Kai to the Rescue!, written by Audrey Penn, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Student Reviewer: Arwa H.
Summary: So the book begins with the introduction of the other main characters that are the three red fire trucks that Kai will soon join. When the captain learns that he is getting a new team member, he is immediately against the idea and when Kai shows up tiny and green instead of red, the captain becomes more against the idea of Kai being on the team. He tells Kai that he shouldn’t be there due to his coloring, so when the rest of the firetrucks go to sleep, Kai takes a bucket of red crayons to color himself and try to get the captain to accept him. When the captain sees him though, he doesn’t accept Kai because in the end he will always be green. Suddenly, the alarm is rung and it is time for the team to go out and save the day! When they get to the sight of the fire, the captain pushes aside Kai and lets his team handle the fire. Kai is sad that he can’t do what he is made to do. All of a sudden, Kai turns around and sees another fire! When he tells the captain, the captain realizes that only Kai can fit and he sends Kai in. Kai then saves the day and the rest of the team realizes that no matter the color of Kai, they are all the same and can get the same thing done!

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book would be very beneficial in libraries and classrooms due to the lesson that is being learned. My favorite part of the book was the last page where the captain that once disliked Kai, sings to Kai admiring him and his accomplishments. Furthermore, the emotions that Kai shows throughout the novel when he isn’t accepted for who he is represents real emotions that others feel; allowing children to read this can get them to have empathy for those who are put down for being different. The book itself is also very cute. The illustrations appeal to younger children and make them feel safe with the fire trucks having large, happy eyes. In addition, the fact that Kai is small can resonate with the children and show them that they can do what needs to be done no matter what they look like. The color scheme is cool and resonates a feeling of peace for children since the colors aren’t overwhelming. There is repetition in the text and the book ends with a song that young readers will enjoy. A reader who likes all things firetruck and firefighters, will love this book. It would be a good addition to a themed fire safety book display.