The Good Fire Helmet

TIM HOPPEY worked as a New York City firefighter stationed in Spanish Harlem for 27 years. In addition to fighting fires, he ran summer rafting trips on the Delaware River for inner city boys.

Tim is the author of several children’s books. He was inspired to write The Good Fire Helmet after witnessing the courage of two young sons of a fallen firefighter and realizing the courage all kids need in their everyday life.

An All-America lacrosse player, Tim still enjoys throwing the ball around with his three adult children. He lives with his wife, Ellen, on Long Island.

An award-winning illustrator, LORI McELRATH-ESLICK has illustrated many children’s books. She used oils to create the rich, emotional scenes in The Good Fire Helmet.

Her work has also appeared in magazines, including Highlights for Children, Ladybug, and National Wildlife. Her many awards include multiple Magazine Merit Awards from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the International Reading Association’s Storyteller Award, Parent’s Choice Award, and the 2009 Bank Street College’s list of Best Children’s Books of the Year.

Lori’s paintings appear in university and public library exhibits and collections around the country. She lives with her family in Michigan, where she enjoys painting, camping, swimming, and cross-country skiing.