Day 93: A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee

Calling all campers!  This book is a must for you!  We first fell in love with Chris Van Duzen when we read The Circus Ship back on Day 61.  He is a master of fun, rhythmic verse (much like Bill Peet, in my opinion) and his illustrations have that certain je ne sais quoi.  I particularly love the way he is able to depict light and water in his art, with beautifully bold colors and a nuanced touch that bring his animated images to life.  A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee has a fabulously cool retro feel to it, too, from the style of the car and camper to Mr. Magee's glasses.   I just love it!  In this playful tale, Mr. Magee and his little dog, Dee, head out to the mountains for some good ol' camping fun.  They find the perfect spot -- high on a hill overlooking the mountains and a beautiful waterfall -- and settle in for the evening.  "Dee gathered pine cones and branches and logs.  Magee made a campfire and cooked some hot dogs.  And as the sun set behind far distant knolls, they sat roasting marshmallows over the coals."  But as Dee and Magee drift off to sleep, a marshmallow hungry bear comes along... setting them off on a silly, wild, precarious ride!  Having survived several different camping comedies of error myself, I can't help but be amused by this story; especially the very end.  I usually find myself craving s'mores after reading it, too.  Whether your idea of camping is pitching your tent after a long backwoods hike or checking in at the Marriot,  A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee is sure to delight you and your child.