Since I live in Alaska where camping is common, albeit with more concerns that that the ground is hard, I could only imagine the discussion this story might ignite. "Do you have your bear spray?" "Yes, and my bear bells, too!" Now, true, while most discussions won't involve bears and potential lethal dangers lurking about, it was fun to envision how young friends in different places might plan out such an adventure. That's the joy of this series. That no matter where you live, it has applicable lessons to share.
In this case, we even get a glimpse of April and Mae's homes. They come complete with the cat on one doorstep while the dog waits, probably none too patiently, in the window of the other. April wants to camp in the backyard but Mae, a night owl, isn't too sure about it. April reassures her and promises a tent, s'mores, sleeping bags, songs, and stories....and maybe, just maybe a shooting star to make a wish on. That's another good discussion motivator, discussing if the reader has ever seen a shooting star and what they'd wish for. Of course, depending on the bent of the child, that could even lead to a discussion of what is a shooting star anyway, not to mention why people wish upon them. The illustration of the shooting star was quite sweet, too, I might mention.
This is a fun series. Fun to read with lots of chance for interaction between those involved in the reading. For beginning readers, the target audience, there is lots of repetition and the simple illustrations add to the story without distracting. Readers will learn how true friends interact, find ways to reach agreement when opinions or likes are different, and gain confidence as they see they aren't the only ones with questions about the world that surrounds them.
Thanks #NetGalley and #Charlesbridge for allowing me to spy on April and Mae's camp out. Loved that the pets were not just invited but got their own cushions, too.
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