Mary E. Cronin

Mary E. Cronin writes books and poetry for young readers that shine a light on unsung heroes and the work they do to knit together their communities. She grew up in the Bronx, the daughter of a city firefighter who battled blazes during the “Bronx is Burning” era. TRUCKS, BOOTS, AND BELLS: FIREHOUSE POEMS is inspired by the action-packed work that firefighters do to keep their communities safe.

Mary is a graduate of Vermont College of Fine Arts; her poetry has appeared in numerous anthologies for young readers and in The New York Times. TRUCKS, BOOTS, AND BELLS is her debut book.

REVIEWS:

"In a poetry collection that’s as sure-handed as the firefighting crew it honors, Cronin, a firefighter’s daughter making her picture book debut, and Marin (Amoya Blackwood Is Brave) present 18 tributes to the profession...It’s a boldly rendered, no-nonsense package built for the fire-truck fascinated."

~Publisher's Weekly

***

"The bustling activities of the urban firehouse and on the fire scene come to life with Cronin’s energetic verse...These ­exciting, informational ­poems with action-packed illustrations have broad ­appeal. A ­must-purchase for poetry ­collections."

~School Library Journal, starred review

***

“In Trucks, Boots, and Bells: Firehouse Poems, Mary E. Cronin brings the firehouse to life with musical, detail-rich poems that celebrate the real work of firefighters. Children will love the sounds, the movement, and the honest specifics of this world. This is a joyful, action-packed tribute to fire people and the important work they do.”

~Georgia Heard, Poet and Author

*****

"This book delivers joy and excitement with its clever rhymes, varied voices (a hook and a ladder that speak), and playful forms (acrostics, etc.). Young fans of firefighters will soak in all that rich language without even noticing, they'll be so captivated with the firefighting content. Mary E. Cronin takes a familiar topic and makes us look at it in new and accessible ways.”

~Janet Wong, Winner of the NCTE Excellence in Poetry for Children Award

*****

“Trucks, Boots and Bells by Mary E. Cronin is a terrific poetry collection that celebrates every aspect of firefighting. Children will be equally engrossed by Aaron Marin's vivid illustrations. This book is sure to be a huge favorite of young children.”

~Ralph Fletcher, Poet and Author of Writing Workshop: The Essential Guide.

*****

“These appealing poems are the perfect read-aloud before a visit to the firehouse, and the backmatter is a great entry point to the work of firefighters and all the tools they use to put out fires.

~Patricia Sarles, Library Coordinator, New York City School Library System