The down & dirty guide to camping with kids How to plan memorable family adventures & connect kids to nature

For some, camping is balm for a withered soul; others would rather get a root canal. No doubt about it, however, kids love camping and at some point, they'll likely demand an organized trip to the woods. For the uninitiated-or else panicked-Boulder-based freelance writer and New York Times contributor Olsson offers this thorough and accessible guide that covers all the bases. The text is best for beginners since she refers to camping as mostly weekend car trips in fair weather. Yet within that context, each page is loaded with helpful tips and information. Olsson covers such topics as trip planning, gearing up, organizing the campsite, boredom busters, and first aid and safety. The text includes sidebars, "Smart Tips," and handy checklists throughout, which make it visually appealing and easy to consult. From slathering cotton balls in petroleum jelly as firestarters (love it!) to freezing stews ahead of time and letting them double as ice packs, Olsson has you covered. VERDICT As more and more families avoid the high costs of traveling by staying close to home, camping has greater appeal than ever before. This would make a lovely addition to a display on summer adventures and is enthusiastically recommended for all public libraries. Bring on the dirt. (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.