The Little Fire Engine

Story

When a shiny new fire engine arrives in Little Snoreing fireman Sam Trolley is told that he, Toby the pony, and their horse-drawn engine are no longer needed. But one evening there is a fire, and all the new firemen are busy. Can the little fire engine come to the rescue?

Why we chose it

This treasured classic, published in 1950, is still enjoyed by children aged 3 to 5 years. It was one of the first children’s books written by Graham Greene, who is regarded as one of the great novelists of the 20^th century. In 1973 it was reissued with beautiful line and wash drawings by Edward Ardizzone, a master illustrator who has inspired generations of artists. Ardizzone’s sketchbooks are kept at the Ashmolean Museum.

Where it came from

After studying history at Oxford, Graham Greene worked as a journalist and critic before joining the Foreign Office. A frequent traveller, fond of visiting wild and remote places, he was recruited by M16, the secret intelligence service. These experiences fed into his 25 novels and other writings. With his direct prose, cinematic eye and strong plots he achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. He wrote 4 children’s books, all sweet and simple stories set in the sleepy village of Little Snoreing.

Edward Ardizzone was an English painter, print-maker and war artist, who wrote and illustrated many books for children. Best known his Little Tim series, Ardizzone was asked to illustrate Greene’s four Little books 20 years after their first publication. With his cousin Christianna Brand, he created the Nurse Matilda books based on stories told by their grandfather. These were later adapted as the film Nanny McPhee.

Associated stories

The other Little Snoreing books are The Little Train, The Little Horse Bus and The Little Steamroller