No Baths at Camp

February 18, 2013
Max, the hero of what is really a clever exercise in reverse psychology, could just be the secret weapon that parents (and Jewish educators) are looking for in convincing recalcitrant kids to give Jewish camp a try. Resisting his mother's attempts to get him into the tub, Max regales her with stories of the special activities he had Sunday through Thursday at campânone of which culminate in a bath ("On Wednesdays we go canoeing in the lake. The water is green and muddy and sometimes we catch frogsâ¦but there are NO BATHS AT CAMP!") So does Max ever take a bath at camp? Sure, in preparation for Shabbat â24 hours that are so magical in so many ways that even the most defiantly schmutzy (dirty) kid would deem the occasion bath-worthy. Vasquez's (Ten Little Apples) collaged scenes of non-stop camp life, created from cutout drawings and photographic elements (a blazing campfire made of a photo of flames is particularly impressive) bring to life Fox's cheery but literal text, and lend an appropriately arts-and-crafts feel to the pages. Brimming with what veteran Jewish campers will immediately recognize as ruach (spirit), this book should prompt many youngsters to ask, "Am I old enough to go?" Ages 3-8

June 1, 2013

K-Gr 3-It's bath time at Max's house, and he's cranky about it. He grumbles that he'd rather be back at summer camp, because "there are no baths at camp!" His mom is skeptical, so Max narrates a week of activities. From rock climbing to art class, marshmallow roasting to canoeing, there is plenty of messy fun, but no nightly bath. The week's only shower comes in preparation for Shabbat, as the children first clean up the camp and then scrub themselves in preparation for a day of resting, singing, and stories. Max's mother reminds him that they also celebrate Shabbat at home with music and time together as a family. He agrees, but gets the last word that camp is better because "there are no baths at camp!" The narrative ends rather abruptly, as the illustration shows that Max has hopped in the tub in spite of his protests. The final spread shows that while there may be no baths at camp, the children spend plenty of time hosing off, splashing in the lake, and dousing themselves with water balloons to stay clean. Though the mixed-media artwork is fun and lively, the text is lackluster. An additional purchase for Judaic collections, this picture book may serve a purpose for children nervous about their first sleepover camp experience.-Martha Link Yesowitch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2013
Grades K-3 It's bath time, but Max is none too enthused, telling his mother he wishes he were back at camp, because there are NO BATHS AT CAMP! No baths for a whole week. Max then recounts his week at camp with pals, as they climb a rock wall, produce a play, and learn Israeli dancesand while they may get dirty, there are NO BATHS AT CAMP. But Friday at camp means prepping for Shabbat, which includes cleaning bunks and taking showers. The book's conclusion finds Max in a bubble-filled bath at home, still asserting that camp is better, including Shabbat, because, well, you know. Cheerful cartoonlike mixed-media illustrations portray diverse girls and boys enjoying activities. And while there's no reason provided for why a shower's okay with Max but not a bathand many Hebrew terms and concepts are not explained (including Shabbat Shalom )kids familiar with Jewish summer camps will enjoy remembering their own experiences, while camp newbies will appreciate the peppy introduction, which highlights having fun and celebrating Shabbat.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)