In this picture book, a Black family explores the wonders and challenges of camping! Ernestine lives with her single dad in the city. When her aunt Jackie and cousin Samantha invite her to go camping with them she eagerly accepts. With dad's help, Ernestine gathers and packs all the essentials needed for an outdoor adventure. She imagines what camping will be like and can't wait!

But we all know that things don't always turn out the way we imagine... like the difficulty in putting up a tent, or that swimming in a lake - and not at the YMCA pool means - fish!

Ernestine tackles these new challenges with grace, and shows us that adventure and nature are for everyone willing to keep an open mind. Graphic novel style panels and the occasional word bubble pair perfectly with pencil collage illustrations. This is a slice of life story with a positive representation of a Black family, and a realistic and relatable main character. It is a great how-to book for first time campers! Recommended for ages 3-7.

Reviewed by Claire C., Senior Information Assistant