This booklist has been prepared to help parents, teachers and community leaders in their discussion of fire safety and fire prevention with children. It has been prepared in cooperation with the action against arson in the City of Winnipeg. These items are available at libraries in Winnipeg. Please ask the staff at your library for help in finding them.

Picture Books for Preschoolers:

Curious George by H. A. Rey

George is a curious little monkey who gets into big trouble when he phones the fire department with a false alarm. A good book explaining the consequences of your actions. Recommended for children 3 to 6 years of age. (X REY)

Clifford the Firehouse Dog by Norman Bridwell

Clifford, the big red dog, goes to visit his brother Nero who lives in the firehouse. Young children can easily learn the "stop, drop and roll" technique and other fire safety lessons. Clifford gives seven fire safety rules at the end of the book to be reviewed with children. Recommended for children 3 to 5 years of age. (X BRI)

Fire! Fire! by Gail Gibbons

Explains how firefighters fight fires. Includes a page on ways to prevent a fire and what to do if there is a fire. Recommended for children 3 to 6 years of age. ( X GIB)

Fire Safety by Nancy Loewen

Pickles and Roy, two dogs, show you what to do – and not to do – to practice fire safety sense. The dogs tell you never to play with lighters or matches and never to build a fire by yourself. A short and very easy to read picture book. Recommended for children 4 to 6 years of age. (J 628.92 LOE)

Matches, Lighters, and Firecrackers are Not Toys
by Dorothy Chlad

This is a very clear and useful book for explaining the consequences of playing with matches, lighters and firecrackers. Simple text and pictures reinforce the messages. Recommended for children ages 4 and 5 years of age. (J 628.922 CHL)

With Fire by Kyle Carter

This covers all the specific points of fire safety including "good and bad fires"; matches and lighters, cooking fires, "stop, drop, and roll", and smoke detectors. There is one color photograph on each page with a simple accompanying text. Recommended for children ages 4 to 8. (J 628.92 CAR)

For School Age Kids:

No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids and Dragons
by Jean Pendziwol and illustrated by Martine Gourbault

When a little girl invites a friendly dragon over for tea, he accidentally sets the table ablaze. But there is no need to panic as this little girl knows what to do when the smoke alarm rings. Learning about fire safety doesn’t have to be scary – children can learn plenty of safety tips while enjoying this story. As a final treat, The Dragon’s Fire-Safety Rhyme, is a fun way to remember what to do in case of fire. Recommended by the city’s Fire Prevention Officer. For children 6 to 9 years of age. (J X PEN)

Canadian Fire Fighters
by Paulette Bourgeois and illustrated by Kim LaFave

This picture book explains step-by-step how firefighters respond to an emergency. A good section for family learning is the section on preventing fires in the home. Good tips are included on keeping safe and staying safe from fire. Recommended for children 6 to 9 years of age. (J 363.378 BOU)

Catching Fire: The Story of Firefighting by Gena K. Gorrell

This is a Canadian publication which covers several topics and includes one chapter on arson. This section explains many of the consequences of arson and its effects on the community. Another chapter explains fire prevention. Recommended for children 10 and older.(J 628.925 GOR)

Firefighting: Behind the Scenes by Maria Mudd Ruth

This photographic essay explains the challenging and dangerous work performed by firefighters. There is one chapter on fire prevention and safety. Recommended for children ages 8 and older. (J 628.925 MUD)

Videos:

The Adventures of Curious George

This is a film adaptation of the Curious George book. It is beautifully animated and very appealing. It delivers a message about the consequences of making a false alarm. Recommended for preschoolers 3 to 6 years of age. (J VHS)

Fire Safety for Kids with Hector, the Smoke Detector

Contains a musical life saving lesson that’s fun for kids and five sing-along safety songs. It explains what to do if clothing catches fire and smoke fills a room. Recommended for children ages 2 to 8. (J VHS)