Hall self-published this 32-page picture book aimed at children 3 to 8 years old.

For more information go “ “My Grandparents Live in an RV,” written and illustrated by Nancy R. The book is available through public libraries, local bookstores or online booksellers. They set out across upstate New York, along with Honey’s governess, in an Airstream-like travel trailer and stumble onto another puzzle when they camp beside a mysterious red trailer. In this second book in a series, 13-year-old Trixie, and her best friend, Honey, go in search of their new acquaintance, Jim, after he runs away to evade his abusive stepfather. Learn more about him on his Web site, “ “The Red Trailer Mystery, Trixie Belden #2,” by Julie Campbell (Random House Books for Young Readers, 272 pages, $6.99, ISBN: 0375824111).įirst published in 1950, this slightly dated Trixie Belden mystery classic is still a good read for youngsters 9 to 12 years old. Van Dusen’s picture books are available from most booksellers. Magee remembered to put rocks on both sides of his tires.’ “ “At readings, when we get to the last page, I say, ‘See Mr. “Kids, luckily, don’t seem to miss those things,” he said from his studio in Maine.

Van Dusen simplifies Magee’s teardrop by omitting such things as the propane tanks and the safety chain between the trailer and car hitch. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved those 1950s Teardrop Trailers,” Van Dusen said in a telephone interview shortly after the book was published, “so I modeled Mr. The ‘50s retro style and setting in “Camping Spree” gives a magical realism to Van Dusen’s story. In the picture book world, Van Dusen is known for his vividly colored, lively, detailed images that frequently incorporate unusual vantage points and perspectives.

The plot combines an inquisitive nearsighted bear, a runaway teardrop trailer and a couple of lighthearted misadventures. ‘Camping Spree’ is a terrific read-aloud picture book for every young child’s library, RVer or not.Ĭhris Van Dusen’s rhyming, brilliantly-illustrated story details a camping trip with Mr. Magee,” written and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen (Chronicle Books, 2003, $14.95, ISBN: 0-8118-3603-7). Here are four summer read suggestions for young RVers that are guaranteed to nip in the bud those dreaded words, “I’m bored.”

Trixie belden the red trailer mystery