Janet Nolan - Books

The Firehouse Light

"Day after day, year after year, the lightbulb did not burn out."

The Firehouse Light is the true story of a lightbulb that has been burning for over one hundred years. Much has changed since the tiny, four-watt bulb was hung inside a wooden shack to help firefighters find their equipment in the dark. Bucket brigades have given way high-tech fire trucks. Horse-drawn carriages have been replaced by cars. Small clusters of homes have grown into big cities.

But today, just as it did more than one hundred years ago, a tiny lightbulb burns, strong and steady, above the brave firefighters and their firefighting equipment.

Publishers Weekly Article

A Father's Day Thank You

Janet Nolan has written a thoughtful and sweet Father's Day story. Kathi Ember's illustrations are full of youthful, childlike appeal. (Picture book ages 4-8 - Albert Whitman & Company)

Harvey doesn't know what to get his father for Father's Day. It's especially hard when his older sisters and brother seem so sure that their presents are his favorites. Laurie Ann gives him a tie every year! And Martin always gives him a box of nails. Nadine says Dad loves golf balls. How do they know he likes these presents so much? Because every year Dad gives them a hug and says, "Thank you." And every year they say,"You're welcome." The night before Father's Day, Harvey remembers all of the nice things his dad helped him with that day. He picks up a crayon and starts to draw. And when Harvey gives his dad his present, it's Harvey who has said, "Thank you." And it's his Dad who responds, "You're welcome."

Reviews:

"Best of all, Nolan and Ember have managed to highlight Harvey's gift while at the same time not belittling the gifts of the other children. A warm sentiment to share with any child shopping for Father's Day." – Kirkus

"An endearing story that will charm readers." - School Library Journal

The St. Patrick's Day Shillelagh

Janet Nolan's moving story honors all immigrant families who have given so much to America. Ben Stahl's beautiful paintings illuminate the past and touch the heart. (Picture book grades 2-4; younger for reading aloud. - Albert Whitman & Company)

In Ireland, the potatoes are rotting and people are starving, so Fergus and his parents must leave their beloved homeland. On the night before their sail, Fergus cuts a branch from a blackthorn tree. On board the ship to America, he carves the branch into a fine shillelagh. In America, Fergus works hard and starts his own family. Every year on St. Patrick's Day he tells the story of the shillelagh. When his son Declan grows to be a man, Fergus passes the shillelagh on to him, along with the honor of telling its story. Generation after generation, through happy times and sad, this Irish-American family passes on the gift of its story.

Reviews:

"This heartwarming story, which also celebrates the art of storytelling, can be enjoyed on St. Patrick's Day and all year round." – Booklist

"A nice introduction to Irish immigration and the concepts of family traditions and heritage." - School Library Journal

"This story of change, hope, and the importance of family ties and traditions reminds us to honor the past as we look to the future." – Bookbag

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