Flashing Fire Engines
#1 of 18 in Amazing Machines Series
on Goodreads (329)
What’s inside...
Flashing Fire Engines (Amazing Machines) by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker is a delightful story that follows a trio of friendly animal firefighters as they jump aboard a bright red fire engine. The story is filled with action and rhyme, detailing the ins and outs of a fire engine and the firefighter's duties. With sirens wailing, lights flashing, fire hoses squirting, and fires blazing, young readers will be captivated by the mix of visual entertainment and lively wordplay. The book ensures a fun and engaging reading experience for both children and adults with its irresistible rhymes. Flashing Fire Engines follows the animal crew as they become fire fighters. Climb on board the fire truck, ride along, and learn how to put out fires to save the day! Every page of this chunky board book is full of the kind of detail that machine-mad toddlers love including the fireman's pole, the siren, the long ladder, and much more. From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the many jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to be a firefighter based on the story?
Why do you think fire engines are so important in our community?
How did the fire engine help in the book, and what tools did it use?
Can you think of any other ways people help each other out, like the firefighters do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each page, ask your child to predict what might happen next and why they think so.
After reading the book, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene and explain why they chose it.
Relate the story to real-life by discussing a time when you or someone you know needed help and how it felt to receive that help.
Use toy fire engines or firefighter costumes to reenact parts of the book, enhancing their understanding of the story through play.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The book showcases how fire engines and firefighters work together to extinguish fires, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each other’s contributions.
Example Lesson: Bravery and Helping Others
Explanation: Firefighters are depicted as brave heroes who face danger to help save others, which highlights the virtue of courage and altruism.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to help others in their everyday lives, whether it’s assisting a friend in need or helping around the house without being asked.
Example Lesson: Understanding Community Helpers
Explanation: The book educates children on the roles and responsibilities of firefighters, making them aware of different professions that help keep the community safe.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect various community helpers they encounter, from firefighters to police officers and medical professionals.
Example Lesson: Safety Awareness
Explanation: Through engaging narratives about firefighting, children learn essential safety measures and the importance of being cautious with fire.
Real-World Application: This can lead to children being more vigilant about fire safety at home, such as not playing with matches and understanding emergency procedures.