Chris L. Demarest says: "A few years ago my wife and I brought our two-year-old son to an open house at a fire station. Ethan loved the big red fire trucks and I became totally enthralled not only by the trucks, but by the idea of serving my community as a firefighter.

"Being a full-time illustrator, I work at home, so I could be on call at any time. I took a lot of classes, passed some hard tests, and became a volunteer firefighter. I am on call for the Meriden, New Hampshire, station, where I now get to drive those big red fire trucks.

"I created Firefighters A to Z to show Ethan and other children what firefighting is really like. It can be an exciting job, but it's also a dangerous one. I hope to convey that through this book."

B is for Boots stowed in our bunker gear.

From A to Z, volunteer firefighter and fine artist Chris Demarest presents a day-in-the-life of firefighters whose job it is to answer the call to put out fires and save property and lives.

In a simple, informative text and with glowing realistic illustrations that thoroughly envelop the reader, the danger of fire and the courageous job firefighters do every day are brought to life for readers everywhere.

• A is for Appaloosa, a trusty steed
• B is for Buckaroo, who rides at top speed
• C are the cattle that follow the trail...

The horses are saddled, the dogs are barking, and it's time to hit the trail for one more cattle drive--a last roundup from A to Z. The spirit of the West rides again in this delightful tribute to cowboys and cowgirls--and childhoods not so long ago.