Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems

After serving as a girl scout camp counselor for a summer, the poetry in this book certainly has meaning to me. The poems are wonderfully supported by soft painted illustrations. The story behind the poetry is a girl and her family going on a camping trip together... maybe an annual event. Written in her point of view, there are images of the animals she sees, scenes from the campsite, interactions with her family, introspective reactions to nature and the trip home. I like the poetry itself for its imagery and emotional value. They are short, sweet and to the point, but very meaningful. I think my favorite poem is the one about the girl and her brother arguing about what is making the sounds at night outside their tent.

There are, in each of Kristine O'Connell George's books, moments that make you gasp with the depth of insight she's put into words. "Toasting Marshmallows" is no different in that respect and is a joy to read. George has captured the sights, sounds -- and silences that are part of camping. With humor and joy, the camping experience -- from setting up the tent to listening to an owl --is illuminated and enhanced by the words in this delightful book of poems. A treasure for the summer -- and all year round!