Books for Young Campers
Well, the season is coming to a close and now unless you’re one of the lucky snowbirds heading south it’s time to hunker down for the winter. And if you have kids that means hot chocolate, snowmen, snow angels, and more than a few days where it’ll be just too cold to go outside. Take the opportunity to foster your kiddo’s imagination for next season with a few good books.
Every parent is aware that when your kid knows a trip is coming up you’ll be fielding a lot of questions like: “How many more sleeps until we leave?” “What are we going to do in the trailer?” “Are there monsters in the woods?” Some kids are going to be more excited than others, some might even be afraid; we’ve compiled a list of books to get uncertain little campers excited to go on an adventure, and keep your wild child occupied until you can finally head out!
These books are recommended for lil ones between the ages of 4 and 10 (that’s not to say you won’t enjoy them too).
Where the Wild Things Are: Maurice Sendak
This classic story about a mischievous boy named Max who escapes into a fantastical forest of “wild things” is a staple for every bookshelf. Show kids that just because you’re stuck in the same four walls until you can get to the true wilds, there are no limits to imagination.
This Moose Belongs to Me: Oliver Jeffers
Don’t feed the animals. This story can help you explain to your kiddos that while wild animals are incredible to see, they don’t make good pets. It’s also a great book for teaching kids how to put words and pictures together with a counterpoint relationship between text and images.
Finding Wild: Megan Wagner Lloyd
Explore the wilds through gorgeous illustrations and a lyrical tale to discover the beauty of the world. Take a moment to smell the roses, and focus on the greatest of storms to the tiniest snowflakes in this story of adventure and discovery.
The Berenstain Bears Blaze a Trail: Stan and Jan Berenstain
Anyone else live in the world where it was spelt “Berenstein?” Well, no matter how you spell it this mom, pop, brother, and sister family of bears has been a staple in children’s literature for generations. Trek through the woods with Papa Bear and the adventurous siblings through all the twists and turns of a forest hike.
Franklin’s Canoe Trip: Sharon Jennings
Illustrations by Sean Jeffrey, Mark Koren, and Jelena Sisic
Follow Franklin and his best friend, Bear, as they head out on a canoe trip with their dads. But will reality match their expectations? A story about appreciating the adventure you’re on and who you’re with.
Backyard Fairies: Phoebe Wahl
One girl searches the world for fairies in a woodland world. Part magical story, part hidden object search, it’s clear on every page that even if you can’t see the fairies in front of your nose, there is magic all around us if you just know where to look.
The Camping Trip: Jennifer K. Mann
What is it like to go camping for the first time? Ernestine leads readers on a journey through her whole experience from packing to setting up a tent – but it’s not all lakeside beaches and s’mores. A story about opening yourself to new experiences, Mann’s tale will take you on a trip down memory lane and maybe prep your kids for their first camping trip too!
Carson Crosses Canada: Linda Bailey
Take Canada on province by province through the eyes of Annie Magruder and her dog Carson. The always charming and wonderfully quirky writing of Linda Bailey will help you see Canada for the vast, jaw-dropping country it is, even when you can’t leave your couch.
Stay tuned for more reading recommendations no matter where your travels take you!