Just So Stories

Wild Dog Books

Distributed by Simon & Schuster

January 2026

ISBN: 9781742037110

RRP: $26.99

Given that I was teaching little people home safety last year, I can say authentically that this book would be perfect to fit with that little slice of curriculum but more than that [having had The Firie in my life] this is important information for any young person.

The whys, whats, hows and whens of being as prepared as possible for emergency fire safety are all explained simply and with Tom Jellet’s always characteristically charming illustrations.

Ruby loves making plans. She makes them for many circumstances from planning a birthday party to organising her chest of drawers, but when the fire fighters visit her class, she realises that her family is lacking a fire safety plan. Obviously, she is the person to take this important task on and does so capably, putting the all-important practices and preparations in place as well.

My particular firie is the guy who came up with the concept for Blazer the Qld Fire Dept’s mascot and the koala that has headed up the kids’ safety program for many years. Blazer also now has a buddy called Bushy because, as we know, it’s not just in the home that fires can start. I have such fond memories of The Firie bringing his team and Blazer education to my little class at Beerburrum SS and also being able to observe practice emergencies with the crew at his fire station.

Wendy Rudge has, with this first book, couched the important facts about fire safety in a completely engaging way that doesn’t sound at all like a ‘lesson’ – what a great way to bring this vital information to your kiddos whether at school or at home. It’s been out for a few months and while we are out of the most dangerous bush fire season, we have the winter months with fires, heaters etc coming upon fast so this is just as timely now.

If you haven’t grabbed your copy, I suggest you do so posthaste and get your kiddos ready to ‘get down low and go, go, GO!’. It’s a 5 🔥🚒🧯👩🏼‍🚒🧑‍🚒rating for this must-have title.