Books

Trucks, Boots, and Bells: Firehouse Poems

Published by Holiday House Books for Young Readers, October 2026.

ISBN: 978-0-8234-5659-8

Calling all kids who are fascinated by firefighting! You will love these eighteen poems, exciting pictures, and fun facts!

Bells ring out a code / Time to hit the road / Firefighters answering the call!

In eighteen poems and a collection of fun facts, firefighters put on their helmets, pull on their boots, and race through the city! With their hoses, axes, and bright red fire trucks, they’re ready to battle blazes.

The daughter of a firefighter, Mary E. Cronin writes with love and respect, sharing behind-the-scenes details along with drama and heart. Illustrator Aaron Marin brings fresh perspective and childlike imagination to every page, while underscoring the dignity and bravery of a noble profession.

Order from Below the Brine Bookshop on Cape Cod, or wherever books are sold.

Like a Mother Bear:

How Jeanne Manford’s Words Changed the World for Queer Kids

Published by Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, March 2027.

• ISBN13: 9781665947183

This vibrant and empowering nonfiction picture book tells the true story of Jeanne Manford, whose historic march beside her son sparked a nationwide movement of support for LGBTQ+ families, reminding allies everywhere how much they can accomplish with courage, acceptance, and love.

In 1973, words of support for queer people were hard to find. But Jeanne Manford, a regular mom who loved her son like a mother bear, spoke out when he was hurt at a gay rights protest. She showed up and marched for gay rights alongside him. She founded PFLAG, an advocacy group for friends and families of LGBTQ+ people. And when she began receiving letters from all over the United States, Jeanne wrote back!

Order signed books from The Brewster Bookstore on Cape Cod, or wherever books are sold.