Kids Camp!

February 27, 1995
Whether the locale of choice is the tomato patch or the briar patch, author Laurie Carlson provides tips for nature-oriented fun in two April titles from Chicago Review Press--Kids Camp! Activities for the Backyard or Wilderness (paper $12.95, 180p, ages 4-12 ISBN 1-55652-237-1) and Green Thumbs: A Kid's Activity Guide to Indoor and Outdoor Gardening (paper $12.95, 138p, ages 3-9 -238-X). Illustrated with helpful line drawings, both books feature wilderness lore (``How old was that tree?''), projects (such as making an insect viewer), activities and even recipes (e.g., nasturtium salad and that fireside favorite, S'mores).

April 1, 1995
Gr 3-6-A good guide to outdoor adventures for inexperienced young campers and their families. The authors believe in the importance of having a hands-on relationship with nature while maintaining a healthy respect for it, and stress safety precautions and preparation. The chapters feature directions for making inexpensive equipment and projects while exploring nature; crafts; outdoor games; and recipes for snacks and meals. The large pages are illustrated with black-line drawings and diagrams placed alongside detailed instructions and, often, special boxes with helpful "stay safe" and "nature note" tips. There is an error in the bowline-knot diagram and there is no mention of the need for reservations in many state and national parks. Other than these minor flaws, the book will prevent the uninitiated from making the numerous little mistakes that can become annoying and even dangerous. This title is a nice addition to books such as Wayne Armstrong's Camping Basics (Prentice-Hall, 1985) and Patrick F. McManus's Kid Camping from Aaaaiii! to Zip (Lothrop, 1979).-Gale W. Sherman, Pocatello Public Library, ID