AT THE FIREHOUSE

Fledgling readers will happily tag along as a firefighter squires two young visitors through firehouse doors for a glimpse behind the scenes and chances to sit behind the wheels of a pumper truck and a ladder truck. Rockwell depicts her all-Dalmatian cast—which includes both Captain Jack and Lieutenant Maria—and the trucks in a freer style than is her wont, pauses the tour for full-spread views of each truck, and a labeled schematic of the pumper, then finishes up with balloons and fire hats for the children. And in a deft parent-pleaser at the end, one of the pups is so impressed by the way everything at the firehouse is neatly stowed that he straightens up his toys at home before dropping off to dream of “beautiful big red shiny fire engines racing through the night.” Rockwell at her best: lively, informative, and tuned to the sorts of details that fascinate younger children. (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-7)