Camping Day!

July 6, 2009
In the fourth book to feature the industrious crocodile family, Sam, Pam, Will and Jill decide to go on a camping trip. While they're well prepared—“ 'Take maps,' said Sam. 'The packs,' said Pam”—something, invariably, goes wrong. Readers should appreciate their haphazard (but not too shabby) organizational skills and identify with the nighttime fright that sends them packing (“ 'Who growled?' asked Will. 'Who yowled? asked Jill”) as the crocs seek a more comforting place to camp. Ages 3–5.

June 1, 2009
PreS-Gr 1-The wacky crocodiles are back for another rollicking adventure. They head to the woods for an all-out summer camping trip that includes hiking, climbing, crossing a stream, bird watching, pitching a tent, enjoying nature, and a cookout. Songs and stories around the campfire complete a perfect day, until it's time to sleep. The dark tent and quiet amplify every noise in the woods, which creates anxieties as the mighty crocs spook themselves with one of their own shadows. All is not lost when they decide to finish their camping experience closer to home. Nash's humorous illustrations in black Prismacolor pencil and Photoshop are bright, colorful, and peppered with playful details that will delight young children. One amusing scene shows the group in "freeze!" mode when suddenly surrounded by a swarm of bees. Larkin's spare, rhyming text is just enough for a rousing storytime with a group of day campers or for sharing one-on-one. Pair this tale with Todd Parr's "Otto Goes to Camp" (Little, Brown, 2004) for an upbeat themed read."Anne Beier, Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose, NY"

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