Camp Rex

March 17, 2014
The big green tyrannosaurus rex from Caldecott Honor artist Idle’s Tea Rex has some prehistoric friends with him this time around, and they’re all going camping. The decorum-minded girl from the previous book remains in charge—with her oversize taupe hat, kerchief, and tailored jacket, she’s channeling some serious Juliette Gordon Low—and her guidelines and instructions go hilariously awry. “Refrain from disturbing the natural landscape,” she says as T. rex presents a beehive to the group, forcing them into the lake to escape the angry swarm (“There’s nothing more refreshing than a dip in a mountain lake”). Once again, the deadpan writing and careful compositions work in tandem for maximum comic impact. Ages 3–5. Agent: Lori Nowicki, Painted Words.

March 1, 2014
Fresh from the pages of Tea Rex (2013), Cordelia, her younger brother and his teddy this time join their dino pals for a camping expedition. Again limiting the text to sage words of wisdom--which sound remarkably like a true outdoorsy book about camping might--Idle lets the illustrations tell the tale. Once the hike and pitching of tents (most too small for dinos) are accomplished, things quickly degrade with "Learning about local flora and fauna can be great fun!" Berries, poison ivy and a hive of bees all play a role. A "refreshing...dip in a mountain lake" leads to some broken canoe paddles and a few fish for the campfire, where the singalong prompts Cordelia to stuff marshmallows in her ears. Especially hysterical for seasoned campers is the suggestion that "Before you fall asleep, it's lovely to listen to the soothing sounds of the forest all around you." And adult readers will have trouble containing their laughter when the book says, "In the morning, you'll awake refreshed...." The final spread of "camping" in the backyard will soothe wee ones nervous about the wilds of nature. While the pictures are tongue-in-cheek funny, some are difficult to make out due to the flat colors and the hugeness of the dinos--they often exceed the size of the page. Still, this is certain to raise more than a few giggles from the camping enthusiasts in any audience. What adventure's next? (Picture book. 4-7)

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