Kid Konnection: Extreme Wildfire

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you another fantastic book from National Geographic Kids.

Summary: In one moment, there’s a simple spark, and then roaring flames surge 200 feet into the air, devouring forests. Trees, from root to canopy, are burned to the ground. Airtankers and helicopters hover above, executing an air attack. Brave firefighters, equipped with flame resistant suits, leap from helicopters onto the treetops and descend to the blazing forest floor.

In this book, young readers will learn about the ecological impacts of wildfires, the ins and outs of fire science including tactics for prevention and containment, cutting-edge technology used to track wildfires and predict fire behavior, and about the impressive skill, survival tactics, and bravery required to control a wildfire. Also included are expert tips, fun facts, and breathtaking photos taken by the author. -- National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids has done it again! They've managed to offer yet another educational book about a topic that fascinates children. This time, the book is about wildfires and it's titled EXTREME WILDFIRE: SMOKE JUMPERS, HIGH-TECH GEAR, SURVIVIAL TACTICS, AND THE EXTRAORDINARY SCIENCE OF FIRE by Mark Theissen with Glen Phelan.

Unfortunately, wildfires have been in the news way too much over the past few weeks. Every time an image from one appears on our television, I just stop in tracks and feel like crying. It's hard to believe how "wild" these fires are -- it's absolutely terrifying. Maybe my fear is also one of the reasons that I was so interested in this book.

EXTREME WILDFIRE is an in-depth book about wildfires geared towards kids. The book explains the science behind wildfires as we all as the various ways that firefighters can battle them. In addition, it provides information about the ecology of a wildfire and how we must live with them. Of course, it's a National Geographic Kids book so there are some amazing (and I mean amazing!) photographs of wildfires!

As interesting as wildfires can be, I still think an entire 100+ book about them could be a little dry (pardon the pun!) However, I have nothing but good things to say about EXTREME WILDFIRE. The information is presented in such a fun way that it makes kids want to keep reading... and therefore keep learning. The fascinating photographs are certain to capture young readers' interest as will the  variety of graphics on each page spread. For example, there are small sections of tips titled Fire Fact, Fire Smarts, Notes From the Field, and more that provide additional information on fires.

As a mom, I can't stress how fantastic it is that books like EXTREME WILDFIRE exist. I love discovering educational books. The problem is that my son often times doesn't find them quite as interesting as I do. However, with the National Geographic Kids books, he is always willing to give them a chance. Maybe the photographs are the initial draw, but the kid-friendly format for the information doesn't hurt a bit either!

I was so impressed with EXTREME WILDFIRE and suspect that kids will be too! Highly recommended!

Thanks to Media Masters for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!