The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine Blog Tour: Book One Review & Gift Cards Giveaway
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The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine Blog Tour: Book One Review & Gift Cards Giveaway

The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine is a picture book series by Joe Fisher, with two books published and a third one one the way. I'd like to  share my reviews of the first two books in order (today and Friday) as well as the chance to win one of two $25 Starbucks gift cards courtesy of the author.

About Book One:

Book Title: Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine (The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine) by Joe Fisher
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 4-8), 32 pages
Genre: Children's Fiction
Publisher: Angler Publishing
Release date: May 2017
Tour dates: Aug 22 to Sep 9, 2022
Content Rating: G for children.

When the Mayor Himself decides the town of Someport-by-the-Sea needs a new fire engine the Fire Chief picks a shiny, bright red one that has all the latest tools needed to put out fires. The new fire engine becomes the joy of the children in town and the pride of the fireman and townspeople alike.

But after many years the fire engine becomes old and worn until everyone begins to laugh and call it Rusty. Sad and forlorn Rusty is ignored and forgotten. Then during the 4th of July parade in a summer like no other Rusty saves the day in a most surprising and unusual way.

Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine tells the story of a fire engine and the fireman and boy who love him. It is a lighthearted and multi-layered story, richly told, that will appeal to children and adults alike.

Whimsical illustrations create an air of fantasy, drawing children into Rusty’s world while stimulating their imaginations as they follow Rusty’s journey from hero to outcast and back again.

The surprise ending brings the tale to a heart-warming and satisfying conclusion that reveals all things have hidden value that is waiting to be released. Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine is a classic story of love, loss, transformation and redemption.

My Review:

Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine is a thought-provoking and heartwarming story about the ups and downs of a fire engine. When new and shiny, the vehicle is nicknamed Reddy, who is always ready to fight a fire. He is the center of attention and affection, and leads the 4th of July parade. But as he ages and loses luster, he fades into oblivion. Ridiculed as Rusty the broken down old fire engine, he faces the threat of being replaced for good..until he proves his worth again in a refreshing and unexpected manner.

The story is very enjoyable and engaging. My 6-year-old giggled at the funny sounds made by different parts of the fire engine, shed tears when Rusty's best days become a thing of the past, and cheered wholeheartedly at Rusty's heroic comeback. He loves Rusty so much that he hugs the book tightly each time he finishes reading it.

The colorful and lively illustrations add humor and glamor to the story. While the text focuses more on people's actions and reactions, the pictures show Rusty's feelings through vivid facial expressions and body language. The book includes quite a few scenes involving a large crowd, like town meetings, parades, and field trips. I'm amazed by how well each character and every single detail is depicted in those pictures.

Rusty's story reminds us not to be forgetful about things and people who have once served or helped us. They remain a valuable asset regardless of age, or even because of old age. The book is a worthy read for different generations, and may evoke very different emotions among them.

Buy the Book: Joe Fisher Books | Amazon | iBook
Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

After successful careers in market research and public health consulting, Joe now writes fulltime from his home base in Sanibel Island, Florida.

Like his career, his writing is wide ranging from academic books to works for the trade including: Killer Among Us: Public Reactions to Serial Murder, The Next Breath: New Life After Near Death.

His work has earned praise from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, The Library Journal, The Miami Herald and the New England Journal of Medicine among others.

Recently, Joe jumped to the world of children’s picture books with the series The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine:

  • Book 1 – Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine 
  • Book 2 – Rusty Goes to Water World

A third book in the series, Rusty and Calliope, is in development.

In addition, a fourth children’s book, Ospreys in the Outfield: A Sanibel Story will be available in the fall 2022.

Connect with the author: Website | Facebook | Goodreads

Two lucky winners will each receive a $25 Starbucks gift card!

Giveaway ends 9/16. Open to US only. Please enter below. Good luck!

RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE Book Tour Giveaway

Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book to facilitate my honest review. All views and opinions expressed are my own. icefairy's Treasure Chest is not responsible for winner selection or prize fulfillment.

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