cover image Camp Rex

Camp Rex

Molly Idle. Viking, $16.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-670-78573-5

The big green tyrannosaurus rex from Caldecott Honor artist Idle’s Tea Rex has some prehistoric friends with him this time around, and they’re all going camping. The decorum-minded girl from the previous book remains in charge—with her oversize taupe hat, kerchief, and tailored jacket, she’s channeling some serious Juliette Gordon Low—and her guidelines and instructions go hilariously awry. “Refrain from disturbing the natural landscape,” she says as T. rex presents a beehive to the group, forcing them into the lake to escape the angry swarm (“There’s nothing more refreshing than a dip in a mountain lake”). Once again, the deadpan writing and careful compositions work in tandem for maximum comic impact. Ages 3–5. Agent: Lori Nowicki, Painted Words. (Apr.)