Camping and bushwalking books for kids

[Moondog55]

So the tadpole is pestering her mother for a trip to the snow because "Granpa" goes "All the time and I never get to go to the snow an I wanna"
Actually I don't mind taking her but I don't think she really has any understanding of what is involved
I've been looking for books about camping suitable for somebody who has just started reading; self explanatory pictures would be a great help
Said tadpole has the metabolism of a hyper active shrew and has trouble understanding "Dressing for the cold" as even in the middle of winter here she goes in shorts and a shimmy and barefoot when not at school
Any titles you can think of or links would be read with gratitude
if I could borrow a book or three and return them later that would be great also
I blame Disney and the movie "Frozen'

[stry]

Does she actually need any understanding to go with you ?

Perhaps simply enjoy the experience and explain things as you go may work ?

Mine seemed to soak it up with a low key informal approach. I'm still pleasantly by what they seem to have listened to and retained.

[Moondog55]

I think this one needs to understand WHY granpa is making her put clothes on before we go, just so I know everything fits and layers as it should
The kid likes cartoons and pictures [ she has mild Aspergers ] and I think this is all a part of the preparation

I was hoping there would be some sort of pre-school or kindergarten book with cartoon pictures showing how to layer and why
I wish I could draw; I'd write my own book "Juliet Goes To the Snow and Goes Camping" for her
I know all this stuff but I don't have the skills to translate that knowledge into 7YO talk

[ErichFromm]

not quite what you are talking about MD, but after seeing your post I thought it was a great idea so searched online for some general books on camping for toddlers... more to foster the desire to do it. there are a couple: topsy and tom go camping, mailey goes camping.

[Moondog55]

Those books are perfect for Tadpoles little brother who is 4
I'm beginning to think I should write that book, I wish I could draw tho
Trouble is I don't tend to think in simple explanations
Important things like If lost Stay Still and Stop Where you Are sound simple in theory but hard to make understandable for toddlers and younger kids whose instinct is to run for mummy
Likewise Dress Warm Now-Not When You feel Cold is a hard concept for adults let alone kids

[ribuck]

Any number of children's christmas story books have snow scenes that show appropriate clothing.

But I would just start by taking her to the snow. Do short excursions/activities. While you are putting on your extra layers, the chances are that she will be happy to do that too. Especially if it's her "special, new" clothes that you bought specially for this trip, and which she hasn't yet been allowed to wear because they are "clothes for the snow".

But if she doesn't, don't sweat it. Take her warm clothes with you. If she is cold, you can give them to her. If she doesn't ask for them, don't sweat it. She will get cold, but won't realise until after the short excursion/activity, when she finds that it takes a long time to get warm again. Then she has learned the lesson for next time, and you can start doing more ambitious excursions/activities.

[Moondog55]

Hi ribuck
Unfortunately I can't start with day trips etc as I will be skiing the season and camping at Pretty Valley and surrounds and for Tadpole to visit will need a long walk in
Aspergers kids are different Brilliant but different

[sim1oz]

Moondog, write the book! Then find a publisher and let the publisher find an illustrator.

[Moondog55]

Moondog, write the book! Then find a publisher and let the publisher find an illustrator.

I wish I could
Writing for kids is hard, it's hard because you need to keep it simple; very simple and logical but fun and witty at the same time. Widget is a very high functioning Aspergers too which makes giving instruction just that little more difficult.
There won't be that normal logical progression from day walks to overnite camps that makes the learning process easier, hence the need for the book

[walkerchris77]

When i was young my dad made me read the melways when i was bored. I still get lost sometimes. Rip dad.

[Moondog55]

Found a couple with help from the US forums

http://www.amazon.com/Jacket-I-Wear-Sno ... 87&sr=1-14

http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Weather-Book ... 601&sr=1-1

[Son of a Beach]

I reckon you've got a great idea for a book that could be both fun and instructional. If you do want to get a book created, I know the author of a good children's book and may be able to put you in touch with her.

I don't know if she's planning any other books right now, but it may be something you could work together on.

Last edited by Son of a Beach on Thu 21 Jan, 2016 6:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Moondog55]

I do think a book like this would be very useful
Everything I have found about dressing for the snow is aimed at adults and parents not the kids themselves
Would she be interested tho?

[Son of a Beach]

I'll ask her and find out. If so, I'll put you both in touch with each other.

[Moondog55]

PM incoming

[Son of a Beach]

Gottit. I'll let you know what she thinks of the idea.

[Moondog55]

Information builds
It's taken me my whole life to learn this stuff
If writing for kids in what order would you list the important stuff?
Apart from always remembering to take the whistle, raincoat and glow stick I have always thought that getting small kids to stay in one spot as soon as they get even a little lost was the hardest part

[Nuts]

Have you seen Wes's book MD?, different concept but I like the style: http://www.appinhall.com/Books/tabid/49 ... fault.aspx

[Moondog55]

Is there a preview available anywhere?
What age group is it written for?

[Nuts]

Standby ;

[Moondog55]

Having a go at it
Not so easy at all

[ErichFromm]

MD - recently received two books I mentioned previously. last pic is a sample page where the kids are lost but remember advice from their parents to follow the arrows back to camp. similar approach could be taken to warm clothes etc...

Attachments

[Moondog55]

Thanx Eric
I was talking to the Widget about camping and walking the other day and I asked the question
"What do you do if you discover you are lost?" Her 3YO brother pipes up immediately and says "Stop. Stay still. Stay there" which is absolutely correct and means the kids are actually listening to me
Now all I need to be able to instill is the skill set to use the plastic bag survival technique and try and remember to always carry the bag on walks

[whynotwalk]

Hey Moondog - have you seen the kid's book for the Overland Track? A couple of sample pages are attached. You can get the book from Tas Parks on-line shop here https://shop.parks.tas.gov.au/ProductInfo.aspx?id=219 A friend of mine co-wrote this, and it's the kind of "for kids" book that sucks adults in too. Sure, it's specific to those walking the Overland Track, but there are some excellent ideas on how to enthuse kids about what they see and do on a bushwalk.

cheers

Peter

[Moondog55]

OK Thanx I'll be buying that one on payday
Others I will try and find at the local library

[Gullivers3]

moonman in your telling of your adventures you may have over sold the reality. little person cold/bored.wait a while.

[Moondog55]

I can't really wait a while Gulliver, said 7YO really wants to come
My own kids were already skiing when I first took them snow-camping about the same age
I've never told the kids about my mishaps luckily