It’s that time of year! The days are long and warm, and it is a great time to get outdoors. Camping is one of the most popular ways to introduce children to life outside of familiar, modern comforts, but not everybody gets the chance to experience it. These books are selected for readers ages 8-12 to learn more about camping from different perspectives. Fiction titles are included to enhance the feelings associated with camping, while the selection of nonfiction titles will educate readers about the technical nature of camping and what to expect. Whether a child has never been camping or goes regularly, these titles capture the sensation of camping and inspire future adventures.
Contributed by: Mary Lanni

	Camp By: Mary Kate Doman When the Silva men go camping in Montana, they encounter bears and have to outrun a forest fire.
	Camp Out! The Ultimate Kids’ Guide By: Lynn Brunelle Bear bags, wilderness showers, and telling the temperature by counting the cricket chirps… Whether you’re planning an overnight in the backyard or a weekend in the wilderness, this book is packed with stuff to know. The basics are covered, from gearing up to choosing a site to building a tarp tent. Tasty outdoor recipes are also included, such as Solar Oven Pizza, Chow Down Chili, and s’more’s of course—with eight variations. Plus: how to keep a Field Journal, exploring the nighttime sky, creepy campfire stories, and when it’s time to go home, leaving no trace. It’s everything you need to pick up and head for the hills. For Ages 7 and up.
	Camping By: Sara Green Engaging images accompany information about camping. The combination of high-interest subject matter and narrative text is intended for students in grades 3 through 7.
	Camping By: Cynthia L. Jenson-Elliott Describes the equipment, skills, and knowledge needed for camping.
	Camping By: Julie K. Lundgren Introduces camping, discussing exploring the outdoors, setting up a campsite, and camping safety.
	Camping By: Allan Morey This photo-illustrated book for elementary students describes where to camp and ways to have fun. Includes information on tents, RVs and motorhomes, how to avoid wild animals, and campfire safety.
	Camping By: Tatiana Tomljanovic Provides information about leisure activities that can be enjoyed in nature. Contains photos, charts, and healthy eating and exercise tips that encourage readers to get outdoors and enjoy camping.
	The Camping Caper By: Gail Herman Scooby, Shaggy, and the gang are about to find out if the woods are haunted when the Mystery, Inc. gang goes camping.
	Camping Catastrophe! By: Scott McCormick Illustrated by: R.H. Lazzell Feline siblings Mr. Pants and Foot Foot want to join the Rugged Rangers, but first, they have to prove they can survive an overnight camping trip with their uncle and cousins.
	Camping Chaos By: Franklin W. Dixon Illustrated by: Scott Burroughs Frank and Joe are excited to go camping with their friends in Bayport State Park for the annual “Fun with Camping” event. They are ready for hiking, bonfires, and s’mores–and especially for the tent decorating competition, which the boys are determined to win. But just a few nights into the trip, decorations start to go missing. First, Frank and Joe hear strange noises outside their tent. Then, they see a set of unique footprints at the campsite. It seems like someone–or something–is out to sabotage the decorating contest. Can Joe and Frank figure out who the campsite culprit could be?
	Camping for Kids By: Melanie A. Howard Explores the popular activity of camping, including tips, techniques, conservation, and specific gear needed.
	Gone Camping By: Tamera Will Wissinger Camping is fun, until it’s time to sleep. Then, Lucy wonders what kinds of creatures lurk in the dark? With only her brother and grandpa as tent-mates, will Lucy be able to face her camping fears? Includes a variety of poetic forms–from aubade to haiku–as well as writing tips about rhyme and rhythm.

The outside world is filled with beauty and wonderful things. The books in this list begin to introduce readers ages 0-3 to the world around them, including different seasons, landscapes, and interesting features. The format and structure of these books are ideally suited to serve as captivating guides to very young children.
Contributed by: Mary Lanni

	All Around the Seasons By: Barney Saltzberg Illustrations and rhymes celebrate what makes each season special, from baby chicks in the spring through a snowman in the winter.
	Chalk By: Bill Thompson A wordless picture book about three children who go to a park on a rainy day, find some chalk and draw pictures that come to life.
	In My World By: Lois Ehlert Describes some of the many things in the natural world, such as worms, seashells, flowers, and stars, that a child can appreciate, illustrated in silhouette.
	Let’s Go Outside By: Kate Riggs Illustrated by: Monique Felix Illustrations and easy-to-read text introduce pairs of opposite words as a dog is taken for an early morning walk.
	More! By: Sheilagh Noble Two lively toddlers go for a walk in the park and see ducks, a dog, and swings.
	Noodle Loves the Park By: Marion Billet When Noodle visits the park, he sees all the different plants and animals. On board pages.
	Rainy Day By: Caroline Church A young boy gets dressed to play in the rain and must put on his rain pants, sweater, slicker, and rain hat before going outside. On board pages.
	Seasons of Joy: Every Day is for Outdoor Play By: Claudia Marie Lenart A variety of children invites the reader to join them in enjoying playing outside in all four seasons.
	Slither Slide, What’s Outside By: Nora Hilb, Simon and Sheryl Shapiro Children jump, slide, stargaze, color, and engage in other forms of play to celebrate the changing of the seasons.
	Spot Goes to the Park By: Eric Hill Spot the puppy, his mother, and his animal friends have a fun-filled day playing in the park. Movable flaps conceal portions of the illustrations and text.
	Step Gently Out By: Helen Frost Illustrated by: Rick Lieder Step gently out, be still and look closely at the world just outside your door-you are sure to be amazed by the tiny creatures you can find. You might see a cricket leap and land, a moth open her wings, a spider walking across the air, or maybe even a praying mantis looking back at you!
	What’s the Weather? By: Jo Moon Asks readers to identify different kinds of weather by opening the flaps, then explains what causes them, from rain and snow to wind and lightning.