Stanley the hamster and friends show the parts and uses of his fire engine. Bee's hamster is back again, this time using his fire engine to help friends and assist with a fireworks display. Stanley's truck itself might look a bit unfamiliar to little readers, as it isn't a modern shiny vehicle but rather a 1940s version used in Great Britain, with a wooden ladder and large wheel that ratchets it up protruding from the rear. In a 90-degree turn sure to delight little ones, readers see Stanley atop the wooden ladder, its gears and wheel on display. Together with his chipmunk friend Peggy, Stanley uses the fire engine for kid-friendly activities, such as rescuing kites from a tree, filling a baby pool, and standing by at a fireworks show. In fact, the only real mention of firefighting is when mouse friend Charlie's barbecue goes awry. Bee's illustrations, familiar to Stanley fans, are simply wrought, black-outlined images mostly presented against white backgrounds. The two layouts that vary stand out as a result: the bursting fireworks against a dark blue sky and Stanley's nighttime arrival at home, a blue-washed scene with a gorgeous glowing lantern. Both will earn a lingering look of awe from readers. An adorable hamster, a fire engine, and fireworks: high preschooler appeal. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Firefighters Stanley and Peggy begin their day at the station by cleaning and oiling the fire engine. Why? They might need their tall ladder in case Little Woo and his teddy bear need rescuing from a high tree branch. They might need their long hoses if they're called to Charlie's annual barbecue to extinguish a fire and possibly to cool down the youngsters playing nearby. At the fireworks display that evening, the firefighters are standing by in case problems arise, but all goes well. When Stanley returns home, series fans will chime in on the book's familiar closing lines: "Time for supper! / Time for a bath! / And time for bed! / Goodnight, Stanley." It's no wonder that young children, who crave stability in their lives, relate so strongly to the Stanley the Hamster picture-book series. Beyond their interest in Stanley's daily activities, kids enjoy the well-structured lines and cheerful colors of the art as well as the steady, reassuring tone of the narrative. An enjoyable read-aloud choice, especially leading up to holidays involving fireworks.