Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters

Outside of his home, family and frinds, Alvin is shy, quiet and fearful. When his father decides they will go camping, the terrifying idea encompasses all Alvin's fears: natural disasters, pit toilets, death, bear attacks. But with the help of Uncle Dennis' secret survival tips, little sister Anibelly's fearlessness, and a Batman ring, Alvin ends up enjoying the camping trip...more or less. A spirited romp all the way through as Alvin tackles the many challenges of his young life. I especially love LeUeyen Pham's illustrations; her kids are adorably stout and earnest!

Alvin Ho does not think the great outdoors is great. It is super-duper scary. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Flash floods
2. Meteorites
3. Lots of creepy trees
4. Pit toilets!
Luckily, when his dad suggests--gulp!--a camping trip, Alvin is prepared. He has:
1. A portable generator
2. Night-vision goggles
3. Toilet paper
4. More toilet paper!
So grab your mosquito netting and your heavy-duty flashlight and experience the great outdoors with the one and only Alvin Ho.

Alvin’s father wants to take him on a camping trip hoping to inspire the love of nature he discovered as a young boy, but Alvin, “being of a scaredy mind,” is not looking forward to their adventure in the great outdoors. The Chinese American protagonist wears his emotions on his sleeves, worries easily, is scared of many, many things, and is a loveable and relatable character for those who find themselves feeling anxious about everyday things. Both Alvin’s point of view and the illustrations together reflect the amusing and endearing perspective and emotion of a typical second grader. Readers will find themselves routing for Alvin as he finds his courage to face his fears. Brief chapters, occasional full page and smaller pen show more illustrations inset within the text, plenty of white space, and a glossary written by Alvin himself make this a perfect book for the young reader, ages 7-10, who is transitioning into chapter books. show less

I love Alvin Ho. He is such a lovable character, and even though he is afraid of everything, he still manages to be brave. He likes his family, siblings included, which I find a rare in children's lit. I like that these books are fun and have a diverse cast of characters.

Alvin is becoming a series. After you read the first book, you wonder if the second book will be any better. This was beyond charming. I loved the discussion about wills, and the road to camping was wonderful. The ending of the book is a hoot. I have no worries about reading future editions of Alvin's adventures.

Alvin Ho is back and still afraid of everything - especially camping even though his Dad will be there and worries about everything that could go wrong. Alvin has a way of imagining scary things in seemingly safe places but overcomes his fears when called upon. His strength and courage are endearing to readers and children everywhere will love Alvin for it. The short chapters and expressive illustrations help readers connect to the story and provide context for struggling readers. The glossary, written by Alvin, will also help the reader through references to chinese words. Recommended for readers ready for the next step up from a transitional chapter book and those who already have a soft spot in their heart for Alvin.

Alvin Ho is back and this time he's facing something even scarier than school: camping. Do you know what could happen to you when you're camping? You could be attacked by bears! You could get lost in the woods! There could be a tornado or an earthquake or a flood! So Alvin had better be prepared...

This is a sweet, funny story that's very well-written. Alvin Ho is a likeably imperfect character and the supporting characters in the story (namely Alvin's sister and dad in this book) are add to the story. The illustrations also add to the warm humor of the story. Highly recommended.