Librarian
Collection Development: Children's Department
As librarians we understand the importance of collection development. Along with fire safety programming, collecting fire safety materials — whether those are books, audio/video materials, or others — can help keep the fire safety message going after the program ends. Though fire safety is important for everyone, these books are aimed at children and at storytime presentations. The Illinois Fire Service Institute Library carries many books and other materials about fire safety which are available for loan to individuals, to Illinois public libraries, and to fire departments for public safety presentations. For information about borrowing please see the homepage of this guide.
Books to Read Aloud
- Sparky the Fire Dog
This book, published by the NFPA, follows Sparky as he shows kids how to spot fire hazards and how to stay safe in case of a fire. - Firefighter Pete
Featuring beloved children's character Pete the Cat, Firefighter Pete gives children a look into the firehouse. - Plan and Prepare
This book teaches kids four important rules about fire safety. The book also comes with music and can be used for a singalong. - No Dragons for Tea
No Dragons for Tea is part of the Dragon Safety series and teaches children how to get out of a fire safely. - Firefighter Duckies
Firefighter Duckies shows children the ways firefighters help their communities. - Fire Drill
This book explains fire drills to young children in an easy, approachable way. It's a good choice for new kindergartners who've never been to school before.
Easy Reader Books
- Flat Stanley and the Firehouse
Flat Stanley takes readers along on his visit to a firehouse. - Fire Fighter!
This DK easy reader book gives children starting to read on their own a glimpse inside a firefighter's life and work. - Fly Guy Presents: Firefighters
Kids can follow Fly Guy and Buzz to the fire station to learn about firefighters, fire trucks, and fire safety. - Going to the Firehouse
Mercer Mayer's Little Critter takes a trip to the fire house to learn about how to be safe around fires. - Buddy to the Rescue
This book shows children how firefighters respond to fires in public places and how to stay on the lookout for fire safety outside their home. - Arthur's Fire DrillThis book features beloved children's character Arthur teaching DW about fire drills.
Nonfiction Books for Children
- The Fire Station
This book teaches children about what happens in a fire station. - Firefighters A to Z
This book gives children a look into what firefighters do in a day. - A Day With Firefighters
This book uses photos to show children what firefighters do in a day. - Devouring FlamesThis book from National Geographic teaches children about forest fires — how they start, how they're put out, and how to prevent them.
- Contain the Flame: Outdoor Fire Safety
This book shows children how to be safe with fire outdoors, whether in their backyard or camping. - What Was the Great Chicago Fire?
This book teaches children about the Great Chicago Fire — a great way to teach kids that fire can have real consequences and they should take being safe seriously.
