Are you having trouble getting your son to read or finding books he would love? This series is perfect for you! Uncle Rocky, Fireman is a series of picture books. These books tell stories of Uncle Rocky’s adventures along with his two nephews, Ben and Luke. They are full of colorful and detailed illustrations. Not to mention, they are also very interactive, so your boys can participate in the story and feel like they are in it while you’re reading together. Your boys will be able to:
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make the noises of different sound effects
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act out some actions of the firemen
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follow along with the illustrations
First, this story starts out with Rocky Hill starting his first shift as a firefighter on a Monday morning. He says good morning to the chief on his way in. You can tell that this book does not shy away from representation or inclusivity overall. The chief of staff is a black man and there is even a women firefighter. Uncle Rocky made sure his uniform was on the equipment rack and then joined Big Joe and Bob. Big Joe was the captain of the hook-and-ladder truck and Big Joe was the driver. Uncle Rocky was the tillerman, the driver at the rear of the truck. They were talking to the firefighters who were going off duty when the alarm went off.
Next, at this point in the story, the action picks up and the children you are reading to can finally participate. The alarm bell rings “Clang!” fives times. Have everyone jump up and shout “Clang!” with you. Uncle Rocky, Big Joe, and Bob ran to the pole, slid down and their clothes were waiting on a dressing rack. While Uncle Rocky is getting dressed, the story explains which steps he took first and the kids can act out this part with him. Then, all three of them get in the firetruck and do their jobs. There are different sound effects that go along with Big Joe and Bob’s jobs:
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Big Joe starts the truck, “Vroom Vroom Vroom”
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Bob flips on the lights, “Voo Voo Voo”
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When he flicks on the siren, “Whirr Whirr Whirr”
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Big Joe tested the air horn, Ennnt Ent”
These all give boys the opportunity to make as much noise as they want to.
Lastly, When they get to the house that’s on fire, there is a woman standing outside yelling, “My baby! My baby! She’s still inside. Please save my baby!” Bob said it was best to not use a ladder. He hooked up the hose to the fire hydrant and Big Joe went inside to put out the big fire. Uncle Rocky decided to go inside to save the baby from her crib on the second floor of the house. He crawled on the floor to find the correct bedroom because the smoke was thinner. When he grabbed the baby, she didn’t make a sound.
When he saved her and brought her outside, it took a while, she smiled and started to cry when she was placed in her mother’s arms. The baby was only sleeping. When the mother thanks Uncle Rocky with tears in his eyes, That’s when he says “Glad to do it,” which the children can say with him and make the same arm motion he always does.
In Conclusion, Uncle Rocky, Fireman books are the perfect choice for boys. Any kids would love them but it gives boys the chance to be as lively and expressive as they are. In the front of the book, before the story begins, it explains what sections are interactive for children – what they can say and do to participate and feel like they are a part of the story. Fire also is a great story about teamwork and encourages children to help and serve others.