Camping
Camping has long been a popular activity for children and families. In backyards, parks, or deep in the wilderness, it is hard to beat eating s’mores around a campfire. Find something for everyone in the selections below: for nature lovers try John Muir: Protecting and Preserving the Environment, or The Graves Family Goes Camping; and for those less thrilled about the great outdoors, Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters or Wild River; lastly, for little ones, S is for S’More: A Camping Alphabet and Into the Wild are the perfect brief introduction to camping.
Browse through these titles and those from previous years for some selections to share with your family or students.
Contributor: Emily Griffin
Reviews
Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters
Lenore Look
Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Alvin Ho is scared of just about everything but particularly of being in the woods. When his father suggests a camping trip, Alvin is horrified and elicits advice from his brother, Calvin, and his younger sister, Annibelly. Calvin and Alvin place an internet order for necessary camping supplies including the “world’s best flashlight” and pay with Dad’s emergency credit card, not thinking of the consequences. Uncle Dennis arrives and teaches Alvin survival skills and the importance of his Batman ring. The planned trip to bond father and son does not go as planned. Annibelly demands to go along. She and Alvin manage to cause much trouble including setting a trap which captures their father, leaving him hanging upside down from a tree, but in the end, bonds are formed, friendships are made, and valuable lessons are learned. Young boys, in particular, will enjoy the humorous antics and illustrations. 2009, Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House, $15.99. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Shirley Nelson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-375-85705-8
ISBN: 978-0-375-95705-5
Campfire Morgan
Ted Staunton
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
A boy named Morgan is going camping with his family--not that he wants to. But Morgan would never let anyone know that, especially Aldeen Hummel. Morgan tries to one-up Aldeen. He talks non-stop about how great camping will be, and to his chagrin he finds that he has made too much of an impression on Aldeen, “the Godzilla of Grade Three.” She wants to go camping with him and his family for her birthday. Despite Morgan’s protests, his parents call her family and before he can say “no,” the two families have arranged for Aldeen to join them. While camping, Morgan tries to outdo Aldeen at every turn but he soon discovers that Aldeen loves camping and the great outdoors. She is a natural camper. In fact, maybe she is too good. Morgan has the sneaking suspicion that Aldeen is out camping him. Drastic times call for drastic measures, so Morgan decides to scare her at the campfire. He tells a spooky tale then discovers that he has spooked himself instead. In fact, he believes he sees a monster heading straight for them when, surprise, it is Aldeen’s mom and grandmother with a birthday surprise. But the real surprise is for Morgan who discovers a new friendship with an unlikely acquaintance. 2007, Fromac Publishing Company Limited, $4.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: L. A. Gallaway (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8878-0725-1
ISBN: 978-0-8878-0721-3
Camping Catastrophe
Abby Klein
Illustrated by John McKinley
Freddy Thresher is both excited and worried about his first overnight camping trip. He’ll be with his Dad and best friend Robbie, and he knows they will have plenty of adventures, but Freddy has never slept without a night light before. What’s more, his first grade classmates are making him jumpy about the possibility of encountering snakes and skunks. His sister calls him a “baby” and confidently bets that he will come home in the middle of the night. Freddy and Robbie have ambitious plans for their overnight, including fishing for their dinner, pitching a tent, swimming in the lake, building a campfire, and eating s’mores. The trip activities don’t exactly turn out as planned. The friends find themselves in several predicaments, including trying to assemble a tent with no instructions and fending off a swarm of angry bees. Despite the many catastrophes, the boys also enjoy themselves and Freddy declares it the best camping trip ever. In this latest book in the “Ready, Freddy!” series, Klein introduces beginning chapter book readers to the idea of preparing for and going on a camping trip in an entertaining and humorous manner that is well-suited for this reading level. Problems arise but they are resolved quickly and, in each catastrophic situation, the boys solve their own problems. The illustrations are comical and add to the hilarity of the various catastrophes the boys face. Camping knowledge and lore is extended at the back of the book with a camping word search, a recipe for s’mores and some camping jokes. As with other books in the series, readers can search for the word “fin” in every picture. 2008, The Blue Sky Press/Scholastic, $3.99. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Margaret Orto (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-439-89594-1
ISBN: 0-439-89594-4
Camping Day
Patricia Lakin
Illustrated by Scott Nash
Sam, Pam, Will, and Jill, the anthropomorphic crocodile friends of previous adventures, decide that camping out would be a good idea for some fun. With their maps, packs, lights, and tents, they drive, park, and set off on the trail. In terse verse and large type, they admire the birds, trees, and flowers, but are wary of the bees. After the tent is up, it is time to eat; but the beans that they eat cause a chorus of, “P.U.!” In the tent, a shadow in the dark frightens the friends. They end up camping safely and happily in the yard at home. The visual story is told in a variety of boxes, sometimes double-page scenes but mostly vignettes devoted to the single cartoon-like characters. This allows for sequences of simple rhymes to exploit their names. Bold, opaque colors fill the outlined figures produced in black pencil and Photoshop for this silly fun. 2009, Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Young Readers Group, $16.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3309-1
ISBN: 0-8037-3309-7
Camping for Fun!
Jana Voelke Studelska
If you have ever hiked into the woods and pitched a tent on a clear night, you probably realize just how fulfilling camping can be. Packing your house (e.g., a tent, a tarp) on your back affords a person independence and responsibility in a natural setting. In this book, youngsters are provided with an illustrated introduction to the world of camping. As is the case with other books in the “For Fun” series, readers are provided with a concise look at critical issues involved in participating in the featured sport. Topics such as gear, fitness, safety, and training are all presented to good effect. Of particular interest are sections dealing with how to use “Leave No Trace” practices as well as do’s and don’ts of interacting with wildlife. All in all, this volume is a worthwhile introduction for youngsters with any potential for journeying out into the woods intent upon sleeping under the stars. 2008, Compass Point Books, $25.26. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7565-3399-1
ISBN: 0-756-53399-6
Camping with the President
Ginger Wadsworth
Illustrated by Karen Dugan
Who would have guessed that a sitting president could actually go on a camping trip without an entourage of Secret Service handlers and the press? Teddy Roosevelt, much known for his love of the outdoors and good stimulating discussions, did just that. John Muir’s book about Yosemite National Park made the President want to see the walls surrounding the valley, the waterfalls, and the gigantic boulders. Roosevelt wrote a letter (not an e-mail or phone call) and asked Mr. Muir to go camping with him. They spent a wonderful day on horseback and then slept under the stars. The giant sequoias really intrigued the President and he was disgusted when Mr. Muir showed him one that had been cut down by loggers. Roosevelt thought he was alone at Glacier Point, but alas the press caught up with him. He had the Secret Service keep them at bay. Muir kept talking about the need to preserve the forest. The President was interested but seemed to focus more on fixing his own breakfast and dinner and spending a night out, with the snow drifting down over his slight shelter. The President visited other states, territories, and several national parks on this trip out West. The result was the addition of millions of acres added to the existing forest reserves and the creation of five new national parks and sixteen national monuments. He really did listen to John Muir--and one of the national monuments is Muir Woods, a beautiful and serene place to view the giant redwoods. While a picture book, this story and the author’s note are appealing and interesting enough for any reader. You cannot help but come away with an appreciation of nature and admiration for a President dedicated to preserving it. 2009, Calkins Creek/Boyds Mills Press, $16.95. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-5907-8497-6
ISBN: 1-5907-8497-9
Emma Dilemma and the Camping Nanny
Patricia Hermes
At nine years old, Emma is a small girl with very big lessons to learn. Not only does Emma experience frustration when her best friend, Luisa, begins to spend more time with Katie, another classmate, but she must also contend with the fact that Annie, the best nanny in the world, is spending most of her time with yucky ol’ Bo, her new boyfriend. Emma’s jealousy over Bo and concern that Annie no longer loves her keeps Emma up at night. That is, until she develops a plan. With the support of her two best ferret friends, Marmaduke and Marshmallow, Emma begins scheming and looking for any way possible to come between Annie and Bo. The perfect opportunity presents itself on the upcoming family camping trip to which Annie and Bo have been invited. Emma’s plans backfire in several ways. In the end, however, she learns to accept and even welcome more new friends in her life in order to keep the people she loves most happy. What is even more surprising to Emma is that this new approach makes her much happier as well. This delightful book is engaging and instructive while presenting a fun storyline. 2009, Marshall Cavendish Corporation, $15.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Allison Fetters (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7614-5534-9
ISBN: 0-7614-5534-5
The Graves Family Goes Camping
Patricia Polacco
A family camping trip will never be the same after accompanying the Graves family on their annual adventure. In this follow-up to The Graves Family, the family is off to Lake Bleakmire, a “place legends are made of.” A van and a tiny pink trailer are filled with everything from a bevy of bats to a grandfather clock. The most fun for any reader who has wrestled with an uncooperative tent will be the way the pink trailer springs into action in the campground: “The door swung open and belched out a fountain, an arbor and a fence…Then came a small boat, a barbecue pit, a stunning array of scientific equipment…” Dr. Graves is a scientist so he and the children collect specimens of every imaginable small creature before returning home to Mrs. Graves’ “cake-like, muffinesque, cream-puffy, dream-puffy bite-sized morsels” called Jum Jills. In the end it is those irresistible Jum Jills that calm the fire-breathing dragon. The story is wild and crazy and the illustrations burst with wackiness. 2005, Philomel, $16.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-399-24369-1
ISBN: 0-399-24369-0
Into the Wild
Lerryn Korda
Little Nye lives with his friends Nella, Gracie, and Lester in a small house surrounded by trees and flowers with a big garden in the back. Three of the young animals are enjoying a warm day in the front yard digging in the soft dirt. Gracie is off to the side packing a knapsack which arouses the others’ curiosity. Gracie explains that she is preparing for a trek into the wild. When the others ask to go along, Gracie warns them of the dangers. She will be climbing mountains where grizzlies might appear, camping out all night in the dark, and fishing which requires sitting still for a long time. The friends assure Gracie that they are brave and she agrees to let them follow her. They proceed to the wild space at the back of the yard where they find sun patches and bluebells and butterflies. No grizzles this time, but you never know what to expect when you go into the wild. The colorful characters and important objects appear on white backgrounds. A fun choice for story time. 2010, Candlewick Press, Ages 2 to 5, $8.99. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4812-1
John Muir: Protecting and Preserving the Environment
Henry Elliot
John Muir “was one of America's most influential naturalists.” His early activism (he fought passionately for the passage of laws to protect the wilderness) helped save Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks and his influence on President Teddy Roosevelt led Roosevelt to “establish 148 million acres of national forest, five national parks and...” Muir was the founder of The Sierra Club which works today to preserve the wilderness. From the “Voices for Green Choices” series created to introduce environmental pioneers who have inspired people to protect our planet's resources, this book traces the life of Muir from his childhood in Scotland and Wisconsin to his death in California (fighting a losing battle to stop the construction of a dam). It describes his keen observation of nature and his growing belief that everything in nature is connected. It tracks his 1,000 mile walk from Indiana to Florida. Most importantly, it introduces readers to Muir's views on nature and his determination to “to make the mountains glad.” Frequent sidebars give readers much additional information on relevant topics; these also include quotes from Muir's notebooks and occasional suggestions for readers' activities. Well illustrated with black-and-white and color photographs as well as sketches by Muir, this book will appeal to many tastes. At the end of the book, readers will find a chronology, a glossary, a list of books and websites for further information and an index. 2009, Crabtree Publishing Company, $9.95. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4681-2
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4668-3
S is for S’More: A Camping Alphabet
Helen Foster James
Illustrated by Lita Judge
Hiking, campfires, sleeping under the stars--the magic of America’s diverse landscapes comes to life in this ode to exploring the great outdoors. Beginning with adventure and ending with the zippers on sleeping bags and tents that keep campers cozy, poetic lines and rich illustrations combine to introduce children to the joys of nature in this camping alphabet book. Lita Judge’s lovingly created paintings depict children of all ages and ethnicities enjoying camping activities in a variety of climates and environments. In addition to the rhyming stanza for each letter, each spread has one or more sidebars full of supporting information: the history of camping, highlights of a variety of national parks, emergency essentials, gear, safety tips, and wildlife are just a few of the topics integrated into the text. At the back of the book, the author includes a recipe for trail mix, instructions for creating a sketch pad or memory book, and suggestions for being a “no-impact camper.” A fun addition to a classroom library, the book’s main text is suitable for reading aloud to groups, but the detailed sidebars will be better savored by independent readers or shared aloud in small installments over a period of days. 2007, HarperCollins Publishers, $17.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Keri Collins (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-585-36302-5
ISBN: 1-585-36302-2
Siesta
Ginger Foglesong Guy
Illustrated by Rene King Moreno
Take young readers on a backyard camping trip that will not soon be forgotten. In English and Spanish, the story teaches a rainbow of color words and some common expressions. The rich and muted tones fill the pages with color and charm as two winsome children prepare to spend the afternoon outside in a tent. Collecting paraphernalia needed for hours of fun, this sister and brother run from room to room getting just the right stuff--backpack and jackets, a flute, a clock, a flashlight, books and a bear, each in a different color. Of course, the last item is the most important: a vibrant and multihued Mexican blanket which serves as the tent--and cleverly provides the readers with an opportunity to review all the colors in two languages. It is mighty comfortable in the shade of that backyard tent and, soon enough, it is time for a little afternoon rest--siesta. Many studies show that children learn second languages best at young ages and this is a terrific way to tempt kids to pick up some new words. Now available for younger children in a board book format. 2009 (orig. 2005), Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins, $7.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Deborah Zink Brooks (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-06-168884-3
Wild River
P.J. Petersen
Ryan enjoys playing video games, and does NOT enjoy kayaking, fishing and camping. However, this is what his older brother Tanner has talked him into. It sounds like it might be fun, especially toasting marshmallows, but things soon spin out of control. Cut off from cell phones, Ryan is on his own when an accident injures Tanner badly. He draws on his knowledge of video games and keeps his mind focused by making up songs, but will it be enough to find help in time for Tanner? Filled with adventure and danger, this is a realistic story about what can happen during an average camping trip. Ryan is a pragmatic and likable character, which is fortunate as for much of the book he is the only person conscious! Both outdoorsy kids who have gone on thousands of outdoor adventures and those who never look up from video games can relate to this entertaining story. 2009, Delacorte Press/Random House, $14.99. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-385-90656-2
ISBN: 978-0-385-73724-1
Added 06/28/10
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