In the Wild with Your Child? by Gwynne Spencer Whether you're sending your kids off to camp or taking them out in the great wide world on a family campout, it always helps to prepare them for the experience. Take some time to share with your kids some of these delightful books on camping in the great out of doors--whether it's the back yard or the back country. SLEEPING IN A SACK: CAMPING ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS by Linda White ($9.95, Gibbs Smith) has hundreds of great tips on basics like tents, sleeping bags, other gear, even a discussion of backwoods sanitation as well as fun activities including knot tying, star-watching. THE KIDS CAMPFIRE BOOK by Jane Drake ($10.95, Kids Can Press) is chock full of similar activities and even includes spooky stories and tips to make your first campout successful and enjoyable. KIDS CAMP! By Laurie Carlson ($12.95, A Capella Books) has over a hundred ideas for activities to get ready to camp and be in the wilds. Mercer Mayer's Little Critter is the star of JUST ME AND MY DAD ($3.29, Golden) and JUST CAMPING OUT ($1.79, Golden) with just the right amount of ineptness to reassure first time campers that they will survive their first camping trip. AMELIA BEDELIA GOES CAMPING by Peggy Parish ( $3.99, Camelot) teaches campers how to improperly hit the trail and pitch that tent, among Amelia's other mangled if obedient adventures. It is a shame there was never a STUPIDS CAMP OUT in the series by Harry Allard. (It would be fun to write your own version, though. Every kid can draw the Stupid Family and enjoy putting them in predicaments they'll be able to get out of hilariously.) If your kids are like most, when outdoors they will be ravenously hungry about six times a day, so COOKING ON A STICK:CAMPFIRE RECIPES FOR KIDSby Linda White ($8.95, Gibbs Smith) with its simple, nutritious and kid-oriented recipes for outdoor meals and snacks is going to be well-used. Read it ahead of time to use it to best advantage. FISHING IN A BROOK: ANGLER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS by Lawson Drinkard ($9.95, Gibbs Smith) teaches kids all the basics of outsmarting fish and what to do with them once caught. TREKKING ON A TRAIL: HIKING ADVENTURES FOR KIDS by Linda White ($9.95 Gibbs Smith) has some inventive projects to do ahead of time like making a journal, bug jar and emergency kit as well as all-ages ideas for things to do along the hike. No matter how much readiness you do, the kids are bound to have memorable adventures that deserve to be written down. To spark their creativity, read THREE DAYS ON A RIVER IN A RED CANOE by Vera Williams ($5.95, Greenwillow) and whip out those colored pencils to record your own adventures! If you're taking the family dog with you, it's always a great way to start a book from the canine point of view and shift to the child's voice explaining to the puzzled dog how things "work in the wilderness." Preserving your young camper's first adventures and impressions is a sure-fire way to inspire your next camping trip! Gwynne Spencer (author of RECIPES FOR READING, $15.95, Linworth) has survived many camping trips with her kids, one of whom caught a very large fish using a carrot on a safety pin using dental floss and a stick, and another who pitched the tent in the dark right over a snake's front door. She can be reached at pengwynnes@aol.com. Reviews Alex Ryan, Stop That! Claudia Mills    Class clown Alex Ryan can't wait for the West Creek Middle School outdoor filed trip, a camping adventure for the entire seventh grade. He's got a number of practical jokes up his sleeve and knows the trip will be the perfect place to carry them out. He also has to figure out a way to make up with Marcia, who he likes, but who he has repeatedly, and perhaps unforgivably, insulted. Alex's attempts to impress both Marcia and his overbearing, often obnoxious father almost result in tragedy, but in the end, Alex manages both to work his situation out and to gain strength and maturity from owning up to his mistakes. Mills portrays Alex's father as a blustery know-it-all for whom reputation and practicality override moral sensibility; the conflict between his father's advice and what Alex knows to be right provides impetus for Alex's moral growth. Although the theme is serious, Mills' depiction of seventh-grade life is dead-on funny. This is the fourth in a series of novels about the West Creek Middle School seventh grade, including Losers, Inc.; You're a Brave Man, Julius Zimmerman; and Lizzie At Last. 2003, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Ages 8 to 12, $16.00. Reviewer: Anne Marie Pace ISBN: 0-374-34655-0 Angelina and Henry Katharine Holabird Illustrations by Helen Craig    This twelfth book in the "Angelina Ballerina" series depicts the adventures of Angelina and Henry on a camping trip with their uncle. They set off early with springs in their steps, but begin to tire as they climb ever higher into the mountains. Finally, they reach the top, where Uncle Louie announces that they need to set up camp before sunset. He tasks the children with collecting firewood, and the two head into the woods. Soon, instead of gathering wood, they play hide-and-seek and other games. When they finally look around, they see the sun fading and a storm approaching. They fear every noise and shadow. Most of all, they fear Big Cat, but Angelina says they "just have to be brave." She tells Henry stories to keep his mind off the rain and winds until they are found by Uncle Louie. The story ends happily with the trio telling tales and dancing around the campfire. The predictability of this story will hardly bother Angelina Ballerina fans, and the droll illustrations will delight their audience. 2002, Pleasant Company, $12.95. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Valerie O. Patterson ISBN: 1584855231 August Robyn Brode    As with the other books in the "Months of the Year" series, Brode introduces young readers to some of the characteristics, events and activities in the month of August. First, readers learn that it is the eighth month of the year and that it has 31 days. Since August is part of the summer months, it may be one of the hottest where the reader lives. Kids find a variety of ways to cool off such as the swimming pool and a trip to the beach. Some fruits and vegetables ripen during this month and there is a picture of a young girl with a bowl of fresh berries. It is also a month when many families go on vacation--perhaps a car trip to a national park or a camping adventure. For some kids August is also the time when they go back to school. The month of August is followed by September and that means summer will end. Throughout the text, there are pages of full-color photographs showing kids engaged in many of the activities described. A calendar showing the months of the year and the seasons wraps up the text. Some of the pages have rhetorical questions, which, rather than making it interactive, take away from the book. There is a three-word glossary. 2003, Weekly Reader, $18.60. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0836835832 ISBN: 0836836197 Bear Hug Laurence Pringle Illustrations by Kate Salley Palmer    Jesse and Becky, an African American brother and sister, accompany their father on their first camping trip to the wilderness while Mom stays at home to finish writing a book. During their night out at Bear Lake, Dad serves as Naturalist for the two children, helping them appreciate the sights and sounds of the flora and fauna of Bear Lake, including a Barred Owl, a Red Squirrel, frogs, and the evidence of a beaver. Although Jesse, who narrates the story, learns that bears no longer live at Bear Lake, this affirming story ends with Dad picking both kids up and squeezing them in his own rendition of a warm bear hug. As an African American who is also a life-long Girl Scout and a former Naturalist, I have a deep appreciate for Pringle and Palmer's story. Rarely do children's books show African American families camping out and enjoying natural habitats together, and even more rarely does a black parent in these books know enough about the plants and animals of different outdoor habitats to be able to interpret them for others. Furthermore, Pringle does such a superb job of writing text that accurately reflects the sounds of nature that I identified the onomatopoeic sounds of the Barred Owl even before the father reveals that this is the animal they are hearing. And in her lively illustrations, Palmer painstakingly and accurately reproduces the animals and plants that Jesse, Becky and Dad encounter. Even better, the children's father proves himself a good steward, teaching the children to douse their fire thoroughly and leave no trace of their trip behind. This is a picture book that nature lovers of all ages will enjoy. 2003, Boyds Mills Press, $15.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Michelle H. Martin ISBN: 1-56397-876-8    After giving their mom, who is writing a book, a warm goodbye hug, Becky and Jesse, young African-American children, hop into the family van with their dad for their very first camping trip at Black Bear Lake. After a long drive they park the car and load themselves with backpacks for the one-mile hike to the lake. Dad pitches the tent while the children gather wood for the campfire. They explore the woods and lakeshore, while their father points out red squirrels, dragonflies, frogs, and chimney swifts. After a supper of hot dogs and marshmallows toasted on sticks, they watch bats swooping over the water and hear the eerie hoots of barred owls. In the morning fog they strike camp carefully, leaving their site neat and clean, and hike back down to the road. When they say they wish they had seen bears at Black Bear Lake, their father grabs them up in a big bear hug. The mixture of family love and nature lore is warmly expressed in the lively text and sweeping double-page illustrations of bright, action-filled watercolors. 2003, Boyds Mill Press, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Patricia Dole ISBN: 1-56397-876-8 Camping Kristin Thoennes Keller    This entry in "The Great Outdoors" series, a part of the Capstone High-Interest Books, describes the equipment, skills, safety issues, and environmental concerns of camping. Pictures are full color, contemporary, and sometimes generic rather than specific to the text. Simple captions reflect this general connection. Still, for the reader who has never tried the sport under discussion, this book gives a fair overview of things one should think about such as which kind of tent, what pad will go under the sleeping bag (although the book doesn't mention body heat being wicked away by the ground as a major purpose of sleeping on one), and dressing in layered clothing. The book's presentation of food and gear does a better job of listing possibilities than reasons for choices and is to stationary camping rather than backpacking, which is discussed in another book, "Hiking." Directions include how to build a teepee fire, a recipe for a tasty camp stew baked in tinfoil, how to protect food from bears, and a helpful list of camping gear. Addresses for further information, web sites, internet sites, and an index encourage further thought and research. 2002, Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0736809112 Canoeing Laura P. Salas    This entry in "The Great Outdoors" series, a part of the Capstone High-Interest Books, describes the equipment, skills, safety issues, and techniques of canoeing. Pictures are full color, contemporary, and sometimes generic rather than specific to the text. Simple captions reflect this general connection. For instance, a picture of gear accompanying a list of canoeing necessities does not show a bailer, dry bag, or painter ropes although the text discusses them. Still, for the reader who has never tried the sport, this book gives a fair overview of things one should think about such as safety, what kind of canoe is suitable for whitewater and which for calmer waters, life jackets, strokes, and shoes. However, all but one of the canoers pictured are not wearing water shoes but open-toed sandals or some other type of footwear not suitable for walking in murky water. The book's discussion of safety, responsible canoeing and camping, is straightforward. Directions include how to build a teepee fire, how to protect food from bears, and a helpful list of camping gear. Addresses for further information, web sites, internet sites, and an index encourage further thought and research in this useful if uneven book. 2002, Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0736810552 Cooking on a Stick: Campfire Recipes for Kids Linda White Illustrated by Fran Lee    Rikki Raccoon introduces the reader to the delicious world of campfire cooking be it in the backyard or in the woods. He provides campers with a list of cooking equipment and a grocery list. Then Rikki introduces safety tips for handling fires, and offers tips for gathering firewood and building a cooking fire. The recipes are very simple and are illustrated for appeal. Recipes range from main dishes such as Porky on a Poke, a pig in a blanket variation, to the favorite camper's treat, S'Mores. The recipes in the collection adapt well to summer backyard cookouts. Some of the recipes do require adult supervision. Grandparents with grandchildren visiting for the summer may want to try out some of the ideas in this delightful cookbook. 1996, Gibbs-Smith, $8.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Joyce Rice ISBN: 0879057270 Field Trips: Bug Hunting, Animal Tracking, Bird Watching, Shore Walking with Jim Arnosky    From the time he was a child, the author loved and studied nature. In this accessible book, he shares fascinating facts and nature lore with his readers. Each of his four chapters, "Bug Hunting," "Animal Tracking," "Bird-Watching," and "Shore Walking" shows children how to explore, to observe, and learn about the world around them. As the author tells of his experiences and shows pages from his nature notebooks, he encourages young people to study nature first hand and teaches them keys to decipher what they see. He encourages them to keep a simple notebook, as he does, to record and learn from what is seen. He also notes situations that might be dangerous and cautions readers to avoid them. For instance he tells shore walkers that he always uses a strong stick to frequently test softness of the ground to be sure it is safe to walk on. Although the publisher lists the ages for this book as eight and up, younger nature lovers will certainly enjoy sharing this book with parent or teacher. 2002, Harper Collins Publishers, $15.95. Ages 6 up. Reviewer: Janet Crane Barley ISBN: 0688151728 ISBN: 0688151736 Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States Choices, 2003 ; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, 2003 ; National Science Teachers Association; United States Smithsonian Magazine's Notable Books for Children, 2002 ; Smithsonian; United States Fishing in a Brook: Angling Activities for Kids Lawson Drinkard Illustrated by Fran Lee    This is a great little book for kids who want to try their hands at fishing. It carefully addresses all the basics of equipment, places to go, types of fish and includes great descriptions of what these fish eat and where they can be found. There is a fishing expedition checklist that is very thorough and easy-to-follow instructions about casting, including lawn casting practice. Knot tying is explained in simple terms and the art of attaching bait to the hook is clearly demonstrated. Recipes for cooking the fish after you have caught and cleaned it are also included. Instructions for keeping a fishing journal, which could turn into a very interesting hobby, are set forth. The book is well-illustrated with pictures of common types of fishing gear and fish. Both salt water and fresh water fishing techniques are discussed. A great item to include with a small rod and reel for that favorite child. 1999, Gibbs-Smith Publisher, $9.95. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Barbara Youngblood ISBN: 0879059400 Freddy Goes Camping Walter R. Brooks Illustrated by Kurt Wiese    Walter R. Brooks (1886-1958) wrote 26 books starring Freddy the Pig. Thanks to the Friends of Freddy, his fan club, they are now being reprinted at last in facsimile editions complete with Kurt Wiese's wonderful illustrations. It should be a cause for much joy in upstate New York, the primary scene of the stories-and in the rest of the universe as well! Four years after their last encounter in Freddy and Mr. Camphor, Freddy meets the wealthy gentleman again. The invitation is for a camping trip, but it soon becomes clear that Mr. Camphor is under siege on several fronts: from his two sour spinster aunts, and from the mysterious Mr. Eha, who is trying to swindle property from the locals. Freddy puts on his poet cap to conquer Aunt Elmira, and his detective duds to get the goods on Eha. Brooks does love a good fight, and he includes an excellent one between Bean's animals and the nefarious Simon and his family of rats. Yet the revenge his characters take is always clever and benign. And he uses a doozy-sleep deprivation-to give Eha his final comeuppance. Brooks's books ought to be considered for use in anger management seminars. 2003 (orig. 1948), Puffin, All Ages, $7.99. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr ISBN: 0-14-230249-X The Kids Campfire Book Jane Drake and Ann Love Illustrated by Heather Collins    This publication deserves its billing as the book of official campfire fun. Every phase of a campfire is occasion for a great variety of activity, starting with "The Spark." It is also impressed on kids that these activities require adult supervision and warns that ordinances regarding open fires vary by community. Picking the right site, collecting wood and building campfire furniture and utensils get everyone started on the right foot. As the fire heats up, pit dinners and reflector ovens present a new range of options. Marshmallows are toasted over the last embers, accompanied by campfire songs. This is a delightful book that is well thought out and serves as a great source of ideas for the backyard or campground. It is well illustrated with numerous charcoal-style drawings that are fun and informative. 1998, Kids Can Press, $9.95. Ages 4 to 12. Reviewer: Kristin Harris ISBN: 1550744542 ISBN: 1550745395 Little Bear's New Friend Else Holmelund Minarik Illustrated by Heather Green    When Little Bear and his father venture on their very first camping trip they are surprised to meet a wild bear cub who has lost his parents. Little Bear and Cub become fast friends and save each other from a fierce mountain lion. Little Bear is determined to help Cub find his parents and with the help of many animal friends they draw pictures and put up posters all over the forest. After washing off paint and splashing in the water, they notice that all the signs have disappeared. While hunting for them they become lost, but eventually find their way back to Cub's den. The next day they once again encounter something scary, but a delightful surprise for Cub as well. Softly colored watercolor paintings capture the mood of the story. Animal expressions and antics will help little readers to relate to the adventurous tale of friendship, family, and courage. The story is based on an animated television series, which was created from books written by Minarik and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. 2002, Harper Collins, $ 14.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Laura Hummel ISBN: 006623817X ISBN: 0066236886 Lucille Camps In Kathryn Lasky Illustrated by Marylin Hafner    Here is a tale to cheer every kid who has been left behind despondent when Dad takes big brother or sister camping. The flashlight Dad leaves her gives Lucille an idea. With her mother's help she sets up her bedspread over chairs for a tent inside. They roast marshmallows over the fire in the fireplace. From their sleeping bags they watch the stars through the window, while Lucille tells a story about the moon. By the time Dad and her siblings come back the next day, Lucille has drawn pictures of her own "camping in" to show them. Hafner's colored drawings create a very appealing believable Lucille. There is just enough sketchy detail in the large scenes and vignettes to show a comfortable middle-class anthropomorphic pig family at home. 2003, Arthur A. Knopf/ Random House Children's Books, Ages 3 to 6, $14.95. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz ISBN: 0-517-80041-1 Noses Are Red Richard Scrimger    Alan's mother has "suggested" that Alan and his mother's boyfriend, Christopher, take a weekend canoe trip so they can get to know one another better. Alan hates the idea of spending any time with Christopher, but his mother insists. Serendipitously Alan invites his best friend, Victor, to come along. Soon the boys are lost--or perhaps abandoned--in the wilderness. As they try to retrace their steps and find their way to the edge of the lake where Christopher is presumably waiting for them, Alan and Victor encounter quicksand, bees and a bear cub who has a very protective mother. Norbert, a small and mouthy alien who lives in Alan's nose, suddenly appears. Norbert's comments (everyone thinks Alan is talking in that high, squeaky voice) often make things go from bad to worse. Fleeing from the angry bear, the boys fall into the river and are swept downstream where they are rescued by Zinta, a young camper spending the night alone in order to earn her Master Tripper Scroll. Eventually the boys are taken to Camp Omega where they are reunited with Christopher and find themselves caught up in the fierce competition between Zinta and her rival, Trixie. During the annual Games Day festivities Victor and Alan are drafted onto opposing teams. Alas, the athletic skills Alan needs for the games are nonexistent and his only hope of helping Zinta's Lumberjacks win the trophy is his skill at poker. A wonderfully well-written book that moves flawlessly from one misadventure to the next. This is a must read for anyone (adult or child) who has spent time in the great outdoors. 2002, Tundra Books, $7.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen ISBN: 0-88776-610-2 ISBN: 0-88776-590-4 Only My Dad and Me Alyssa Satin Capucilli Illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke    A little bunny-child relates the seasonal activities father and child do together. There are three activities listed for each season and they are presented as the poster-board-weight page unfolds on the right hand side. The activities are familiar to children, such as raking and leaping in the autumn leaves, making a snowman and sledding, resting together in a hammock, and gathering seashells. The warmth and security that pervades the story finds its culmination during their camping trip at night when the child acknowledges, "We celebrate every day,/ And also each night.../ My kiss says 'I love you.' / His hug says, 'Sleep tight.'" The watercolor illustrations clearly show the change of seasons and have special touches, such as the busy little mice who take part in the activities as well. A nice little paperback companion to Only My Mom and Me. 2003, HarperFestival/HarperCollins, Ages 2 to 5, $6.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0-694-52584-7 Quiet Night Marilyn Singer Illustrated by John Manders    This book is proof that one is never really alone in the woods. The story actually beings on the endpapers, which depict silhouetted conifers against a yellow wheel moon. A wide-mouthed frog on the first page sets the stage for a rollicking night. Against that huge rising moon, the solitary frog shatters the silence with a bass bar-rum. Then two owls add their whoo-hoos to the melody. Soon there is a nighttime orchestra of honking geese, slapping fish, howling coyotes, scratching mice, and chirping crickets. As the animal ranks swell, a la "The Twelve Days of Christmas," the chorus grows louder. At the end, fed-up campers emerge from the tent to shine flashlights on the noisy wildlife. The witty rhythmic text never misses a beat. Varying line lengths avoid the singsong effect found in so many rhyming picture books these days. Children will enjoy the festival of sounds and counting some two hundred critters in the pictures. Manders' hilarious gouache illustrations, which he painted in the moonlight, delight the eye and tickle the funny bone. A fun book that teaches counting and language skills while giving young readers the giggles. 2002, Clarion Books, $15.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Candice Ransom ISBN: 0618120440 Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States Sleeping in a Sack: Camping Activities for Kids Linda White Illustrated by Fran Lee    If your travel destination is a campsite, you will find this most helpful. It is a resource that speaks about different kinds of camping and shelter. It provides a great checklist for trip planning, cooking, cleaning and clothes. Once you have arrived, the book offers directions for everything from preparing your campsite to recipes. Also, it offers after-dark fun, and provides the names of organizations that can give more specific information about your chosen location. 1998, Gibbs Smith Jr., $10.00. Ages Adult. Reviewer: Susie Wilde ISBN: 0879058307 Summer Tanya Thayer    Short sentences that caption full-color photographs describe the nature scenes and various indoor and outdoor activities of the season. Fields of flowers, a family on a camping trip, a child in a swimming pool, and a close-up of a dandelion gone to seed are four of the sixteen pictures included. The last picture leads into the next season. The vocabulary is fairly simple, making this a good book for emergent readers. The meanings of the more difficult words can be ascertained from the photographs. Multicultural children are pictured. Part of the "First Step Nonfiction" series, this can also be used with preschool children as an introduction to a discussion about the seasons. An explanation of what makes the seasons, a glossary, facts about summer, and an index are included. 2002, Lerner Publications, $15.93 and $3.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo ISBN: 0822519844 Take a Hike, Snoopy! Adapted by Judy Katschke    Snoopy has to be one of Charles M. Schultz's favorite comic strip characters. This time, the world-famous Beagle Scout is leading his troop on an overnight camping trip. Woodstock and the gang have their own way of following his orders. When he calls a meeting, they all cluster on his hat, when he suggests that they walk single file, they once again hop on his hat and create a vertical file. Charlie Brown worries, Lucy makes snide remarks about Snoopy's capabilities, and the trusty beagle tries to be a good leader. It all comes to an unusual and silly ending with Charlie Brown camping out and Snoopy camping in. An amusing offering in the "Ready-to-Read" series, Level 2. 2002, Little Simon, $11.89 and $3.99. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0689849389 Trekking on a Trail: Hiking Adventures for Kids Linda White Illustrated by Fran Lee    Read this book and learn everything you need to know to plan a woodland hike with kids. Children will learn what to pack and wear before going on a hike. In addition, skills such as reading a map and activities such as keeping a wildlife journal or making a bug jug extend the learning and fun beyond a walk in the woods. This activity book is perfect for families who enjoy the outdoors, and for youth group leaders preparing children for a trail adventure. There are plenty of valuable safety warnings such as the importance of always having an adult involved, not drinking stream water, recognizing dangerous plants, and what to do if a child gets lost. The illustrations are simple enough for nonreaders to follow and benefit from much of this book's advice. This volume complements Cooking on a Stick: Campfire Recipes for Kids and Sleeping in a Sack: Camping Activities for Kids, (both Gibbs-Smith) when planning an outdoors weekend experience. 2000, Gibbs-Smith, $9.95. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Wendy Pollock-Gilson ISBN: 0879059419 A Week in the Woods Andrew Clements    I read A Week in the Woods last night and just loved it. I thought the characters were well-drawn and very realistic. Clements presents a good dilemma with a spoiled rich kid who couldn't care less in his new school and a teacher who tries to reach him. The kid finally wakes up but the teacher has already filed him away under "lost causes." As we all know, teachers are human and things like this happen. But Clements doesn't make it a black and white issue. We are privy to the teacher's thoughts as well as Mark's and you can argue a case for either of them. I thought it was great and it would make a great discussion book for fifth grade boys, in particular. Plus, it has the added advantage of being in the survival vein as well. 2002, Simon & Schuster, $16.95. Ages 9 to 13. Reviewer: Joan Kindig    Eleven-year-old Mark is not at all happy about leaving his home very near New York City for an 1800's farmhouse in New Hampshire which his very rich parents have purchased and renovated. He will live there with their housekeeper and handyman, with his parents coming for short stays as their business allows. Mark knows he will be attending the local elementary school for only a few months (he has already been accepted at a prestigious boarding school for next year) and initially makes no overtures toward his new classmates, spending most of his time in school looking out the window. This infuriates Mr. Maxwell, his science teacher, who concludes Mark is a typical obnoxious rich kid and slacker. Although Mark changes his behavior, making friends and participating in class, he and Mr. Maxwell continue to butt heads. Mr. Maxwell is the organizer of the fifth grade's annual Week in the Woods; Mark has become enamored with the outdoors since exploring his family's newest property and is very much looking forward to the week. When Mark is discovered holding a Swiss Army type tool that has a knife (actually belonging to another boy), Mr. Maxwell expels him from the camp and sends him to the parking lot to be driven home. An angry Mark takes off into the woods, pursued by Mr. Maxwell who has suddenly realized the knife wasn't Mark's. Suspense builds before the two meet up and successfully settle their differences. This novel is a mixed bag. Mark's initial anger and callous attitude will strike a chord with readers, as will his "love affair" with the outdoors and the survival element as he spends the night lost in the woods. But his realization that he has been acting "like a stuck-up jerk" and his immediate turn-around seem awfully mature for a fifth grader, as does his sense of duty to his classmates while hiding in the woods. There are long passages where Mark broods to himself, slowing down the pace of the story. There are similarly long passages about Mr. Maxwell's thought process. Certainly the title and the cover will attract readers, but its unevenness may cause some to put it down. 2002, Simon & Schuster, $16.95. Ages 9 to 13. Reviewer: Peg Glisson ISBN: 068982596X Best Books: Capitol Choices, 2002 ; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States Wild Timothy Gary L. Blackwood    Camping is supposed to be a fun and exciting experience, especially when a young boy goes on a trip with his father. In Wild Timothy, this was not the case. In this story, Timothy is reluctant to go camping with his dad. He just isn't an outdoor type of person. He had no desire to sleep on the ground or catch his own food, and to make matters worse, he gets lost alone in the woods. Suddenly, the camping trip goes from no fun to a fight for his life! Timothy has never once gone without food or water, and he definitely has never encountered wildlife armed with only a hatchet. All of this is overwhelming to him, but when he cuts his leg with the hatchet, he is forced to find comfort in reading his book, Lord of the Flies. Throughout the story, Timothy survives on eating things like raw clams and drinking spring water. With great determination, Timothy conquers his fears and is finally returned home. This is truly a story of suspense and survival. 2002 (orig. 1987), Puffin Books, $5.99. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Drew Foster ISBN: 0142302147 Best Books: Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002 ; California Department of Education; California Witch twins at Camp Bliss Adele Griffin    In the second "Witch Twins" book, identical ten-year-old twins, Claire and Luna Bundkin, prepare to leave for five weeks of summer camp. Outgoing Claire is eager to be named Camp Bliss Girl, while quieter, more thoughtful Luna wonders how she will endure five weeks away from home. Grandy, their five-star witch grandmother, gives Luna magical marigold powder to help create a "zest" spell that will help Luna be more enthusiastic about camp, but the powder is stolen soon after the twins arrive. Claire earnestly pursues her goal of becoming a star camper, while Luna spends much of her time in the camp first-aid cabin. However, when mysterious occurrences take place, such as marked improvements in both the camp food and their obnoxious counselor's mood, Claire and Luna realize they must find the rebel witch as quickly as possible. A bit predictable, and with an irritating repetition device ("love-love-love, hate-hate-hate"), this is still an entertaining story in which each twin manages to find her own place at camp. 2002, Hyperion Books, $15.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Linda Ruble ISBN: 0786807636 To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Added 8/1/03