The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536207365
Genres: Adventure, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Ernestine is invited by her aunt and cousin to experience her first camping trip.  From the cover pages of The Camping Trip  a realistic job of expressing a true outdoor adventure is offered.  Readers view an illustrated listing of necessary equipment before the story even begins.  Within the content a personal equipment list is incorporated and new experiences are explored.  Aunt Jackie and cousin Samantha are supportive and compassionate as Ernestine grows to love this new experience.   The art work is done in comic style panels that are fun and colorful.  This reader appreciates how one of the early two-page spreads is almost identical to a later illustration in the same spot.  All ages will enjoy this adventure and perhaps it will influence some families to go camping for the first time.

Bring on the s’mores and purchase this book for both primary school and public libraries.  Gift a copy to families who are interested in taking their first camping trip.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME