The Camping Trip

Fans of Alison Farrell's The Hike will find much to love in this graphic novel-style picture book by Mann (Josie's Lost Tooth) about Ernestine, a city kid on her first camping trip. Gathering provisions and driving to the campsite with her Aunt Jackie and cousin Samantha is lots of fun, but once they arrive at a lakeside campsite shaded by towering pines--rendered in woodsy-toned collaged pencil drawings--Ernestine is definitely out of her comfort zone ("It's so quiet. And big. It smells like trees, and fire, and dirt"). Using first-person narration and balloon dialogue, Mann takes Ernestine and readers through a journey of rude shocks and newfound resilience toward mastery. Ernestine discovers, to her wide-eyed horror, that there are real fish in the lake, and the hills are bigger than anything in the city. A bout of late-night homesickness leaves her missing her single father, but there are also s'mores (Ernestine turns out to be an expert marshmallow toaster), an awe-inspiring starry sky, and, in the last swim before returning home, "The fish don't bite me once." Mann wisely refrains from tying up her story with a big ribbon, but readers will understand what Ernestine knows: the world looks different after a wonderful adventure. Ages 3-7. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (May)

K-Gr 2--It's Ernestine's first camping trip and she is excited. At the Cedar Tree Campground, Ernestine's aunt Jackie and cousin Samantha introduce her to all the wonders and fun; they swim in the lake, hug huge trees, and eat delicious broccoli salad and s'mores, of course. While there, Ernestine finds certain activities less enjoyable, but with encouragement and support she adjusts. By the end of their stay, she eagerly anticipates next year's trip. From preparation to return, Mann details many steps relevant to camping, using a combination of full spreads, and multi-panel pages. Her narrative voice feels like a journal created by Ernestine. VERDICT From the car ride to the tent setup, young readers will get a solid foundation in what to expect from camping. A great guide for those heading out on their first outdoor adventure.--Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ont.