The Infamous Ratsos Camp Out - by Kara Lareau (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Louie and Ralphie Ratso and the rest of the Big City Scouts are going camping for the first time. And they have a special guide: Grandpa Ratso! Grandpa teaches everyone the Scouts oath, which says Scouts are always able to solve problems without asking for help. But the Scouts soon discover that figuring out how to pitch a tent, make a fire, and find their way is tough to do by themselves. In fact, not asking for help isn't working at all, and everybody is hungry, tired, lost, and itchy! Luckily, someone unexpected sets things straight about what the oath really says--and it isn't about doing things on your own!"--

Book Synopsis

Louie and Ralphie discover that camping is not easy -- especially since Scoutmaster Grandpa Ratso doesn't think they should ask for help -- in the latest adventure in the Infamous Ratsos series.

Ralphie and Louie Ratso and the rest of the Big City Scouts are leaving the city to go camping for the first time. And they have a special guide: Grandpa Ratso! He was Scoutmaster when Ralphie and Louie's dad, Big Lou, was a kid. Grandpa teaches everyone the Scouts motto he still remembers, which says that Big City Scouts are always able to solve problems without asking for help. But the Scouts soon find that figuring out how to pitch a tent, make a fire, and find their way through the woods is tough to do by themselves. In fact, not asking for help isn't working at all! Luckily for the Scouts, someone unexpected comes along to set them all straight about what the motto really says: Scouts have the courage to ask for help and work together. Kara LaReau and Matt Myers team up again to combine witty text and humorous illustrations for the fourth book in the Infamous Ratsos series.

Review Quotes

The story's climax brings in Grandma Ratso to set everyone straight, clearing up some confusion about the oath and reinforcing the message that it's both smart and good to ask for help... the humor and funny illustrations make for a worthy compass. Campy (and camping) humor and a solid message will have readers wanting s'more!
--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Kara LaReau is the author of numerous picture books, as well as the middle-grade series the Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters. She lives in Providence, Rhode Island.

Matt Myers is the illustrator of E-I-E-I-O: How Old MacDonald Got His Farm (with a Little Help from a Hen) by Judy Sierra, and Pirate's Perfect Pet by Beth Ferry, as well as many other books for young readers. Matt Myers lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.