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Cover of When The Fires Came A Moving Childrens Story About Community, Togetherness and Volunteering in Natural Emergencies, and...

When The Fires Came A Moving Childrens Story About Community, Togetherness and Volunteering in Natural Emergencies, and...

by Jackie French

Book Details

Publisher:Chronicle Books
Published:2021-08-24
Pages:45
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:1797203525

Reading Info

Age Range:6-10

About This Book

A story of hope and friendship, in which resilience trumps tragedy in the wake of a forest fire. After moving from the city, one boy discovers his new home in the woods isn't so bad—there is friendship in the midst of the forest. But when he spots a fire on the horizon that soon engulfs everything he's come to know—the bugs, the plants, the fox who keeps him company—he is forced to flee. When his newfound comfort goes up in smoke, how can he ever feel at home again? In a forest fire, so much can

Our Review

This poignant picture book tackles the difficult topic of natural disaster through the eyes of a child who has just moved from the city to the woods, finding friendship with the forest creatures before witnessing everything he loves threatened by flames. The narrative thoughtfully explores themes of displacement, loss, and resilience as the young protagonist faces the destruction of his newfound sanctuary. Through vivid, emotionally resonant storytelling, children experience the immediate danger of the fire and the heartbreaking aftermath when familiar landscapes and animal companions disappear.

What sets this story apart is its gentle approach to processing trauma and finding hope amid devastation, making it particularly valuable for children dealing with change, loss, or anxiety about environmental events. The friendship between the boy and the forest fox provides an emotional anchor that helps young readers connect with the ecological themes on a personal level. This beautifully crafted tale ultimately demonstrates how communities—both human and natural—can begin to heal and regrow after tragedy, offering comfort and understanding to children navigating their own challenges.

Themes

Juvenile Fiction

Subjects

Juvenile Fiction