Camping Adventure

Intrepid Molly and her cohort, tabby cat Emmett, head for the great backyard in this picture book inspired by the duo's comic-strip stories in Ladybug magazine. When Molly happens upon some old blankets and other treasures in the family basement, she hatches a plan: ""Let's camp out tonight, Emmett!"" Though Emmett's not too keen on the idea (he thinks it's going to rain), he joins in the preparations. Tent pitched, snacks, pillows, toys and other supplies laid in, the pair settles in for fun. Mother Nature, however, brings a swift end to their outdoor antics; luckily, Molly and Emmett have just as good a time in a pretend indoor tent. Hafner's spunky, good-natured characters have a great dynamic and handily convey humor and a sense of discovery in this longer format. The waggish ink-and-watercolor paintings brim with homey details as well as talk balloons that let Molly's and Emmett's personalities shine. Thorough information on planning a campout is included on the final three pages. Kids will also enjoy meeting Hafner's tabby Toby, the model for Emmett, on the book's back flap. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)