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Fire Chief Fran
Perfect for fans of firefighters and fire trucks, this energetic rhyming picture book shows how a fire chief and her crew keep their community safe.
. . . lights begin flashing,
and--CLANG!--the bells blast.
They leap into action--
they need to move FAST!
If a puppy is in danger or a cafe is on fire, Fire Chief Fran is ready to help! Featuring a strong female role model, a huge fire truck, and an action-packed story, this read-aloud is a dynamic introduction to a day in the life of a firefighter. Follow along as Fire Chief Fran and her team respond not only to fires, but also to injuries, blocked roads, and more. With an irresistible rhyming text, acclaimed author Linda Ashman celebrates the many ways that firefighters help their communities. The book concludes with an author's note that is packed with further fascinating information about firefighters, their equipment, their fire trucks, their training, and more.
. . . lights begin flashing,
and--CLANG!--the bells blast.
They leap into action--
they need to move FAST!
If a puppy is in danger or a cafe is on fire, Fire Chief Fran is ready to help! Featuring a strong female role model, a huge fire truck, and an action-packed story, this read-aloud is a dynamic introduction to a day in the life of a firefighter. Follow along as Fire Chief Fran and her team respond not only to fires, but also to injuries, blocked roads, and more. With an irresistible rhyming text, acclaimed author Linda Ashman celebrates the many ways that firefighters help their communities. The book concludes with an author's note that is packed with further fascinating information about firefighters, their equipment, their fire trucks, their training, and more.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 11, 2022
About the author
Linda Ashman
66 books150 followersLinda Ashman is the author of more than 40 picture books and
The Nuts and Bolts Guide to Writing Picture Books
. Her books have been included on the "best of the year" lists of the New York Times, IRA/CBC Children's Choices, the New York Public Library and others, and have been translated into many languages. Linda lives with her family in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
January 11, 2023
A colorful and educational view of the life of a fire crew, Fire Chief Fran walks the reader through the day of a fire crew and their many tasks. This book goes beyond the typical tasks children may learn about such as rescues and putting out fires, and provides a view of what life is like back at the fire station when not on calls. Young readers watch as the crew check equipment, give tours, exercise and even make meals together all interspersed with the repeating verse "Lights begin flashing, and--CLANG!--the bells blast" which indicates an emergency where the crew drop everything. This books is a well rounded depiction of what life as a firefighter could be like and includes diverse character depictions. Back matter includes facts about firefighters and dispels some common misconceptions. A great book about community helpers and occupations for Grades K-3.
- Reviewed by Chelsea G.
- Reviewed by Chelsea G.
May 24, 2023
This is really fun to read aloud. Rhyming text with a repeating refrain. And of course, a look at all firefighters do for their communities.
October 11, 2025
I brought this book into the ISU CCC, where I work, because our inquiry for this semester is firefighters. The students loved this book! In my future classroom, I will use this book if we are doing an inquiry on firefighters or community helpers.
January 25, 2023
This fictionalized story about Fire Chief Fran shares a day-in-a-life look of a firefighter. Ashman’s rollicking rhyme make this a fun, engaging read, while simultaneously informing the reader of actual scenarios firefighters might encounter. The book includes back matter with supplemental facts and tips on what it takes to be a firefighter. Carpenter’s vibrant, expressive illustrations are energetic and delightful, a perfect match for this lively story. Readers who love fire trucks, dogs, bells, and fire poles are sure to love this book and request it on repeat!
December 30, 2022
We won this book.
As a fire family we loved this book. I like that the author includes some of the daily tasks beyond the fire calls; such as EMS, cooking and training.
The book is also very inclusive of genders, races and disabilities which is especially great to see in kids books.
The artwork style is cute.
Bonus: On the last page of the book they include some FAQ’s that are interesting and written in a way that any audience would understand.
As a fire family we loved this book. I like that the author includes some of the daily tasks beyond the fire calls; such as EMS, cooking and training.
The book is also very inclusive of genders, races and disabilities which is especially great to see in kids books.
The artwork style is cute.
Bonus: On the last page of the book they include some FAQ’s that are interesting and written in a way that any audience would understand.
January 3, 2023
Richie’s Picks: FIRE CHIEF FRAN by Linda Ashman and Nancy Carpenter, ill., Astra, October 2022, 32p., ISBN: 978-1-63592-426-8
"No, you only need to learn to be a lady
The duty isn't yours for to try and run the world
An engineer could never have a baby
Remember, dear, that you're a girl"
– Peggy Seeger, “Gonna Be an Engineer” (1972)
"Female admissions to colleges and graduate programs picked up speed, driven by female ambition, the law, and a growing acceptance that it was simply wrong to reject someone just for being a girl. Between 1971 and 1976 the number of women attending college jumped 40 percent. By the fall of 1976 one in every four law students was a woman, up from fewer than one in ten in 1971; likewise, a quarter of first-year medical students were female, up from about one in seven just five years before."
–from LET ME PLAY: THE STORY OF TITLE IX, THE LAW THAT CHANGED THE FUTURE OF GIRLS IN AMERICA by Karen Blumenthal (2005)
“Back at the station…it’s time for a tour.
Mr. Lee’s class pours through the door.
They check out the pumpers, the nozzles, and tools,
while Fire Chief Fran shares safety rules:
‘Don’t play with matches. Or lighters. Or gas.
And don’t start a fire near dry leaves and grass!’”
Overflowing with firetrucks and other fire fighting equipment, high action spreads, and precarious situations requiring the skills and strength that firefighters must possess, FIRE CHIEF FRAN is a picture book that will captivate darn near every little kid out there.
Us oldsters will also love the depiction of the new world brought about by Title IX. Fire Chief Fran is a buff Black woman who, in addition to being in charge, matches the male firefighters’ skills and endurance as they fight fires, respond to accidents, maintain equipment, and rescue the little doggie with its head stuck in the fence.
Nancy Carpenter has been illustrating picture books for decades. Her work has included whimsical visual portraits of historical figures such as Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Mother Jones. Here she does a notable job of portraying both the characters–firefighters, children, victims, and critters–and the constant action.
The story depicts firehouse routines, showing readers what keeps the chief and crew busy between calls. These are interspersed with the chorus of:
“Then…
lights begin flashing,
and–CLANG!--the bells blast.
They leap into action–
they need to move FAST!”
The firefighters drop whatever they’re doing and are off to the next call!
FIRE CHIEF FRAN is a four-alarm must-have.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
"No, you only need to learn to be a lady
The duty isn't yours for to try and run the world
An engineer could never have a baby
Remember, dear, that you're a girl"
– Peggy Seeger, “Gonna Be an Engineer” (1972)
"Female admissions to colleges and graduate programs picked up speed, driven by female ambition, the law, and a growing acceptance that it was simply wrong to reject someone just for being a girl. Between 1971 and 1976 the number of women attending college jumped 40 percent. By the fall of 1976 one in every four law students was a woman, up from fewer than one in ten in 1971; likewise, a quarter of first-year medical students were female, up from about one in seven just five years before."
–from LET ME PLAY: THE STORY OF TITLE IX, THE LAW THAT CHANGED THE FUTURE OF GIRLS IN AMERICA by Karen Blumenthal (2005)
“Back at the station…it’s time for a tour.
Mr. Lee’s class pours through the door.
They check out the pumpers, the nozzles, and tools,
while Fire Chief Fran shares safety rules:
‘Don’t play with matches. Or lighters. Or gas.
And don’t start a fire near dry leaves and grass!’”
Overflowing with firetrucks and other fire fighting equipment, high action spreads, and precarious situations requiring the skills and strength that firefighters must possess, FIRE CHIEF FRAN is a picture book that will captivate darn near every little kid out there.
Us oldsters will also love the depiction of the new world brought about by Title IX. Fire Chief Fran is a buff Black woman who, in addition to being in charge, matches the male firefighters’ skills and endurance as they fight fires, respond to accidents, maintain equipment, and rescue the little doggie with its head stuck in the fence.
Nancy Carpenter has been illustrating picture books for decades. Her work has included whimsical visual portraits of historical figures such as Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Mother Jones. Here she does a notable job of portraying both the characters–firefighters, children, victims, and critters–and the constant action.
The story depicts firehouse routines, showing readers what keeps the chief and crew busy between calls. These are interspersed with the chorus of:
“Then…
lights begin flashing,
and–CLANG!--the bells blast.
They leap into action–
they need to move FAST!”
The firefighters drop whatever they’re doing and are off to the next call!
FIRE CHIEF FRAN is a four-alarm must-have.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
December 14, 2022
Kids who cannot get enough firefighter content will be delighted with this picture book about a busy fire station. And with a woman POC as the chief, it will thrill many parents as well.
The story depicts the chief as a strong, capable leader who believes in keeping her team fit, well rested, well fed and supplied with fun pastimes. Satisfying rhyming text describes the station’s busy day, with a refrain that occurs when the firefighters are at rest: “Then…lights begin flashing, and-CLANG-the bells blast. They leap into action-they need to move FAST!” The type for this refrain is in italic, emphasizing its urgent nature.
Many possible scenarios for a firefighter are presented – a stuck dog, a small brush fire, a fallen tree, etc. Wonderful, expressive textured mixed media art depicts the firefighters and community members as a diverse group in a suburban setting, complete with nearly equal male and female firefighters and even a spotted dog mascot. A page at the end offers additional facts about firefighting. Despite not having a story arc, this is a fun read aloud which will delight young readers.
The story depicts the chief as a strong, capable leader who believes in keeping her team fit, well rested, well fed and supplied with fun pastimes. Satisfying rhyming text describes the station’s busy day, with a refrain that occurs when the firefighters are at rest: “Then…lights begin flashing, and-CLANG-the bells blast. They leap into action-they need to move FAST!” The type for this refrain is in italic, emphasizing its urgent nature.
Many possible scenarios for a firefighter are presented – a stuck dog, a small brush fire, a fallen tree, etc. Wonderful, expressive textured mixed media art depicts the firefighters and community members as a diverse group in a suburban setting, complete with nearly equal male and female firefighters and even a spotted dog mascot. A page at the end offers additional facts about firefighting. Despite not having a story arc, this is a fun read aloud which will delight young readers.
March 14, 2023
Definitely read this last year and never logged it. Ooops.
This book does a lot to dismantle gender stereotypes. We have a female fire chief who is also a woman of color. In charge of a fire station with people of varied gender presentations/skin tones. Same for class visit. Which has a named male teacher and also variety of skin tones/gender for kids. Kid in functional wheelchair, one with glasses.
Then we have the firefighters going to the baseball game as EMT (real because that happened when we were hit by the van) and one of the players is Cam who has pigtails/female presentation. And Charlie runs the cafe which I’d argue is also usually a female character with the shift of cooking to the female sphere so to speak.
Also like the combo of high and low stakes things they deal with. And showing the down time with them training and cooking and stuff.
Even the dog is the standard fire station Dalmatian!
No citations (but it’s not nonfiction) but does thank firefighters by name in acknowledgements at front and backmatter includes fast facts about firefighters with a note on stats coming from the National Fire Protection Association.
This book does a lot to dismantle gender stereotypes. We have a female fire chief who is also a woman of color. In charge of a fire station with people of varied gender presentations/skin tones. Same for class visit. Which has a named male teacher and also variety of skin tones/gender for kids. Kid in functional wheelchair, one with glasses.
Then we have the firefighters going to the baseball game as EMT (real because that happened when we were hit by the van) and one of the players is Cam who has pigtails/female presentation. And Charlie runs the cafe which I’d argue is also usually a female character with the shift of cooking to the female sphere so to speak.
Also like the combo of high and low stakes things they deal with. And showing the down time with them training and cooking and stuff.
Even the dog is the standard fire station Dalmatian!
No citations (but it’s not nonfiction) but does thank firefighters by name in acknowledgements at front and backmatter includes fast facts about firefighters with a note on stats coming from the National Fire Protection Association.
November 16, 2022
I received this book through entry in Goodreads Giveaways.
Having a biracial, amazing, 2 year old nephew I'm delighted at the diversity of the fire fighters throughout. I also appreciate the wide range of duties described that gives a rounded portrayal of fire fighters the general public does not always know about or appreciate. And, how could I not love that the role of chief applies to a woman - especially a black woman.
The artwork is perfectly fit to the text; very well done and a wonderful example of a great collaboration. Though geared toward lower elementary readers, this book would also be appropriate for older children who display an interest in the subject and who would benefit from the easy to understand text.
As you are most likely aware at this point in my accolades, I'm "that auntie" who tries to indoctrinate little ones with my love of books, the one whose gifts always include something to read. That it is possible to give a child something that illustrates the integration and capabilities of all persons and does not explicitly point this out; it simply assumes it is a societal norm (as it should be), is refreshing and an absolute joy. This achievement was not always easy to find in the not too distant past. It gives me hope for future generations.
Having a biracial, amazing, 2 year old nephew I'm delighted at the diversity of the fire fighters throughout. I also appreciate the wide range of duties described that gives a rounded portrayal of fire fighters the general public does not always know about or appreciate. And, how could I not love that the role of chief applies to a woman - especially a black woman.
The artwork is perfectly fit to the text; very well done and a wonderful example of a great collaboration. Though geared toward lower elementary readers, this book would also be appropriate for older children who display an interest in the subject and who would benefit from the easy to understand text.
As you are most likely aware at this point in my accolades, I'm "that auntie" who tries to indoctrinate little ones with my love of books, the one whose gifts always include something to read. That it is possible to give a child something that illustrates the integration and capabilities of all persons and does not explicitly point this out; it simply assumes it is a societal norm (as it should be), is refreshing and an absolute joy. This achievement was not always easy to find in the not too distant past. It gives me hope for future generations.
May 11, 2023
A great book for those little ones interested in firefighters. It's extra cool because the fire chief is a woman (something that only occurs very occasionally in the field). Within her firehouse, there's a nice mix of men and women. I also like that it shows all of them pitching in with everything (both men and women work on the truck and gear, do the training together, everyone helps cook and set the table, and everyone helps respond to emergencies).
It also does a great job of showing that being a firefighter is so much more than fighting fires (rescuing pets, responding to calls related to sports injuries, practicing various drills so they can better respond to those situations, teaching kids about fire safety, etc.). Overall a very informative book with even more firefighter-related questions answered in the back!
I think this could work well for an early elementary school storytime and maybe with older preschoolers but, unless you summarize some of the text, I wouldn't go much younger than that (except for one-on-one or a very small group).
It also does a great job of showing that being a firefighter is so much more than fighting fires (rescuing pets, responding to calls related to sports injuries, practicing various drills so they can better respond to those situations, teaching kids about fire safety, etc.). Overall a very informative book with even more firefighter-related questions answered in the back!
I think this could work well for an early elementary school storytime and maybe with older preschoolers but, unless you summarize some of the text, I wouldn't go much younger than that (except for one-on-one or a very small group).
September 25, 2022
Just in time for Fire Safety Week (October 9 - 15, 2022), this colorful and action-packed book hits shelves on October 11. Pick up a copy right away!
Rhyming text and vibrant illustrations bring to life the activities of a fire station and its boss, Fire Chief Fran. Fran's crew of brave men and women train, prepare meals, and rush to the rescue whenever they are needed. The acrylic paint and digital media used to create the images show the fire fighters lifting weights, doing maintenance on the truck, and practicing with equipment like the Jaws of Life, The repeated refrain of " Then...lights begin flashing, and - CLANG!- the bells blast. They leap into action - they need to move FAST!" leads into each new call they answer.
Young readers who are accustomed to urban fire stations may not know about the array of situations that a small town or rural station handles. These hardy heroes take care of a puppy stuck in a fence, a brush fire that endangers campers, injuries at a ballgame, roads blocked by fallen trees, a fire in a café, and a tour of the station for a school group. Ashman's text is complemented by the page of back matter that provides even more details about firefighting. Questions such as "What kid of hours do firefighters work?" and "How do they train for so many kinds of emergencies?" are explained - and they lead to the most important question "Can I be a firefighter?" After seeing the diverse crew that works with Fire Chief Fran, I think readers will see that the answer is YES.
Rhyming text and vibrant illustrations bring to life the activities of a fire station and its boss, Fire Chief Fran. Fran's crew of brave men and women train, prepare meals, and rush to the rescue whenever they are needed. The acrylic paint and digital media used to create the images show the fire fighters lifting weights, doing maintenance on the truck, and practicing with equipment like the Jaws of Life, The repeated refrain of " Then...lights begin flashing, and - CLANG!- the bells blast. They leap into action - they need to move FAST!" leads into each new call they answer.
Young readers who are accustomed to urban fire stations may not know about the array of situations that a small town or rural station handles. These hardy heroes take care of a puppy stuck in a fence, a brush fire that endangers campers, injuries at a ballgame, roads blocked by fallen trees, a fire in a café, and a tour of the station for a school group. Ashman's text is complemented by the page of back matter that provides even more details about firefighting. Questions such as "What kid of hours do firefighters work?" and "How do they train for so many kinds of emergencies?" are explained - and they lead to the most important question "Can I be a firefighter?" After seeing the diverse crew that works with Fire Chief Fran, I think readers will see that the answer is YES.
October 12, 2022
This thrilling rhyming book is an exciting look into the many tasks firefighters encounter daily, from training to be vital community helpers. One of my favorite things about this book is the representation of people of color and women, demonstrating to children that firefighters could look just like themselves. This storybook, engaging and fun, is also packed with cool facts, like why some stations have firepoles, or a variety of colors firetrucks can be. Definitely a first-pick buy for libraries. Check out my blog for other great books about fire safety and firefighters! https://playgroundlibrarian.com/
February 14, 2023
I love this! I have worked closely with many fire departments in my life as a volunteer, educator, and advocate, and absolutely am amazed by the spectrum of a firefighters day that is included in this book.
The sentances are simple and short making for easy listening, the illustrations are vibrant and bold, and the scenes shared are diverse and real. It really helps to show the whole story of what a firefighter does because they do more than just fight fire (even though that is an incredibly important part of their job).
I will be including this book into my Fire and Fire Safety storytime for children this fall!
The sentances are simple and short making for easy listening, the illustrations are vibrant and bold, and the scenes shared are diverse and real. It really helps to show the whole story of what a firefighter does because they do more than just fight fire (even though that is an incredibly important part of their job).
I will be including this book into my Fire and Fire Safety storytime for children this fall!
July 29, 2023
The art has energy and not all the characters are drawn to look the same way--there is individuality in their features. A woman (of color)being in charge is a plus, but what I really like is how this de-emphasizes shooting flames and the crew in danger and focuses on the smaller, everyday crises that bring out the crew-- a stuck dog or someone in need of a little first aid. I am removing one star though because of the rhymes. I think the book would have worked as well or better in prose, and some of them are a struggle. Perhaps some people pronounce "door" and"tour" the same way, but if they do, it's regional!
October 13, 2025
This book has great rhymes and shows children what a typical day looks like as a firefighter. It also seamlessly had a woman in authority within the story without making it a big deal. It was the norm that would demonstrate to kids that they can be anything they want if they put their mind to it. I would use this book before we learn about careers, and make sure to cement in my students' brains that no job is gender exclusive. You can be anything you want if you just put your mind to it. Society may try to derail you from your goal, but don't let it. I would show them all the various jobs you can have to get their gears turning with ideas about their future.
October 19, 2025
This is a lively and humorous story about Fran, a young child who imagines taking on the role of a fire chief, leading the way with courage and problem-solving. The book emphasizes themes of leadership, responsibility, and creativity, encouraging children to explore roles and occupations in imaginative ways. Its playful text and engaging illustrations make it enjoyable and relatable for young readers. In a future classroom, I might use this book to inspire role-playing activities, discuss community helpers, and encourage students to think about ways they can show leadership and teamwork in everyday situations.
November 9, 2022
According to the author's notes at the end, females make up fewer than 10% of firefighters in the country. So this story centering on a female fire chief adds some much needed representation. It is a nice, almost nonfiction, story about the goings-on at a small community firehouse. It shows how firefighters do much more than just put out fires and how they are a much needed community good.
The art is paint and digital media. It is a unique art style that makes it stand out in the world on kid lit.
A great story for little firefighter fans and for teaching about community helpers.
The art is paint and digital media. It is a unique art style that makes it stand out in the world on kid lit.
A great story for little firefighter fans and for teaching about community helpers.
December 31, 2022
5 stars (I loved it)
This was great! I loved that the chief was a woman. The rhyming text with the repeated refrain is great! There is some higher level vocabulary words in here (although I'm finding it hard to remember them all now and I'm too lazy to look back but I do remember "grit" being one of them). I love how this shows what firefighters do. Some things I didn't even know (like administering first aid at a sports game). The author includes some back matter that explains even more about what firefighters do.
This was great! I loved that the chief was a woman. The rhyming text with the repeated refrain is great! There is some higher level vocabulary words in here (although I'm finding it hard to remember them all now and I'm too lazy to look back but I do remember "grit" being one of them). I love how this shows what firefighters do. Some things I didn't even know (like administering first aid at a sports game). The author includes some back matter that explains even more about what firefighters do.
March 27, 2023
A fun and informative book about a female fire chief and what goes into being a firefighter, from answering various calls to what they do at the station. Cool to see a female fire chief, because they are rare. This is told in rhyming poetry and comes with fun facts about firefighters in the back and how some aspects of the story are more fictitious. While I enjoyed it for what it was worth, I think I would have liked it better if it had focused on Fran the fire chief. I felt the title was misleading. My rating - 4/5
April 23, 2024
While this story is a little long for storytime, I would gladly paperclip some pages to adapt it to my pre-school aged storytime. Ashman helps readers put themselves in the boots of firemen and women, taking a peek inside the inner workings of a firehouse. A rhyming picture book with clear imagery, I recommend this title for those who enjoy books about firefighters, emergency responders, books about jobs, and rhyming text. The back of the book features more discussion questions the reader can have with the listener(s).
October 18, 2025
Fire Chief Fran follows a day in the life of a fire chief who’s calm, capable, and kind. The story shows her leading her team, helping the community, and handling emergencies with care. The rhythm is steady, and the illustrations are bold and friendly. This book works well for talking about community helpers and showing that leadership can be thoughtful and inclusive. I’d use it during a unit on jobs or safety, and pair it with a dramatic play station or a class chart about “helpers in our town.” It’s also a great way to show a woman in charge, without making it a big deal.
October 20, 2025
The story Fire Chief Fran is about a day in a life as a confident firefighter. It touches on many moments that Fran is leading her team and keeping her community safe by responding to emergencies. It is really highlighting characteristics such as teamwork, bravery, and learning about community helpers which is exciting and important to the younger age groups!
In my future classroom, I would use this book as an introduction to community helpers. After we read this book, I would pretend to be a firefighter in my dramatic play setting and teach my students about the importance in fire safety.
In my future classroom, I would use this book as an introduction to community helpers. After we read this book, I would pretend to be a firefighter in my dramatic play setting and teach my students about the importance in fire safety.
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October 21, 2025Fire Chief Fran is a story about a brave woman named Fran who is always ready to help, whether it’s saving a puppy, putting out a fire at a café, or helping her community in other ways. It follows the exciting adventures she has with her team in their big fire truck, showing how firefighters work together to solve dangerous situations. It is a great way to show how people can help others and be brave in their community. I could use this book in my future classroom to have students write thank you notes to the firefighters in our community for all the hard work they do.
October 22, 2025
This story takes readers on a day at the fire department with fire chief Fran. The firehouse goes to save a dog, put out a fire, meet a classroom, and more. This helps to teach kids about community helpers all around them, in this case, firefighters. At the end of the book, various questions about firefighters are answered, which is super educational for children. Both men and women fire fighters are amazing!
In my future classroom, I would read this book during community helpers week. I would also read this book before or after fire drills, or when a fire fighter may visit the classroom.
In my future classroom, I would read this book during community helpers week. I would also read this book before or after fire drills, or when a fire fighter may visit the classroom.
October 22, 2025
Fire Chief Fran is a book that follows a trail-blazing female fire chief and her diverse team as they spring into action across a busy day of calls, from rescuing animals to handling fires and community emergencies. With bold illustrations, flashing lights, and a strong message of leadership and service, the book celebrates how firefighters keep communities safe and how one person's courage can inspire others.
This book is great to introduce community helpers and leadership to the students while also showing gender representation in a non-traditional role.
This book is great to introduce community helpers and leadership to the students while also showing gender representation in a non-traditional role.
March 10, 2026
This is an excellent factual book about a day / week in the life of firefighters. The book covers more than your standard 4-alarm blaze and a cat stuck in a tree. It also shows what life is like back at the station. And throughout, Fire Chief Fran is our hero. The helpful Q&A back matter explains that Fire Chiefs are not typically doing direct service as Fran is shown doing here, but it's still fun to follow her throughout, "when lights being flashing, and--clang! the bells blast. They leap into action--they need to move fast!"
August 28, 2023
A good representation of some of the duties that firefighters do. The book has good repetitive rhyming text, which would work well for a read aloud, especially if you have a fire truck coming for a visit. The illustrations so a good representation of all races and genders, so kids have the opportunity to see themselves in the book. The dog is fun to watch - he isn't interested in some of the activities (like exercising) so he takes a nap instead.
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October 21, 2025This is an incredible book that is sure to keep young readers engaged. One thing I’ve noticed about young children, is that they tend to love learning about first responders, such as firefighters. I think it is really cool that the author coordinated the story so that children can get an idea of what a day might look like for a firefighter. I would love to read this story to my future students when learning about first responders.
October 22, 2025
This is about a female firefighter and her day to day life as a firefighter. She talked about what happens when the light o off and what she does and how firefighter help the people around them so one of the examples in the story was them helping a dog and a family that is camping. They also go into detail about what happens at the station. This would be a great book to read in my future classroom when learning about first responders like firefighters or police officers.
October 22, 2025
Fire Chief Fran is a story that follows a firefighter as she and her team respond to emergencies, help their community, and keep people safe. The rhyming in the story showing what a firefighter's day looks like can promote teamwork and problem-solving. I would use this book in my future classroom before a visit from a firefighter or another community helper. I think that it's a great way to teach children about fire safety and the important roles people have in keeping us safe.
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