* "A hundred years from now, when people want to know what we told
our children about 9/11, Kalman's book should be among the first
answers."--Booklist, starred review
* "Intelligently conveys those unfathomable events in a way that a
picture book audience can comprehend. . . . With this inspiring book,
Kalman sensitively handles a difficult subject in an age-appropriate
manner."--Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "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."--School
Library Journal, starred review
* "Exciting, uplifting, and child-sensitive. . . . Revisits the
tragedy without the terror and conveys pride without preachiness.--The
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review
*** "Quintessential New York artist Kalman gives us an idiosyncratic
but informative look at a Big Apple institution. . . . Kalman's use of
the events of September 11 is honest and honorable, and rarely is she as
straightforward as she is here."--The Horn Book, starred review
**
This is the inspiring true story of the John J. Harvey--a retired New
York City fireboat reinstated on September 11, 2001. Originally launched
in 1931, the Harvey was the most powerful fireboat of her time. After
the September 11 attacks, with fire hydrants at Ground Zero inoperable
and the Hudson River's water supply critical to fighting the blaze, the
fire department called on the Harvey for help. There were
adjustments--forcing water into hoses by jamming soda bottles and wood
into nozzles with a sledgehammer--and then the fireboat's volunteer crew
pumped much-needed water to the disaster site. The John J. Harvey proved
she was still one of New York's Bravest!
Maira Kalman brings a New York City icon to life, celebrating the
energy, vitality and hope of a place and its people.
