Celebrate National Fire Prevention Week with Sparky the Fire Dog's New Book

Sparky the Fire Dog, the first picture book featuring the mascot of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), has been released to promote this year's National Fire Prevention Week that runs from October 9 to 15.

"Sparky plays an important role in communicating fire safety to kids and families. This book is the perfect addition to the Sparky-themed website, games and other children's activities that are currently being utilized to help children and their caretakers learn important safety messages in a fun and entertaining way," said Lorraine Carli, NFPA's vice president of communications.

We received a review copy of the book, written by Emmy -award winning author Don Hoffman and illustrator Todd Dakins, that is geared toward kids 3 and older. The book is very colorfully illustrated and starts with the background of Sparky, who has been the furry face of the NFPA for the past 60 years.

Then the narrative transitions to Sparky traveling around town with his Junior Inspectors to be sure that residents are safe. He and his animal friends check on the neighbors, such as Mrs. Sheep to ensure that her smoke detectors are working properly and he talks to Mrs. Elephant about her family's emergency escape plan.

This book is a good way to get the dialogue going between parents and their children about fire safety in a non-scary way and could serve as a good reminder for adults in terms of fire prevention and safety. My 5-year-old enjoyed hearing the story and learning about Sparky and fire prevention, but I thought the 11 examples of fire safety made the book a little too long for young kids, especially the average 3- or 4-year-old who might not want to sit still that long.

If your kid is the fidgety type, parents can try reading Sparky's Safety Tips in the back which sum up each tip in the story.

The NFPA's website, Sparky.org, also has some great printable activities and coloring pages to help kids understand the importance of fire safety.

Tragically, children under the age of 5 are the most at risk in the case of a house fire and only 26 percent of families have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Are you sure you know enough about fire safety? Take the quiz.

Perhaps Sparky and his animal friends can help your family become safer.