May 15, 2003
Gr. 1-2. When Benny goes to overnight camp for the first time, he covers his insecurities and mistakes with one boastful show of bravado after another. Tired of his bragging, his cabinmates take the "blankie" he sleeps with and run it up the flagpole for everyone to see. Bennie regains their respect only after acknowledging that he's not "the best at everything." Though the story pokes fun at Benny's faults, he remains a sympathetic character and even emerges as a hero in the end. The bright, cartoon-style illustrations dramatize the kids' actions and exaggerate their reactions, leaving no doubt about the characters' emotions. From the All Aboard Reading series, this book, with its colorful artwork, offers a glimpse of the activities and pranks at camp, as well as telling a lively story for young readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2003
At sleep-away camp for the first time, Benny doesn't listen to directions and brags too much about how good he is at everything. His campmates decide to teach him a lesson and hang his security blanket on the flagpole. When the group becomes lost on an overnight camping trip, however, Benny's directional skills set them on the right track. This overlong and didactic easy reader is illustrated with cartoonish art.
(Copyright 2003 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)