Arthur's Family Vacation: An Arthur Adventure

Featuring Arthur's skeptical face and a sneering, inflatable shark strapped to the suitcase-stuffed family car, Brown's cover art gives a good indication of the fun that lies ahead--for young readers, if not necessarily for their favorite aardvark clan. From the moment school lets out for the summer, Arthur grumbles about having to spend a whole week on vacation with his family while best friend Buster heads to Camp Meadowcroak. Arriving at the Ocean View Motel, the family discovers they'll all be sleeping in one tiny room--and swimming in a pool that D.W. insists is smaller than their bathtub. When relentless rains drown their hopes of fun in the sun, their father takes them on a series of soggy field trips, to such attractions as the Cow Festival and Jimmy's Jungle Cruise. Arthur and his family eventually get their day at the beach--but just one, since they must head home the day after the sun finally appears. Offering substantial doses of Brown's trademark understated humor and art brimming with witty details, this diverting caper makes numerous visual references to a popular New England vacation spot. Ages 4-8. ( May )