New York's Bravest by Mary Pope Osborne; Illustrations by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher

New York's Bravest
By Mary Pope Osborne; illustrations by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
Dragonfly Books, $6.99
32 pp.; ISBN: 0375838414

Review by Amy Brozio-Andrews

In Mary Pope Osborne's New York's Bravest, mid-nineteenth century New York City firefighter Mose Humprheys stands tall among America's legends, fitting company for the likes of Johnny Appleseed and Paul Bunyan. Based on a real man, this dramatic re-telling of the legend that's grown up around Mose Humphreys over the years is also unexpectedly moving and gentle.

Mose's abilities were known far and wide throughout the city -- eight feet tall, swam the width of the Hudson River in only two strokes, rescuer of babies and all manner of cityfolk -- he led his fire company with strength, compassion, and pride, in service to a thankful community.

Mose's bravery was never in more abundance than during a horrific hotel fire, during which Mose goes into the burning building again and again, rescuing guest after guest, from shopkeepers to politicians. When little more than ashes remain the next morning, the firefighters begin to collect their hoses and hatchets. Only Mose is nowhere to be found… his absence is felt keenly, the unspeakable remaining unspoken, until an old weathered firefighter reminds his crew that regardless of where he may be, the spirit of Mose will always stand beside them.

Rousing and strong, Mary Pope Osborne's writing draws the reader in immediately. Her dialogue and description sets the historical stage quickly and accurately. Speaking of Mose in exaggerated terms, what might have simply been just another tall tale in someone else's telling becomes a revered legend under her skillful hand.

The oft-published Osborne handles Mose's absence with grace and exquisite delicacy; his colleagues talk a good game of his being off somewhere else, and rumors of his success in other parts of the country abound, and then she quietly ends her book with the proud and moving words of an aged fireman. While not all young readers may fully understand the possible reasons behind the famed firefighter's disappearance, in Osborne's hands, they will comprehend that he is gone, that his fellow firefighters miss him dearly, and that they will forever carry a little bit of Mose with them in their hearts.

The vividness of illustrators Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher's paintings convey the danger and adventure of nineteenth century firefighting and life in New York City. Reminiscent of nineteenth century artists' work, they excel at showing the larger-than-life Mose in action, performing heroic feats. Full of color, the illustrations fill each page, with the text set off in a bottom of the page border that doesn't intrude or obscure any of the artists' amazing work.

Originally published in hardcover and now re-issued in paperback, Mary Pope Osborne dedicated New York's Bravest to the firefighters who sacrificed their lives in New York on September 11, 2001. By the final page, parents may find their eyes unexpectedly teary -- really, how many picture books are tear-jerkers? -- but New York's Bravest is such a poignant, powerful story that attests to the ability of one man's selfless spirit that it's well worth brushing away a few quick tears in front of your kids to share this amazing story with them.