Amazon.com Amazon.com Review (ISBN 0439099773, Paperback)

When Monk decides it's a perfect night for his first solo camp-out, his parents are a bit nervous. "All by yourself?" his mother asks. Mom and Dad worry about the tent, his dinner, the dark. But Monk is confident. With only a little help from his parents, he sets up his tent and prepares for a night in the wilds of his backyard. All goes well until he wakes up in the middle of the night, realizing he desperately needs his baseball mitt, and rushes inside. Of course, just at that moment, his parents rush outside to check on Monk. The tender, if sleepy, morning reunion after a night of missed connections makes the whole adventure worthwhile.

A child's first foray into independence--every parent knows it will happen sooner or later. For the young adventurer who is almost but not quite ready to take that leap, this story is a sweet and comforting reminder that the first step doesn't have to be a scary one. Caldecott Medal winner Emily Arnold McCully (Mirette on the High Wire) delights readers young and old with her playful tales, endearing asides, and loose, relaxed watercolor illustrations. McCully's mice have appeared in several of her books, including the clever Mouse Practice, again starring her sincere yet fallible family. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter