Fire Is a Chorus

What exactly is fire? Young readers find out in this poetic exploration of one of the most fascinating chemical reactions on Earth.

Everyone knows what fire is. Or do they? As in her award-winning Wind Is a Dance, Debra Kempf Shumaker blends poetry with science to create a captivating exploration of what fire is and does. The main text uses evocative imagery to describe the many aspects of fire: “Fire is a chorus, a blending of three voices – air, fuel and heat – that come together and burst into song.” Accessible informational sidebars provide more context: “Like a chorus needs more than one voice, a fire needs three things to start: air (oxygen), fuel (a substance that burns) and heat (from a source like a match or a lightning strike).” Readers will experience the many faces of fire as they never have before, expanding their understanding and awareness of its power, its promise and its destructive capabilities!

Award-winning author Debra Kempf Shumaker’s compelling and atmospheric text is perfectly paired with award-winning illustrator Isabella Fassler’s rich and vibrant illustrations in this unique informational picture book about the wonders of fire. It includes fire’s symbolism and many forms, from candles to wildfires and woodstoves to fireworks, offering a child-friendly focus on both the potency and the potential perils of fire. The book’s extensive back matter thoroughly explains fire’s chemical processes, what fire is used for, its history, safety tips and sources to learn more. It makes an ideal STEAM pick for children learning about chemical reactions and language arts topics such as figurative language.