Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A reluctant camper navigates wilderness adventures with his mother in a nimble picture book by Ho (Becoming Boba) and Mesquita (Giraffe in Space and Other Silly Poems). Though Mama is deeply enthusiastic about the outdoors, young Oliver dreads driving long distances in the jam-packed car and pitching a tent where bats, bears, or bugs might lurk. Yet Mama's energy--particularly her joyous declaration, "Now this is a room with a view!"--makes camping memorable. Kid-like language ("a billion gazillion infinity times ten") relates the Sturm und Drang of outdoor adventuring (marshmallow mishaps) alongside its charms (s'mores), while spatter-textured, digitally finished acrylic and gouache illustrations depict the duo's world in rich jewel tones. It's an affectionate look at ups and downs that strengthen a familial bond. The characters are portrayed with brown skin. An author's note, tips for adventuring, and a listing of U.S. national parks conclude. Ages 4--8. Author's agent: Caryn Wiseman, Andrea Brown Literary. Illustrator's agent: Jemiscoe Chambers-Black, Andrea Brown Literary. (May)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Young Oliver is reluctantly pulled into yet another camping trip. "C'mon, bud! It's time for an adventure!" Mama's enthusiastic call has Oliver quaking. Though he dons a helmet and head lamp and packs water bottles, a walkie-talkie, and an umbrella, "nothingquite prepares him for this highway that stretches farther than forever." True, Oliver enjoys some aspects of camping--pitching a tent is "a teensy bit fun," as is a game of hide-and-seek on the trail--but they are overshadowed by frightening dark nights and tiring hikes. Nevertheless, Mama greets every new scene with the same refrain: "Now this is a room with a view!" Oliver's grievances mount: the "spaghettiblackbeanbroccolihamburgermeatmush" that Mama serves at meals, unpredictable weather, and an impromptu haircut--the result of a s'more mishap. He dreams of never having "to go places or do things again," but soon he begins reflecting on the moments he does enjoy: "car-ride concerts and epic dance battles," as well as Marshmallow Roasting Championships. Ho's narrative unfolds naturally as she crafts a convincing portrait of a less-than-outdoorsy youngster who nevertheless finds joys all around him--and in being with his mother. Teeming with wildlife and other fun details, Mesquita's strikingly colored illustrations, richly textured with splatters and deft use of shadows and composition, fill every inch of the page. Oliver and Mama are brown-haired and tan-skinned. A heartfelt and family-oriented call to the wild. (author's note, outdoor adventure tips, list of National Parks)(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
