CAMPING DAY
by Patricia Lakin and illustrated by Scott Nash
That quartet of crocodiles is back (Rainy Day, 2007, etc.), this time experiencing all the joys and nuisances that are part and parcel of a camping trip. From packing, hiking and setting up the tent to dinner, campfire and stories, it is all here, including the terror (because of the aforementioned stories) and the quick trek back home to sleep in the backyard. While the rhythm and rhyme sometimes fall flat, the text is bouncy enough to engage listeners and simple enough for early-grade readers to manage. Nash’s illustrations combine simple outlines and minimalist detail with snatches of humor—keep an eye on the rabbits. Vibrant shades of green and orange predominate, with blue and brown rounding out the landscape. Many pages are Warhol-esque, with glaringly bright background colors not found in nature. Libraries lacking in camping tales and those with others in the Sam, Pam, Will and Jill series will want to check this out. (Picture book. 3-7)