Emergency Monster Squad by Dave Horowitz

 

 Horowitz wrote and illustrated a number of children's books before partially leaving the kidlit world to become a paramedic. He has returned with a few books in the last few years, but this one is the first that introduces his other profession as a paramedic.

A brief introduction explains what EMS is, how to contact them, and what they do, with a reminder never to say the "q-word." Then the story begins. With a bouncing rhythm, readers are introduced to Sally, a paramedic with glasses and freckles, and Gus, an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) who is bright blue and has fangs and three eyes. Sally appears white, Gus is obviously a monster. Together they travel through the city, helping monsters in distress reminding them (and the reader) not say the "q-word" - quiet - because then things start hopping!

They pick up a sick zombie (you know there's something wrong when all tests return healthy!) a skeleton who's gotten scattered, and Mama Kraken, whose eggs are hatching. Most people are helpful in return, moving out of the way of the ambulance, except that one guy... The story ends with the hope for a quiet shift, which is sure to be anything but and a glossary defining everything from Tibia to Huge Spider, IV to That Guy "that one guy. the one you don't want to be like."

Horowitz's cartoons are bright and colorful, with grinning vampires, ghastly green zombies, and other humorously ghoulish creatures.

Verdict: Horowitz has made a child-friendly introduction to the job of a paramedic. Adults will understand that there's a lot more to the job and it can be more dangerous and traumatic, but for kids who just want to know what ambulances do and get a glimpse into the busy lives of an EMS squad, this is a fun and light-hearted story.

ISBN: 9780399548505; Published August 2020 by Nancy Paulsen; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library