In the 1840s there was New York City firefighter named Mose Humphreys whose bravery was known throughout the city. Over the years, legends about Mose's strength and heroics grew to larger-than-life proportions. In this book Mary Pope Osborne adds her own two cents to the old legends, telling an exciting and touching story that introduces Mose—all of eight feet tall and able to swim the Hudson River in two strokes—to young children.

Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher's bold paintings of old New York capture Mose, with his stovepipe hat and flaming red hair, rushing into burning buildings, saving babies and bankers, and wolfing down the feasts bestowed upon him by the grateful citizens . . . until that fateful night when a fire raged to dawn.

This little-known American tall tale can now take its place on the bookshelves with Johnny Appleseed, John Henry, and others inspired by real people. And as we witnessed on September 11, 2001, the spirit of Mose lives on today in firefighters who would give their lives to save others.

From the dust jacket