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Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey (Picture Puffin Books)
From Publishers Weekly In relating the heroic role of the John J. Harvey on September 11, Kalman (Next Stop Grand Central) intelligently conveys those unfathomable events in a way that a picture book audience can comprehend. She begins with the year 1931, which saw some of New York City's finest hours: "Amazing things were happening big and small./ The Empire State Building went up up up." She continues with the completion of the George Washington Bridge, then zeroes in on the launching of the John J. Harvey, "the largest, fastest and shiniest fireboat of them all." Spot illustrations show its equipment and introduce the crew (including "a dog named Smokey, who did not put out the fires but had many nice spots"), while views of the New York harbor stretch across a spread. She then fast-forwards to 1995: "New York was changing. The Twin Towers were now the tallest buildings in New York City." But the piers are also closing, so the fireboat rests in retirement. One night, a group of friends decide over dinner to restore the John J. Harvey to its original glory. Next, the volume takes an abrupt turn. White type on a black page announces: "But then on September 11, 2001 something so huge and horrible happened that the whole world shook." A sequence of spreads shows the towers literally exploding in dark, angry brushstrokes of black and gray and orange, followed by the many heroes who "sprang into action," including the John J. Harvey. With this inspiring book, Kalman (Next Stop Grand Central) sensitively handles a difficult subject in an age-appropriate manner. Ages 5-up. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. From School Library Journal reSchool-Grade 3-Kalman's hip, high-energy paintings portray American life in 1931: the Empire State Building is constructed, Babe Ruth hits his 611th home run, "Snickers" is invented, and the John J. Harvey is launched to fight fires on New York piers. In its heyday, the boat is the creme de la creme, but toward the end of the century as the piers start to close, it is forced into retirement, soon to become scrap. Amazingly, a group of friends decides to tackle a restoration, and the John J. Harvey is called upon to fight its worst blaze ever. The fireboat's role on September 11 calls for a shift in the book's mood and style. The transition is signaled with a quiet page of white text on gray-no art. The spread of the expressionistic explosion is followed by portraits of community helpers. The climax is depicted on a black background with the firefighters, appearing as blue, kinetic outlines, furiously battling the blazing orange, red, and yellow flames with long lines of white spray. Fireboat does many things. It sets forth an adventure, helps commemorate an anniversary, offers an interesting bit of history, celebrates the underdog, and honors the fire-fighting profession. Children and adults will respond to it in as many ways. Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. Reader Reviews This review is from: FIREBOAT: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey (Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards (Awards)) (Hardcover) "New York City. 1931. Amazing things were happening big and small..." The Empire State Building was built, Babe Ruth hit his 611th home run, the Snickers candy bar was invented, the George Washington Bridge spanning the Hudson River was opened, and "on a sunny fresh day, the John J. Harvey fireboat was launched." "There were 12 fireboats in New York City. The Harvey was the largest, fastest and shiniest fireboat of them all." It traveled up and down the river fighting fires on boats and liners and at the busy piers. Fast forward to 1995. New York no longer needed fireboats, and The Harvey was retired and sat rusting, waiting to be sold for scrap. But then an amazing thing happened. A group of friends decided to buy and save The Harvey. They took her to a shipyard and fixed her up until she was bright and shiny and good as new. "And once again the Harvey was on the water." "But then on September 11, 2001 something so huge and horrible happened that the whole world shook..." The John J. Harvey and her new crew knew they had to help. "The water pipes were broken and buried. And the fire trucks that had raced to the scene could not pump water. The firefighters attached hoses to the Harvey..." The Harvey worked around the clock for four days, until the fires were under control. When it was finally time to go home, the crew had never seen anything so terrible, or felt so proud. "The Harvey was a hero. And everyone knew it." Maira Kalman's marvelous tribute to the John J. Harvey and all the brave people who sprang into action on 9/11 is inspiring, and filled with history, drama, courage, determination, and triumph. Her simple and straightforward text is complemented by her evocative, bold and busy illustrations that bring The Harvey's amazing story to life. Together, word and art paint a vivid and uplifting portrait that is poignant and touching, but won't overwhelm children with frightening and lurid details. Perfect for youngsters 5-9, Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures Of The John J. Harvey is Ms Kalman at her best. This is a book the entire family should read and share together, and is sure open important discussions and dialogue. Comment | Permalink | (Report this)
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