A Room with a View

A reluctant camper navigates wilderness adventures with his mother in a nimble picture book by Ho (Becoming Boba) and Mesquita (Giraffe in Space and Other Silly Poems). Though Mama is deeply enthusiastic about the outdoors, young Oliver dreads driving long distances in the jam-packed car and pitching a tent where bats, bears, or bugs might lurk. Yet Mama’s energy—particularly her joyous declaration, “Now this is a room with a view!”—makes camping memorable. Kid-like language (“a billion gazillion infinity times ten”) relates the Sturm und Drang of outdoor adventuring (marshmallow mishaps) alongside its charms (s’mores), while spatter-textured, digitally finished acrylic and gouache illustrations depict the duo’s world in rich jewel tones. It’s an affectionate look at ups and downs that strengthen a familial bond. The characters are portrayed with brown skin. An author’s note, tips for adventuring, and a listing of U.S. national parks conclude. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Caryn Wiseman, Andrea Brown Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Jemiscoe Chambers-Black, Andrea Brown Literary. (May)