Fire Station

This series offers the most basic of introductions to helpful places within a community. Colorful photographs featuring children and adults of various ethnicities show some of the different community helpers young children should know. Each spread features a strong visual clue on the left, followed by a simple statement or fact on the right side. Oversize white text is placed on top of photographs, in colored text boxes. Each title starts with suggested before-and-after activities to engage readers beyond the text. VERDICT Practical looks at standard community gathering spots that will serve most early learning classroom settings well.