Tuesday, 8 July 2025

Remember Triple Zero Heroes


Remember Triple Zero Heroes
J.E. Miller (Hawkeye Publishing) PB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9780643309973

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

J.E. Miller loves writing inspiring stories from the heart. She joined the SES in 2009 and began volunteering to help others. She has won numerous medals in her role including a state Meritorious Service Medal, and a National Emergency Medal for significant service. She wrote Remember: Lest We Forget and now Remember: Triple Zero Heroes. And another Remember book is coming soon.

This story follows a young child stepping into the different shoes of triple zero heroes. Including stepping into an Anzac march, police officer, paramedic, fire fighter, mounted police officer and an SES flood boat operator. Some of the stories shared are based on real life experiences. The themes of ‘mateship’ and ‘courage’ are woven throughout the book.

J.E. Miller has written from experience, and it shows in every word. She draws the reader into the story with an ANZAC march, where a soldier speaks not of heroes from wars, but of young men and women wearing yellow, orange, green and blue. The strong opening introduces the idea that heroes come in many forms - and each page turn reveals a hero. Miller allows the visuals to speak as much as the text. Each emergency services role shared offers depth and insight, helping readers understand the bravery behind each uniform. Her use of language enhances the story message. Sizzling flames and crashing walls can’t keep me from my course. Readers can easily imagine themselves in each role, learning how these heroes help make our world a safer place. This book ensures all emergency responders feel valued, respected and acknowledged. The glossary at the back is a handy reference titled Unfamiliar Words & Sayings. The thoughtful last page is about the author and her connection to this story.

The illustrative style is creative and unique because each emergency responder’s page has its own illustrator. Although each illustrator has their own visual voice, the illustrations go together cohesively. The cover is eye-catching and immediately conveys that the story is about triple zero heroes. The realistic images and fire fighter boots and hat are quite powerful. The endpapers feature the triple zero heroes’ ribbon in a striking repeated pattern. Each illustrator’s name is included unobtrusively and thoughtfully on their illustration. The clever use of colour backgrounds of blues, yellow and green tones make the book feel connected as one. I really think it is clever that each service role has their own illustrator as each role is unique and so is each illustrator.

Remember: Triple Zero Heroes is a picture book with an important message, to recognise the people in these roles and their importance. This book is a great standalone read but also a doorway to other books in the Remember series. Anyone that has a connection to triple zero responders will really love this book. Children love superheroes and this book showcases real life heroes. The book is suitable for children 4 years plus and a great resource for teachers and librarians. It is also a uniquely Australian book.

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