Reading: FIERY NIGHT: A BOY, HIS GOAT, AND THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE - Sally M. Walker (author), Kayla Harren (illustrator)

Based on the true story of a family's escape from the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, this lavishly-illustrated (via some fine, high-quality artwork by illustrator Kayla Herran) details the story of the Butterfield family, who were alerted by neighbors the night of the oncoming blaze. Initially trying to save what belongings they could, the family was forced to leave with only whatever they could carry ... until young Justin Butterfield refuses to flee without taking his friend and pet goat, Willie. The family has no choice but to find Willie and take off, traversing on foot through the massive crowds of family, friends and neighbors trying to escape the encroaching flames. Author Sally Walker, with a number of nonfiction books for young and beginning readers to her credit, began this book after discovering a copy of a letter written by Justin, chronicling their escape, and the tension and fear of the Butterfields comes across palpably on the page, as they are soon forced to drop and leave behind even what few possessions they had grabbed in desperation, even as Justin sees escape as the only option if he wants to save Willie, his family soon taking the boy's determination to heart in their own hearts to make it. An inspiring, touching story that comes across so beautifully, via art and story, kids and parents alike will find the story of the Butterfield family's plight engrossing, all the more so because it's based in truth - yet will find the heart and hope of the story in Willie the goat as he helps empower the family to make it. Beautifully-done book, for beginning readers to adults, complete with a little background on the real-life family/story that inspired it. (Available August 1)  4.5/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.