Read 'n' Play: My Big Red Fire Truck by Stephen T. Johnson

 This is almost certainly the coolest pop-up, novelty, "toy" book I've seen in a long time. I don't know how long it will last, but while it does it will be super fun!

The book is a sturdy rectangle, 8x11" with paper over board cardboard pages and a cardboard insert between each spread. It was previously published as My little red fire truck. The first activity is a detachable cardboard "pen" and drawing pad, where kids can plan out their day at the fire station. Following spreads allow kids to lift a flap and see the engine, with moving parts and pull tabs, there is a detachable cardboard tire gauge and cardboard slots to check the tires, a cardboard key that can be inserted in a slot to turn the engine on, and more.

The text is in the first person and includes instructions as well as integrating information about how the fire engine works. "To start my little red fire truck, I put the key into the ignition. To move forward, I change the gearshift from park (P) to the drive position (D).

The art consists of realistic pictures of the various parts of the engine on a bold red background. There's a small analog clock in the corner, showing the time moving as the kids perform the different actions to get the engine ready to go.

The pull tabs and flaps are about as sturdy as such things usually are, but a reasonably careful child should be able to handle them. There are a lot of detachable cardboard items and I am debating whether it would be worth while to scan them so we can make new ones if necessary, or just enjoy them while they last.

Verdict: This is the ideal addition for a storytime kit on fire engines; indeed, it is practically a kit on its own! It would also make a wonderful present for a careful child. If you circulate kits and novelty books, this is well worth the cost, discounted to $20 through Baker and Taylor, for kids fascinated by how fire engines and vehicles work.

ISBN: 9781665918381; This edition published April 2023 by Simon & Schuster; Review copy provided by publisher; Added to a firetruck-themed storytime kit.