Ernestine is very excited to go camping with her cousin Samantha and her aunt Jackie. She gets a sleeping bag and the other basic things she needs and they set off on a trip out of the city. With the car packed, they drive out of the city and set out on a long journey to Cedar Tree Campground. There they see trees, make their first attempt at putting up a tent, and Ernestine has her first experience of swimming in a lake, not a swimming pool. Ernestine also goes on her first hike and finds out it's a lot harder than walking on the sidewalk to school! The weekend goes on this way, with all sorts of new experiences, from finding a banana slug to eating tofu hot dogs. Ernestine has her first experience of sleeping outside (scary but wonderful) and finally conquers her fears of the lake. She says goodbye to her aunt and cousin and is reunited with her dad, happy to be home but already looking forward to going camping next year.
Ernestine and her family are all Black. She appears to live solely with her father while Samantha lives with her mother. She's a city kid and is definitely nervous about some of the new experiences she faces, but she's willing to try and her cousin and aunt are kind and helpful, comforting and not pushing her as she tries new things.
The art is drawn mostly in panels, with some separate illustrations of supplies, Ernestine ready with her backpack, and other little vignettes. The art was drawn in pencil and then colored in digitally and collaged, giving a fun depth to the pictures, especially of the natural areas.
Verdict: This is a great book for kids who have never been camping before or those who want to revisit a fun family experience. It's long for a storytime read-aloud, but would be great to read with an elementary school class or one-on-one. It also fills a gap, showing warm family relationships and outdoor experiences in a Black family. Highly recommended.
ISBN: 9781536207361; Published April 2020 by Candlewick; Purchased for the library
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