Emma's Vacation

A welcome return for the cuddly and lovable bear-heroine of Fix-It and Emma's Pet. Emma and her parents have set off on vacation, but they get lost; they arrive at their cabin after dark; it's raining; and, the roof leaks. When the next morning dawns clear, a frantic adult quest for fun begins. They go up a mountain, out to lunch, ride a boat, a bus, a train and a rocket ship. Whew! The next day Emma introduces her idea of a vacation: wading in a brook, catching a fish, picking berries, climbing a tree and other activities. McPhail's soft-edged watercolors lend a reassuring tone to a story that rings true; he contrasts the glitz of amusement parks with the loving hugs of family togetherness. Wondering what type of vacation to take? Choose Emma's! Ages 2-5. (April)