Breezy Valley at Work series
Synopsis
“Bustling scenes will keep readers searching for stories within the story. The main narrative, conveyed in blocky black text, can be followed easily, while the use of speech bubbles in the art adds to the fun. Early on, an elaborately labeled illustration of turnout gear is followed by diagrams of pumper and ladder engines and brush-breaker trucks, making this a true love letter to firefighters and their tools…Classic in style, rich in information, and sweet in story.” —Kirkus Reviews (for Firefighters to the Rescue)
“In painstaking detail, Alley explains virtually everything that curious kids might want to know about hospitals, relying on both text and numerous labels and arrows. Reminiscent of Richard Scarry’s work, the jam-packed, busy illustrations often appear in graphic novel–like panels, with characters’ dialogue conveyed in colorful speech bubbles…[T]he information, delivered in a matter-of-fact, upbeat tone, will allay reader apprehension, and the parade angle provides a cheerful backdrop. The all-animal cast exudes sunny professionalism; sound effects are liberally incorporated into the artwork. A fact-filled, candid, and reassuring introduction to the ins and outs of hospitals.” —Kirkus Reviews (for Hospital Heroes)
“This is great fun and works so well. Full of life, humor and real information. The perfect combination. I had a smile on my face from the very beginning. It only disappeared a couple of times… when I was laughing.” —Caldecott Medalist David Macaulay, author of The Way Things Work, Cathedral, Pyramid, Castle, and Mosque
For fans of Richard Scarry and Busytown, here is a funny and informative picture book all about firefighters that features lively animal characters, a rollicking story, and detail-packed illustrations.
Book 1: Firefighters to the Rescue! (October 2023)
Firefighters to the rescue! The officers of Breezy Valley answer the call to protect their beloved town. Ladders, axes, and water hoses take center stage as the firefighters rescue the tabby cat twins, put out blazes, and save not only lives—but also the town ice cream parlor! Lively action, equipment details, cross-section pictures and more will keep young firefighter fans engaged throughout this delightful story.
Book 2: Hospital Heroes (October 2024)
A funny and informative picture book set in a hospital features lively animals as doctors, nurses, and emergency workers in a rollicking story, with detail-packed illustrations.
The hospital workers of the Breezy Valley Hospital are always ready to provide top-notch medical care to the residents of their beloved town. Doctors, nurses, lab workers, kitchen staff, and maintenance workers are just a few of the staff working to keep the hospital running smoothly. And when emergencies happen, the EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) and their ambulance come to the rescue—like when Lemur needed to be brought to the hospital to get treatment for their injured tail! Lively action, peeks into key hospital rooms, and more will keep young readers engaged in this second title in the Breezy Valley at Work series.
Book 3: Fall 25: Construction Workers, etc.