I am thrilled to see the early book reviews for TRUCKS, BOOTS, AND BELLS: FIREHOUSE POEMS (coming in October!)
As a debut author, and a former classroom teacher and Literacy Coach, receiving a starred review from School Library Journal is an incredible honor! I’m delighted that they mention that I’m the daughter of a firefighter who fought blazes in the South Bronx. I love that they praised not only the poems but the vivid illustrations of Aaron Marin, calling it a “must purchase for poetry collections.”
★Cronin, Mary E. Trucks, Boots, and Bells: Firehouse Poems. illus. by Aaron Marin. 40p. Holiday House. Oct. 2026. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9780823456598.
“PreS-Gr 2–Join a team of firefighters for a busy day on the job in this collection of brief, rhythmic poems. When an emergency call comes into the station, firefighters gather their gear and assemble. Fire poles, helmets, and boots are detailed in individually illustrated poems before the firefighters head out of the station. The bustling activities of the urban firehouse and on the fire scene come to life with Cronin’s energetic verse. Poems are short, descriptive, and informational, all with deliberate rhyme and prosody. The narrative captures the many fascinating moving pieces of fighting a fire that will delight young rescue fans. A Halligan tool can “Bite through a bolt / Pry off a lock / Break down the door / while racing the clock;” from a Hook, “I rip/ I rake / I break through walls/ When the fire’s out / I overhaul.” A full page digitally created illustration appears opposite each poem. Marin’s folk-style art is boldly colored, dynamic, and textured, and depicts firefighters of both genders and many skin tones doing their jobs. The collection ends with the fire out and a puppy saved—smiling, the firefighters gather on the final page: “We talk—mighty loud. / After a fire/ we are quiet / and proud.” Back matter includes informational notes for each poem and further reading. Firefighters are pictured with FDNY insignias; an author’s note reveals Cronin’s father worked as a firefighter in the South Bronx. VERDICT These exciting, informational poems with action-packed illustrations have broad appeal. A must-purchase for poetry collections.”
The review in Publishers Weekly also made my heart sing!
“In a poetry collection that’s as sure-handed as the firefighting crew it honors, Cronin, a firefighter’s daughter making her picture book debut, and Marin (Amoya Blackwood Is Brave) present 18 tributes to the profession. While a few offer brief story arcs (“Rescue” sees a puppy saved from a smoky attic), many turn on a firefighter’s trusted equipment. “Helmet” describes a shield that’s “tougher than a turtle’s shell,” while “Halligan Tool” delineates the hardware’s variable savvy (“Bite through a bolt/ Pry off a lock/ Break down the door/ while racing the clock”). Others, such as “Pole Slider,” trace actions including sliding down a fireman’s pole (“Not a slip/ more of a slide/ ankles crossed/ for control”). Though poetic forms go unnamed, there’s plenty of variety: some are clipped and chant-like, others loose and unhurried. All are printed in a blocky industrial type on bright solid color. With a firehouse palette and chalky, matte gouache textures, digital scenes match the verse’s plainspoken confidence, visualizing firefighters portrayed with various skin tones doing dangerous work with unflappable calm. It’s a boldly rendered, no-nonsense package built for the fire-truck fascinated. Back matter includes context and an author’s note. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)”
TRUCKS, BOOTS, AND BELLS: FIREHOUSE POEMS will be published on Oct. 6, 2026 (Holiday House Books for Young Readers). I can’t wait to see it on library shelves and in young childrens’ hands!
You can pre-order it here.