New York's Bravest

by Mary Pope Osborne

Book Overview

In the 1840s, there was a real vounteer firefighter named Mose Humphreys whose bravery was reknown throughout New York City. Plays about him began being performed on Broadway in 1848 and over the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375821961
• ISBN13: 9780375821967
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.4" x 12.4"
• Age Range: 3 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

Delightful tale...great for reading to children onPatriots' Day

Chilren and adults alike will enjoy this tall tale about an American Hero. Very appropriate for Patriots' Day!

A superbly illustrated heroic tale

"New York's Bravest" combines text by Mary Pope Osborne with paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. The book begins with a historical note in which Osborne describes the background of her tale. In 1848, a heroic firefighter character first began appearing in stage productions. This character was based on a real-life New York City firefighter named Mose Humphreys. In 1915, historian Herbert Asbury included some Mose stories in two collections of stories about old New York. As Osborne observes, firefighter Mose is "America's first urban folk hero."Osborne's story takes place in a past era where newsboys sold papers for a penny each. The story's hero is Mose, an eight foot tall firefighter with superhuman strength. Sample text: "'Come on boys!' said Mose. Mose was the most famous firefighter in New York City."The story is well enhanced by colorful illustrations that are full of great details. There are some exciting firefighting scenes, as well as some nice pictures of Mose engaged in less dangerous pursuits (such as eating a hearty meal).The book has the following dedication: "To the memory of the 343 New York City firefighters who gave their lives to save others on September 11, 2001." It's a beautiful tribute that I recommend to readers of all ages.

An exploration of a well-known American tall tale

This isn't a focus on 9/11 but a survey of firefighting in the 1840s and the heroism of one of the bravest, Mose Humphreys. Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher's paintings of old New York bring this biography to life in this exploration of a well-known American tall tale.

In Honor of Firefighters Everywhere.....

"...Mose was the most famous firefighter in New York City. Eight feet tall, Mose had hands as big as Virginia hams. His arms were so strong he could swim the Hudson River in two strokes. When others ran away from danger, Mose ran toward it." Mary Pope Osborne brings the fantastic, and ever-growing legend of 1840s firefighter, Mose Humphreys to life, in this picture book dedicated "to the memory of the 343 New York City firefighters who gave their lives to save others on September 11, 2001." Mose was a larger than life hero and "...everyone knew if they ever needed help, they could count on Mose." One night, a hotel fire near the Hudson River raged out of control, and Mose spent hours running in and out of the building saving everyone. But as the sun came up, and the firefighters packed their equipment, no one could find Mose. Hopefully, they waited, but Mose never returned..... Ms Osborne's engaging text is both exciting and touching. Illustrators, Steve Johnson's and Lou Fancher's lush and bold artwork captures the text beautifully, and is rich in expressive, eye-catching detail. Together, word and art paint a marvelously entertaining tall tale that is relevant to the events of the past year. And as the weeks and months passed, finally an old timer "put the matter to rest." "...Mose is right here. He's marchin' with us in our parades. He's kickin' up his heels at our fancy dances. He's skating by moonlight on the ice pond in the park. And whenever we climb our ladders toward a blazing sky, he climbs with us. Whenever we save folks, he saves them, too. You see, that firefighter-he'll never leave us. He's the very spirit of New York City." Perfect for youngsters 4-8, New York's Bravest is an inspiring tribute, not just to the firefighters of 9/11, but to all the men and women who put their lives on the line daily, to ensure the safety of others, and is sure to open interesting and important discussions.

Wonderful story!

I had the honor of hearing Mary Pope Osborne read this story to a room full of fellow librarians at the Texas Library Association Convention in Dallas this past April. I have never been so moved. As the lights were raised at the end of the reading/slide show of illustrations, there was not a dry eye in the room. The book is a moving, stirring tribute to the fireman heroes of 9/11 and of all time. I made the comment to the weeping librarian who was seated on my right that I would never be able to read the story orally because I would not be able to do it without breaking down. The story of Mose is a truly wonderful one. No, I will not give you a step by step detail of what the story says, but I will tell you that you will never forget the last page. I know I never will.