickles' expressions and especially about Pickles thrusting his paw out for the fireman to see. Also, my son was thrilled to notice Jenny Linsky in the fire truck. We both love Jenny and her cameo appearance was a bonus. A classic story about finding a purpose, pursuing your dreams, kindling your compassion, and finding a place where you feel you belong.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Pickles the fire cat. My mom used to read this book nightly. It brings back such great memories reading with my mom and it was one of my first books I learned to read. Also...#1 firefighters are hot! #2 I wanted to be a veteranarian back then, but then I found out about animal blood, guts and vomit... no thank you.

[Brian Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one of the first books I ever read. It is a testament to the strength of feline endurance and shows that no matter what goes wrong in your life, you can always turn it around and triumph. And the cat is named Pickles. How can you not like a book about a fire cat named Pickles? Some day I want to be just like Pickles.