The Best Fire Safety and Firefighter Books for Kids
By Lily | Published 16 June 2023 | This post may contain affiliate links.
Fire safety is an important topic that every child should learn about early on. Teaching kids about fire prevention, fire drills, and what to do in case of a fire can help save lives.
Fire safety books are a great way to introduce these ideas to young children. They mix fun stories with helpful information, making learning enjoyable and easy to remember. Through picture books and activity books, kids can learn important fire safety tips and steps.
In this post, we've gathered a list of the best fire safety books to educate and entertain young readers.
Fire Safety Books for Kids: Fun and Educational
1. Good Night Fire Engines
Discover what it takes for a fire engine to get ready for the day. Good Night Fire Engines is the perfect gift for future firefighters everywhere, for birthdays, baby showers, housewarming and going away parties.
“My Grandson just loves fire engines and loves this book too. Ideal bedtime story.” – Amazon review by S. Lawrence
Goodreads: 3.83 avg rating
2. Fire Engine No. 9
“This book is pretty much a comic book but in board book form. I wasn’t impressed at first, but when I sat down with my toddler son and began to “read” it as well as describe what was happening in all the pictures it truly came to life. This is one of my son's favorite books now. I was guilty of judging this book at first just because I felt it lacked words, however because of that, it forces you to be descriptive to your little one which ended up being even better.” – Amazon review by KelMil
Goodreads: 3.76 avg rating
3. I Am a Fire Truck
Little firefighters will love learning the names of their favorite vehicles and seeing them in action! I Am a Fire Truck … a book and toy in one!
“I work in a toddler classroom. This book is very popular! I taped it back together several times and finally decided to get a new one. It’s not super sturdy, but the toddlers love it so much and it’s inexpensive to replace if needed.” – Amazon review by Jamie
Goodreads: 3.49 avg rating
4. The Fire Engine Book (Little Golden Book)
Children will feel as though they are riding the big red fire engines and hearing the "clang, clang" of the bell! Large-scale, active pictures in The Fire Engine Book will transport young readers to the scene where they'll see brave firemen connect hoses and save the day.
“I purchased four fire truck books for my 2 year old after he developed an interest, and this one was his favorite! We read it in its entirety three times in a row last night and were not able to finish any of the others I ordered before he got distracted or requested this one be read again!” – Amazon review by LP
Goodreads: 4.14 avg rating
5. Big Frank's Fire Truck
In this delightful picture book, children accompany Big Frank, the friendly fire truck, on exciting fire adventures. With spunky illustrations and simple text, young readers will learn about the important role of fire trucks and firefighters in keeping communities safe. Through Big Frank's Fire Truck adventures, children will gain insight into the duties of a firefighter and the equipment used to fight fires.
“I have read this book for my 3 yo for over 50 times already. Still his daily favorite. He asks for this book to be read more than one time a day.” – Amazon review by W. Chan
Goodreads: 4.22 avg rating
6. Curious George and the Firefighters
In this classic book featuring the beloved character Curious George, young readers accompany the mischievous monkey on a field trip to the fire station. Through George's adventures, children learn about the duties of firefighters, fire engines, and the importance of fire safety.
“I purchased this for my grandson based on the high reviews and it was a hit! Even at just a couple months old he was interested at the pictures when we "read" this book. He is older now and it is still a favorite. Great tummy time book. Highly recommend.” – Customer Amazon review
Goodreads: 4.16 avg rating
7. Clifford the Firehouse Dog
Emily Elizabeth and Clifford go to visit Clifford's brother, who is a firehouse dog.
“Once again, Clifford saves the day, as my toddler grandson roots for him during his brave rescue efforts. "Read it again, read the book again," says my 3-year-old grandson. A winner of a toddler book, the back page of Clifford the Firehouse Dog includes tips for what to do in case the house is on fire. My grandson also enjoys reviewing this portion with its "stop, drop and roll" reminder.” – Amazon review by Marcy W.
Goodreads: 4.21 avg rating
8. Richard Scarry's A Day at the Fire Station
From fast fire trucks and out-of-control hoses to sliding down fire poles and saving the day, this exciting and funny Richard Scarry’s A Day at the Fire Station will have little ones asking to read it over and over again.
“At first I didn’t like the book. I thought there was too much happening, but my 2.5 yrs little girl absolutely loved it. We have read it more than 100 times in the last month :).” – Amazon review by M. Mohan
Goodreads: 3.97 avg rating
9. The Berenstain Bears Visit the Firehouse
Come along as the Berenstain Bears meet everyday heroes—firefighters—in The Berenstain Bears Visit the Firehouse!
“My students like the book so much that I had to pull sticks to see which one got to reread the book and keep it in their desk. Once that was decided, then it was on for the students to ask the student "When you are finished can I have it?" – Amazon review by Molly M.
Goodreads: 3.85 avg rating
10. Pete the Cat: Firefighter Pete
In Pete the Cat: Firefighter Pete from New York Times bestselling author and artist James Dean, Pete and his classmates are excited about their field trip to the firehouse.
“Firehouse Pete was our first Pete the Cat book. My toddler loves Pete’s story so much that we bought several other Pete books! These books are engaging with great use of sight words for learning to read.” – Amazon review by Alisha H.
Goodreads: 4.19 avg rating
11. Doggy Defenders, Dolley The Fire Dog
In this endearing read-aloud picture book, readers meet courageous canine Dolley, and follow her as she spends an exciting day at work with the fire department. “The 6 year old boy I nanny for LOVES his Doggy Defender books and Dolley the Firedog is by far his favorite. Here’s his review: “Dolley is so cute and has a good nose. I love learning about dogs that have jobs and keep people safe. I want to have a yellow Labrador Retriever when I grow up. -Tyler, age 6.” – Amazon review by Set List
Goodreads: 4.38 avg rating
12. Firefighters A to Z
Firefighters A to Z, a 2001 Children's Literature Choice.
“My three-year-old can't get enough of this great book! We found him correcting some of the more : firefighter/fire truck kids' books. After reading this book, he's the preschool version of a firefighting expert!! Great, and very detailed!” – Amazon review by C. Powers
Goodreads: 3.81 avg rating
13. No Dragons for Tea
“I am a fire inspector and spend part of the year doing public education for K-6th graders in fire safety. I purchased a variety of fire safety educational books to read to kids several years ago in the search for a good educational book. This book has become my favorite, and go to book for reading to kids. It is entertaining, and yet allows me to teach important lessons in fire safety while keeping the attention of my audience on the story. It strikes the right balance between story and fire safety lessons, in a single package. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.” – Amazon review by K. Todd
Goodreads: 3.92 avg rating
14. Fire! Fire!
A classic nonfiction picture book by Children’s Book Guild Award winner Gail Gibbons. Fire! Fire! includes a glossary in the back with fire-fighting equipment keywords as well as a list of ways to prevent a fire and what to do if there is a fire.
“My husband works with children in a special education program and this was one of the books the teacher used in the fire safety unit. My husband loved it so much that he ordered it for our son. Though slightly out of date this book presents a lot of good information for curious kids. It is great for our 2-year-old but is detailed enough for older children as well!– Amazon review by Kevin
Goodreads: 3.86 avg rating
15. I Want to Be a Firefighter
This book will help kids to imagine what it's like to be a firefighter! Starting with putting on the uniform and then jumping into the truck to rush off to save people and put out a fire, I Want to Be a Firefighter provides an early introduction to a day in the life of a busy firefighter.
“Love this book! It is perfect for the 18month - 3-year-old age group. Beautifully illustrated pictures. Short sentences. Captivating and gets to the point. My toddler class loved this book during fire safety week.” – Amazon review by Beth L.
Goodreads: 3.81 avg rating
16. Little Smokey
Featuring useful information about wildfires and fire prevention in the back of the book, Little Smokey is a must-have for children growing up in a world where climate change makes natural disasters a common occurrence.
“We borrowed this from the library and my 3-year-old daughter was hooked. We had to buy a copy! It's a cute story about planes with excellent clear illustrations. There's a part that repeats and my daughter quickly memorized it so we have fun "reading" together. The physical book is an excellent addition to our bookshelf.” – Amazon review by Orangeroses29
Goodreads: 3.74 avg rating
17. Richard Scarry’s Busiest Fire Fire Fighters Ever!
Fans of firefighters and fire trucks will love this rollicking story from the great Richard Scarry in Busiest Fire Fighters Ever!
“My three-year-old grandson loves Richard Scarry's busytown book and this is a shorter book that he enjoys just as much. Firefighters are a favorite subject of his and this humorous book makes him giggle.” – Amazon review by Jane L.
Goodreads: 4.02 avg rating
18. Plan and Prepare!
Do you know the four rules of fire safety? Have a plan. Get out fast. Stay low. And don't open hot doors. This sing-along picture book Plan and Prepare! will make kids want to practice these four life-saving rules over and over again.
“This was a gift for my five-year-old neighbor. It’s never to learn about fire safety and influence career dreamland. He can teach and plan fire safety to his family and friends.” – Amazon review by mpj
Goodreads: 4.25 avg rating
19. Stop, Drop, and Roll!
What should you do if flames get on your clothes? Stop, drop, and roll! This sing-along picture book will make kids want to practice this life-saving skill over and over again. Young readers will feel like heroes as they sing along to this catchy song about fire safety. This book, Stop, Drop, and Roll!, comes with online music access.
“This fun book has lovely pictures, a great catchy song to sing along to, and breaks down fire opsafety easily for young children.” – Amazon review by ShaRhonda
Goodreads: 3.62 avg rating
20. Miss Mingo and the Fire Drill
Miss Mingo and the Fire Drill takes readers on a field trip to school, where Miss Mingo's class learns about fire safety. This informative book introduces fire safety rules, such as "stop, drop, and roll," and the importance of practicing fire drills.
“Perfect for teaching my students about fire drills and what to expect! My students referenced the book after our fire drill so I know they enjoyed it! I read this to K-2 students.” - Amazon review by Lindsey K.
Goodreads: 3.64 avg rating
21. Firefighters’ Handbook
From award-winning author-illustrator Meghan McCarthy comes an entertaining picture book that explores the training and day-to-day life of being a firefighter as they put out fires and saves lives.
“Such a cute book! An essential for the firefighter kid! And it’s accurate! My dad is a firefighter and it’s all correct! It’s a fun book to pretend play too!” – Amazon review by GalwayK.
Goodreads: 4.17 avg rating
22. Firefighter Ted
Burning toast, a sizzling sidewalk, volcanoes erupting at a science fair... Danger lurks everywhere, and not a firefighter is to be found.... Ted knows it is time to become a Firefighter Ted. It's the least a helpful bear can do.
"My 2-year-old daughter would cry every time we had to return Firefighter Ted to our local Library so I decided that Santa should bring her her very own copy for Christmas. Now we can read the book whenever she wants (which is at least twice a week). She loves how silly Ted is but how even little Ted can save the day at the end. A great book for kids who love firefighters." - Amazon review by Erica Z.
Goodreads: 3.52 avg rating
23. Arthur’s Fire Drill
Join Arthur and his classmates in Arthur’s Fire Drill as they follow the procedure during a fire drill which highlights the significance of staying calm and listening to instructions.
“Great book about fire safety. I used this for my mixed class of 4-6 year old children when we did fire safety. This book was the perfect set up for learning about drills and how to handle them. The kids each had a turn being the "fire boss" and they loved it. It was a very well received lesson and I think that this book is great for preschool and kindergarten age children.” – Amazon review by KY
Goodreads: 4.13 avg rating
24. Let’s Meet a Firefighter
Firefighter Jim works at the fire department. He knows how to handle all kinds of emergencies. He shows a group of kids how he does his job in Let’s Meet a Firefighter. Let’s hear it for firefighters!
“Used as part of our community helper unit for my elementary self-contained classroom - Easy read, informational, and great pictures kept my students engaged.” – Amazon review by C. Houckre
Goodreads: 4.17 avg rating
25. Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey
The John J. Harvey fireboat was the largest, fastest, shiniest fireboat of its time, but by 1995, the city didn't need old fireboats anymore. So the Harvey retired until a group of friends decided to save it from the scrap heap. Then, one sunny September day in 2001, something so horrible happened that the whole world shook. And a call came from the fire department, asking if the Harvey could battle the roaring flames.
Goodreads: 4.37 avg rating
Fire Safety Books: In Summary
Reading fire safety books with children not only imparts crucial knowledge but also fosters bonding between parents and educators.
These engaging resources, from picture books showcasing firefighters to interactive activity books, effectively teach kids about fire prevention and safety.
By following the adventures of fire trucks and learning safety rules, children gain valuable insights on protecting themselves and others.
Ignite your child's interest with these fantastic fire safety books to help create a safer environment for all.