Book Details:
Book Title: Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine (The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine) by Joe Fisher
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 4-8), 32 pages
Genre: Children's Fiction
Publisher: Angler Publishing
Release date: May 2017
Content Rating: G for children.
Book Description:
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.
My Thoughts
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.
I rated the book 4 out of 5 stars!
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After
successful careers in market research and public health consulting, Joe
now writes full-time from his home base in Sanibel Island, Florida.
Like his career, his writing is wide-ranging from academic books to works for the trade including:
- Killer Among Us: Public Reactions to Serial Murder,
- The Next Breath: New Life After Near Death
- 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.
- Book 1 – Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine
- Book 2 – Rusty Goes to Water World
In addition, a fourth children’s book, Ospreys in the Outfield: A Sanibel Story will be available in the fall 2022.
Connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ goodreads