Written by Laurel Finney: Learning & Education Specialist, mother of two, avid camper, and long-time lover of children’s books.
Storybooks help children to discover themselves and relate to the world around them.
Whether you’re planning your next camping trip, snuggled up in the tent on your favourite campsite, or at home reliving your most recent adventure, these camping-themed children’s books will be new bedtime favourites.
MAISY GOES CAMPING by Lucy Cousins
Recommended age: Two years and up
Join Maisy and her friends in this colourful first experiences book, as they work together to set-up a tent, sing songs around the campfire, and enjoy a night out under the stars.
INTO THE OUTDOORS by Susan Gal
Recommended age: Three years and up
Out of the city and in to the great outdoors, join this adventurous family of four as they pitch their tent, set off along a hiking trail, and enjoy a quiet night around the campfire. With an emphasis on words that describe special relationships, and a cast of wildlife companions, this book is a wonderful celebration of camping.
SCAREDY SQUIRREL GOES CAMPING by Mélanie Watt
Recommended age: Four years and up
Scaredy Squirrel is — you guessed it — scared of camping. Scaredy Squirrel attempts to enjoy camping from the comfort of his couch, but when things don’t go according to plan, Scaredy Squirrel comes to the realization that the wilderness is meant to be enjoyed up close, and that perhaps camping isn’t that scary after all.
LADYBUG GIRL AND BINGO By Jacky Davis
Recommended age: Four years and up
Join Ladybug Girl and Bingo on their first camping trip, as they engage in imaginative forest play, hike to the lake, rent a canoe, share a picnic lunch, get lost (and found), and share a magical evening around the campfire with their family.
TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS by Kate Kiesler
Recommended age: Four years and up
This wonderful little collection of poems and accompanying oil paintings captures the essence of family camping, and includes verses that celebrate setting up your tent, toasting marshmallows around the campfire, getting dressed in your sleeping bag, forest hikes, various wildlife encounters, and much more.
ALVIN HO: ALLERGIC TO CAMPING, HIKING, AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS By Lenore Look
Recommended age: Six years and up
Alvin is an endearing second grader who (much like Scaredy Squirrel), is afraid of everything — especially having to go on a camping trip with his father. Despite his reservation and a calamity of errors, and thanks to the support of his dad and little sister (who ends up sneaking on to the trip), Alvin’s camping trip is a surprising success. This is the second book in the Alvin Ho chapter book series, and much like the first, is sure to make you laugh out loud.