Christine Loomis
When my oldest daughter was eight, I had the opportunity to take her to Egypt, says family travel writer, Christine Loomis. "One of the most extraordinary moments came at the King Tut exhibit when I asked my daughter about her favorite thing. She responded quickly-'King Tut's linen underwear. I hope no one's looking at my underwear in 5000 years.' " Listening to children, especially on vacation, gives us experiences we wouldn't have otherwise. They have a sense of humor and a perspective that we lose as we get older.
Formerly family travel editor for Parents' Magazine, Loomis now continues the same work at Family Life magazine. She frequently travels with her three children, and she gives voice to family travel in her new picture book, We're Going on a Trip (1994, Morrow, Ages 4 to 8, $15.00). The book begins with a concise five-paged "Note to Parents", a checklist of considerations to help parents to plan a successful trip and begin dialogue with their children. However, most of her book is written for children. (See the May newsletter for a review.)
Loomis has a wealth of stories about how family travel has enriched her life. One morning as she exited from their tent, she heard her daughter saying "Good morning footprints. Good morning sticks. Good morning world," and suddenly Loomis stopped and wondered why she was rushing when she had no reason to hurry. "Travel provides one of those few times where you can let children's wonderment rule, whether you're in a hotel or in Grand Teton National Park. That's one of the reasons I'm emphatic about scheduling free time during travel. Vacation provide much needed time to take a breath and look at things you don't normally see when you're rushing."
One Cow Coughs: A Counting Book for the Sick and Miserable (1994, Ticknor, Ages 3 to 7, $14.95), Loomis' most recent book, was initiated on a family trip. "We were driving through West Virginia farm country and everyone was hacking and throwing up. Suddenly I put down what I was doing and started writing and everyone had great fun helping me think of the rhymes." Loomis is presently writing another book on family travel due out next spring. She has a wealth of travel tips that demand passing on!
Reviews
Cowboy BunniesChristine Loomis
Illustrated by Ora Eitan
Close your eyes and imagine the best things about cowboys. As your imagination soars, picture bunnies in those cowboy hats, eating campfire food, riding on delightful ponies in the colorful west. Loomis' rhyming story flows like a campfire song, sparking giggles and snickers. Eitan's paintings on wooden slats captivate and warm your insides. 1997, Putman, Ages 2 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Leslie Verzi Julian
ISBN: 0-399-22625-7
The Hippo Hop
Christine Loomis
Illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott
It's party time, and the animals are going to sing, dance, and have fun. The rhythmic text is accompanied by amusing watercolor and ink illustrations. So even if you aren't a party animal, Loomis lets you join those who are. 1995, Houghton Mifflin Company, Ages 3 to 7, $14.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-395-69702-6
One Cow Coughs: A Counting Book for the Sick and Miserable
Christine Loomis
According to the author, this book was initiated on a family trip, driving through West Virginia farm country while everyone was hacking and throwing up. "I put down what I was doing and started writing and everyone had great fun helping me think of the rhymes." 1994, Ticknor and Fields, Ages 3 to 7, $14.95. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
ISBN: 0-395-67899-4
Added 1999
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If you're interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.