Fire Storm (Outdoor Adventures)

George, Jean Craighead

ISBN 10: 0060002646 ISBN 13: 9780060002640

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, 2003

Synopsis

When Axel and his family take a rafting trip down the swift Salmon River, they sense little risk when smoke appears in the quiet, dry wilderness. Suddenly, orange flames flash dangerously near, and Axel isn't so sure of their safety anymore. Before long, they are caught in a blazing forest and must search for a safe hideout. Will Axel and his family make the right call before the roaring fire gets too close?

In this second story about the adventures of Axel, acclaimed nature writer Jean Craighead George and award-winning artist Wendell Minor recount the riveting tale of a fearsome fire storm and the cycle of regeneration that follows.

About this title

About the Author:

Jean Craighead George wrote over one hundred books for children and young adults. Her novel Julie of the Wolves won the Newbery Medal in 1973, and she received a 1960 Newbery Honor for My Side of the Mountain. She continued to write acclaimed picture books that celebrate the natural world. Her other books with Wendell Minor include The Wolves Are Back; Luck; Everglades; Arctic Son; Morning, Noon, and Night; and Galapagos George.

Wendell Minor has illustrated numerous award-winning picture books, including Reaching for the Moon by Buzz Aldrin, Galapagos George by Jean Craighead George, and If You Were a Panda Bear by his wife, Florence Minor. Mr. Minor's art has been exhibited at the Norman Rockwell Museum, among other prestigious institutions throughout the country. He lives in rural Connecticut with Florence and their two cats.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 1-3-An intriguing tale of survival that is based on a true story. While making their way down Idaho's Salmon River, Axel, Uncle Paul, and Aunt Charlotte suddenly find themselves surrounded by raging forest fires. Heat lightning ignites dry pine needles and with the wind changing direction, "-the many fires hurricaned into one thundering fire storm." As the drama unfolds, the family watches the "orange wall of flame" and hears trees that "exploded like rifle shots." Uncle Paul, an experienced forester, advises them to stay in the middle of the river, and Aunt Charlotte hands out wet bandannas to tie over their faces. Axel proves to be an accomplished adventurer himself, and finds a safe, burned-out campsite. Although saddened by the "smoldering trees and smoking stumps," he gets a lesson on regeneration and is assured that the forest is "not lost-.Just altered. It will come back and be healthier." Minor's realistic pencil-crayon illustrations capture the rugged landscape of cliffs and sloping mountains. The story is related calmly and with reverence for nature.
Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0060002646
• ISBN 13: 9780060002640
• Binding: Library Binding
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Minor Wendell