Camping in the Wild

A reader's guide for what not to do on a camping trip, Camping in the Wild by Nicholas Oldland is a very funny camping season read.

The bear, the moose and the beaver have decided to go camping. They think they have things all figured out but a set of calamities bring chaos and confusion. Luckily they all remember the important camping tips to get their trip back on track.

Another hilarious story by Nicholas Oldland, who’s characters you may recognize from the clothing lines Hatley and Little Blue House. These characters and these stories feel quintessentially Canadian. Perhaps you are thinking about taking your first camping trip or your hundredth, this book is a lovely reminder of what can go very wrong and what can go very right when spending some time communing with the outdoors.

I love that there are some very important camping tips built into the story so even novice campers can feel some confidence heading out on trip. This story seemed to have found all of my worst nightmares when it comes to camping and put them altogether into one story. Actually, camping and me just don’t jive anymore but I love how this story is realistic while also being aspirational in some ways. When they finally get their acts together, the bear, the moose and the beaver have a wonderful time on their trip and aren’t the trips that include calamity the most memorable anyway?

The art is exactly what we have come to expect from the Life in the Wild series. The moose, the bear and the beaver always seemed shocked about the predicaments they find themselves in, much to the laughter of readers. The simple, bold drawings contain so much vigour and ensure readers will be laughing, gasping and screaming along with the gang.