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Library Book: The Fire Station
Michael and Sheila explore a fire station, looking at all the hoses, boots, and even the fire trucks.
24 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
12 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Robert Munsch
281books1,578followersRobert Munsch was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Fordham University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and from Boston University in 1971 with a Master of Arts degree in anthropology.
He studied to become a Jesuit priest, but decided he would rather work with children after jobs at orphanages and daycare centers. In 1973, he received a Master of Education in Child Studies from Tufts University. In 1975 he moved to Canada to work at the preschool at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. He also taught in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph as a lecturer and as an assistant professor. In Guelph he was encouraged to publish the many stories he made up for the children he worked with.
Munsch's wife delivered two stillborn babies in 1979 and 1980. Out of the tragedy, he produced one of his best-known books, Love You Forever. This book was listed fourth on the 2001 Publishers Weekly All-Time Best selling Children's Books list for paperbacks at 6,970,000 copies (not including the 1,049,000 hardcover copies). The Munsches have since become adoptive parents of Julie, Andrew and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!)
Munsch has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has also suffered from manic depression. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak in normal sentences. He has recovered enough that he is able to perform live, but has put his writing career on hold until he is fully recovered.
He studied to become a Jesuit priest, but decided he would rather work with children after jobs at orphanages and daycare centers. In 1973, he received a Master of Education in Child Studies from Tufts University. In 1975 he moved to Canada to work at the preschool at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. He also taught in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph as a lecturer and as an assistant professor. In Guelph he was encouraged to publish the many stories he made up for the children he worked with.
Munsch's wife delivered two stillborn babies in 1979 and 1980. Out of the tragedy, he produced one of his best-known books, Love You Forever. This book was listed fourth on the 2001 Publishers Weekly All-Time Best selling Children's Books list for paperbacks at 6,970,000 copies (not including the 1,049,000 hardcover copies). The Munsches have since become adoptive parents of Julie, Andrew and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!)
Munsch has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has also suffered from manic depression. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak in normal sentences. He has recovered enough that he is able to perform live, but has put his writing career on hold until he is fully recovered.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
January 29, 2018
Michael and Sheila go on quite the adventure in this Robert Munsch classic. After tasking a tour of the fire station, Michael and Sheila end up trapped on the enormous firetruck during a call. A massive blaze and yucky-coloured smoke fill the air, covering both children in various spots. When the fire chief notices them, he is alarmed and rushes them off the premises. Upon arriving at home, Michael and Sheila each receive a rude awakening at the door, which involves soap and lots of water. A few days later, when they come across the police station... Neo laughed at this book, calling it one of his favourite Munsch tales. He hopes to ride on a fire truck at full speed, but will stay away from the fire and smoke.
September 6, 2022
This is an Early Children's Reader Book that me and my kids read together. I found this book so cute, and the storyline pulled my kids into it. They found the story funny and wanted to keep reading which I loved. There were a few big words I did not think were great for earlier readers, but overall I liked this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Annick Press) or author (Robert Munsch) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
August 13, 2022
As part of their ‘Early Reader� re-release, some of the classic works of the beloved Robert Munsch have been adapted to include a guide that is placed to help a young reader explore sounds, consonants, character voices & plot comprehension.
In this story, we follow Michael & Sheila as they take it upon themselves to explore the environments where various groups of first responders work; more specifically, where their vehicles are parked until an emergency calls them onto the roads. What I enjoyed so very much about this book as a child were the illustrations. There is something absolutely touching about the way the images by Michael Martchenko have nestled themselves into my brain.
Calling to mind the little adventure of the two main characters was closer to the surface of my brain than I had anticipated; finding myself laughing as the children joyfully make their way into a police cruiser after their escapades with the firetruck.
A good story is one that sticks with us for far longer than it might have taken us to read the book. Though this story in particular calls to mind the boisterous adventures of youth; I cannot pin what it is about it that has remained nestled in my mind for all of this time. Regardless, I am certain that the young readers of today will see themselves looking back at the bubbles mounting the walls of the bathroom in rainbow shaded colours as the children are faced with the begrudging reality after their stellar adventures.
Thank you to NetGalley, Annick Press Ltd. & Robert Munsch for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
In this story, we follow Michael & Sheila as they take it upon themselves to explore the environments where various groups of first responders work; more specifically, where their vehicles are parked until an emergency calls them onto the roads. What I enjoyed so very much about this book as a child were the illustrations. There is something absolutely touching about the way the images by Michael Martchenko have nestled themselves into my brain.
Calling to mind the little adventure of the two main characters was closer to the surface of my brain than I had anticipated; finding myself laughing as the children joyfully make their way into a police cruiser after their escapades with the firetruck.
A good story is one that sticks with us for far longer than it might have taken us to read the book. Though this story in particular calls to mind the boisterous adventures of youth; I cannot pin what it is about it that has remained nestled in my mind for all of this time. Regardless, I am certain that the young readers of today will see themselves looking back at the bubbles mounting the walls of the bathroom in rainbow shaded colours as the children are faced with the begrudging reality after their stellar adventures.
Thank you to NetGalley, Annick Press Ltd. & Robert Munsch for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
June 12, 2022
Another great early reader by Robert Munsch!
My first grader really liked this book about two kids sneaking into the back of the firetruck and the firetruck going to a call. Of course the kids get all dirty too.
This is a great early reader because some of the words are repeated enough to help them sink in and be remembered. This book also has some great bonus content of having the child do a story retelling by showing the story via a series of pictures. My daughter's favorite part was the spot the difference activity at the end.
A simple story for early readers, great illustrations, and extra learning activities make this a book that kids will really like. Learning to read should be fun!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
My first grader really liked this book about two kids sneaking into the back of the firetruck and the firetruck going to a call. Of course the kids get all dirty too.
This is a great early reader because some of the words are repeated enough to help them sink in and be remembered. This book also has some great bonus content of having the child do a story retelling by showing the story via a series of pictures. My daughter's favorite part was the spot the difference activity at the end.
A simple story for early readers, great illustrations, and extra learning activities make this a book that kids will really like. Learning to read should be fun!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
May 6, 2019
It's funny how some of these books live up to my memory of them... and how some of them don't. Unfortunately, this book falls into the latter category. I remember really liking this when I was a kid, and thinking it was hilarious. But as an adult, I find it unrealistic, odd, a bit dated, and rather short.
Michael and Sheila are walking past a fire station. Sheila basically drags her friend inside (after they ask permission, of course) and they look at all the fire trucks. When an alarm goes off, Sheila pulls Michael into the back seat of the fire truck they're in at the time, and they end up going to the fire. There, they're exposed to "yucky-colored smoke", which leaves them looking like they've just come from a Holi celebration. When each of them return home, their parents don't recognize them because they're so dirty. Eventually, though, they both end up being bathed. And the next time they're walking down the street, they pass a police station...
I kind of like the fact that it's Sheila who's portrayed as the adventurous one (while Michael wants to consult his mother and his father before doing anything). What I don't really like is how sexist and stereotyped the careers of firefighting and policing are. Firefighters are referred to as firemen, and all the cops are male, too. I realize this book is from the 1980s, but it would be nice if the book could be updated to reflect today's reality.
Unfortunately, this isn't as good as I remembered. Oh, well. There are plenty of other Munsch/Martchenko titles that have stood the test of time.
Michael and Sheila are walking past a fire station. Sheila basically drags her friend inside (after they ask permission, of course) and they look at all the fire trucks. When an alarm goes off, Sheila pulls Michael into the back seat of the fire truck they're in at the time, and they end up going to the fire. There, they're exposed to "yucky-colored smoke", which leaves them looking like they've just come from a Holi celebration. When each of them return home, their parents don't recognize them because they're so dirty. Eventually, though, they both end up being bathed. And the next time they're walking down the street, they pass a police station...
I kind of like the fact that it's Sheila who's portrayed as the adventurous one (while Michael wants to consult his mother and his father before doing anything). What I don't really like is how sexist and stereotyped the careers of firefighting and policing are. Firefighters are referred to as firemen, and all the cops are male, too. I realize this book is from the 1980s, but it would be nice if the book could be updated to reflect today's reality.
Unfortunately, this isn't as good as I remembered. Oh, well. There are plenty of other Munsch/Martchenko titles that have stood the test of time.
April 26, 2022
More joyful delights, as older books from this author get turned into the snappiest of narratives for reluctant readers and early learners still taking their path through the maze of phonics. Here, two kids fluke their way to an emergency via fire engine, which leaves them so coloured and so dirty and so smokey their parents don't even recognise them. Still, at least it was a one-off chance happening... It feels quite old-school, a book whose plot and humour hinges around a semi-punitive bath, but it works here, for such a very young target market. All the samples of this series I've seen serve the phonics teacher well, I'd guess, and while some didn't float my boat nearly as much as others, when they're at their best, engaging with a good sense of quirk and a repetitive approach to story and comedy, and a repetitive approach to story and comedy, they're well worth our attention.
As is their repetitive approach to story and comedy.
As is their repetitive approach to story and comedy.
June 3, 2022
Wow! This book has everything you need to educate young children about the parts of a book.
It’s a cute story but the informational aspect as far as learning to dissect the book and break it down is what a lot of kids struggle with so it’s unique in that it incorporates these learning skills into the text.
I think this is great especially for 1st and 2nd grade children.
It’s a cute story but the informational aspect as far as learning to dissect the book and break it down is what a lot of kids struggle with so it’s unique in that it incorporates these learning skills into the text.
I think this is great especially for 1st and 2nd grade children.
October 30, 2021
Colorful mess ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
August 26, 2022
This is a simpler version of the story we all know and love. The funny tale features easy to read words and amusing illustrations. The words that sound like noises were fun to dramatically act out. At the end of the book, there are activities to further explore the story and build literacy skills with your child.
As a parent to a new reader, I appreciated the Getting Ready for Reading Tips. This book would be an excellent addition to a home library or classroom.
Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
As a parent to a new reader, I appreciated the Getting Ready for Reading Tips. This book would be an excellent addition to a home library or classroom.
Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2022
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You just cannot go wrong with Robert Munsch. I am so excited for the release of his easy readers. If you've got an adventurer in your family, or a future firefighter, this book is for them!
You just cannot go wrong with Robert Munsch. I am so excited for the release of his easy readers. If you've got an adventurer in your family, or a future firefighter, this book is for them!
July 2, 2012
Corbchops says: "I liked when they drove away in a police car because the policeman didn't know that they were in there. It was funny."
January 20, 2018
This book was found in the Tumbleweed section of the public library. It's a different way of telling the story of a fire station. A little boy and girl are near the Fire Station, and the little girl tells the boy they should go ride a fire engine. The fireman tells them they can't ride the fire engine, but he takes them inside and shows them around. When they are alone, they climb into the fire engine, and pretend they are riding in it. The alarm sounds, and they hide behind the seats. At the fire, they get covered with smoke, and the fire chief finds them, and takes them home. When the children get home the parents don't recognize them, because they are so dirty. When they are recognized, they are put in the bath tub for several days.
September 5, 2022
Princess Fuzzypants here: When my brother was just a kit, Momma used to read him Robert Munsch stories. They loved the funny tales and the great artwork that accompanied.the stories. This one is about two mischievious children, Michael and Sheila who go to the fire station. While they are exploring, they end up going to a fire and getting covered in colourful smoke. Even their parents do not recognize them when they return home. But that does not stop those two.
Once they are cleaned up, they decided the next place to explore is the police station. It is very silly but so much fun. I also liked the reading aids that will help parents improve the reading abilities of their children. Five purrs and two paws up.
Once they are cleaned up, they decided the next place to explore is the police station. It is very silly but so much fun. I also liked the reading aids that will help parents improve the reading abilities of their children. Five purrs and two paws up.
April 5, 2021
These two children are real kiddos. The author Robert Munsch worked in a daycare. He told original stories to the kids. Once they asked him to make up a story about them and he made up the fire station story. Now in fact, they used to take the daycare centre to the fire station once every couple of months. Michael and Sheila loved to sit on the front of the fire truck so it made a great deal of sense to them that they should be in a story about a fire station.
Sunshine and I enjoyed this book very much. Enjoy it with us on our Youtube channel Storytime Sunshine.
Here is a direct link:
Sunshine and I enjoyed this book very much. Enjoy it with us on our Youtube channel Storytime Sunshine.
Here is a direct link:
December 23, 2018
Shiela is a curious little girl; she drags Michael into an odd situation involving a fire truck. Neither Michael nor Sheila's parents seemed concerned one little bit, but that's okay, it's supposed to be silly, right?
I like how the dialogue between the two characters is; I love how they bounce off one another, I also think the ending is pretty neat.
I think Robert Munsch knows how to write an ending!!
I like how the dialogue between the two characters is; I love how they bounce off one another, I also think the ending is pretty neat.
I think Robert Munsch knows how to write an ending!!
April 10, 2020
We searched for fire, firemen, firefighters, fire truck, and so on on the Kindle Fire and stumbled across this one in the Kindle Freetime Unlimited section. It was a good, silly read to add to the current lesson. We are currently reviewing BJU Kindergarten Focus on Fives and this was a good add-on theme book.
March 22, 2023
OMG! Too funny! Also, could discuss, what do you do if you know your friend is a bad influence? Or, even, is Sheila actually a bad influence on Michael?
Read as part of .
Read as part of .
November 26, 2017
So funny and engaging!
April 8, 2018
An adventurous little girl encourage her friend to go to the fire station with her where they accidentally end up going to a fire in a large fire truck.
January 7, 2019
3.5 / 5
Cute, but not my favorite Munsch. Not a standout of my childhood but good enough and fun/funny for kids.
Cute, but not my favorite Munsch. Not a standout of my childhood but good enough and fun/funny for kids.
February 2, 2019
My four year old thought this book was hilarious.
October 26, 2019
A fun twist on a visit to the Fire Station! 3.5 stars
February 5, 2020
Adorable story, with an ending that, I think, teases a possible sequel!
Read
May 28, 2020Hoopla Bonus Borrow
August 20, 2020
A little silly, a little adventurous. Very 80s, doesn’t really stand the test of time. Stick to the paper bag princess.
February 1, 2021
The beauty of these stories is how well Munsch does repetition and absurdity.
May 27, 2022
Fabolous!
March 23, 2023
Is smoke inhalation funny? This author's ethos and standards are counter to what I would be looking for in a children's book.
December 10, 2023
Best part is their parents' reaction. Hands down.
January 29, 2024
A fun story of two kids who get in trouble by going into a fire station. Being curious about what goes on in a forest station and of course wanting to drive the fire truck. 🚒
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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