Age 00-04. 3 Stars. In this story, Little Critter goes on a camping trip with his father, leaving his mother and baby sister at home. The story is narrated from Little Critter’s perspective, and his statements contradict the illustrations with a gentle irony that young children will appreciate. For example, he says, “My dad was tired, so I pitched the tent,” and the facing picture shows Dad rescuing him from a disordered pile of fabric and tent poles. The story could be a perfect preparation for a real camping trip, but is worthwhile to read for its own sake; the father is kind and loving, and the scene is very secure. This is a great story about a dad having fun with his son, giving him an exciting experience and teaching him new skills.

Age 08-12. 5 Stars. This is a delectable story of camping and adventure, with a healthy dose of children’s make-believe adventures mixed in with genuine danger…. Many children will aspire, not only to the almost outrageous (in our day) level of autonomy the Walkers enjoy, but also to the level of character that allows them to enjoy that freedom without betraying trust.