Rescue Squad No. 9

As in Fire Engine No. 9 (rev. 9/15), Austin live-streams an intense rescue mission, immediately pulling readers into the action. His dynamic illustrations and forceful text are skillfully incorporated in a propulsive, left-to-right design that telegraphs the urgency of the situation. "S O S / MAYDAY! / MAYDAY! / MAYDAY!" Answering a distress call, Rescue Squad No. 9's helicopter and boat crews don't hesitate to race into a storm at sea. With the sea roiling and lightning flashing, the squad arrives at the scene to find a small sailboat crashed on some rocks, stranding a sailor and a Dalmatian (both in life vests). A diver jumps from the chopper ("SPLASH") and assists the sailor, but what of the frightened pup still in the boat? Several nervous-making spreads culminate in "JUMP!" The dog leaps across a double-page spread toward the sailor's outstretched hands. A page-turn to a vertically oriented spread shows both human and animal safely lifted "UP! UP! UP!" into the helicopter. The celebratory final scene reveals that our rescued sailor is a kid, which raises the stakes significantly -- from a safe distance. Practical, helpful "Water Smart" tips from the American Red Cross are appended. More than a thrill ride for adrenaline junkies, this picture book tells a compelling story from start to finish. kitty flynn

As in Fire Engine No. 9, Austin live-streams an intense rescue mission: Rescue Squad No. 9's helicopter and boat crews race into a storm to find a stranded kid sailor and a Dalmatian. Dynamic illustrations and forceful text ("S O S / MAYDAY! / MAYDAY! / MAYDAY!"), skillfully incorporated in a propulsive, left-to-right design, telegraph the situation's urgency. Practical, helpful "Water Smart" tips are appended.