Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 04/01/2020 *Starred Review* Ernestine, who lives with her father in the city, narrates this story of going overnight camping with her aunt and cousin. It is the small African American girl’s first such trip, and she’s excited to buy needed equipment and spend time outdoors. Though she thinks she knows what to expect, the child is surprised by a number of new experiences. For example, swimming at the Y and swimming in a lake are very different: “There are fish in here!” she exclaims, with eyes wide and teeth clenched. Hiking in the woods is not the same as walking to school, and spending a night without her father nearby is lonesome. But finding new insects, admiring huge trees, and gazing at a startling starlit sky help her discover the wonders of the outdoors. Sweet pencil illustrations, collaged and painted digitally, appear in a variety of sizes, including some graphic-style panels that employ speech bubbles for dialogue. Beginning readers will enjoy being able to look at a picture and read the camping word placed nearby—camera, hat, swimsuit, pillow, sunglasses—on the endpapers as well as in the story. This title can serve as a manual for children who are about to go camping for the first time or as a remembrance for those who have had that exhilarating adventure. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 05/01/2020 K-Gr 2—It's Ernestine's first camping trip and she is excited. At the Cedar Tree Campground, Ernestine's aunt Jackie and cousin Samantha introduce her to all the wonders and fun; they swim in the lake, hug huge trees, and eat delicious broccoli salad and s'mores, of course. While there, Ernestine finds certain activities less enjoyable, but with encouragement and support she adjusts. By the end of their stay, she eagerly anticipates next year's trip. From preparation to return, Mann details many steps relevant to camping, using a combination of full spreads, and multi-panel pages. Her narrative voice feels like a journal created by Ernestine. VERDICT From the car ride to the tent setup, young readers will get a solid foundation in what to expect from camping. A great guide for those heading out on their first outdoor adventure.—Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ont. - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.