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Whether camping out in the wilderness or in your own backyard, Curious Parents offers you four books to help you commune with nature while celebrating American Values this Fourth of July.

A Week in the Woods
by Andrew Clements
Ages 9 to 13

Rich kids are snobs and slackers. They think they're too good for anyone else, and that they don't have to work hard at anything. That, at least, is the opinion of fifth-grade science teacher Mr. Maxwell, and the super-rich new kid, Mark Chelmsley, is showing no signs of transcending the stereotype. The battle between student and teacher comes to a head at the school's annual camp out-A Week in the Woods-where Mr. Maxwell accuses Mark of breaking a rule-without getting all the facts that would have proven his innocence. Mark escapes into the woods before he can be driven home: "If Mr. Maxwell wants to get rid of me so bad, then he's gonna have to find me first!" Will Mark survive on his own in the woods overnight? What will Mr. Maxwell do when he learns his own prejudices have colored his judgment? What starts out as a school camp out turns into a terrifically suspenseful survival story of a man and boy who come head-to-head, and learn a few lessons while they're at it. Readers will be on the edges of their seats! Simon & Schuster 2002. $16.95.

A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee
by Chris Van Dusen
Ages 4 to 8

Mr. Magee and his trusty dog, Dee, are enjoying a peaceful camping trip when all of a sudden they find themselves plunging down a mountain and teetering on the edge of a huge waterfall! How will they find their way out of this slippery situation? Chris Van Dusen, the creator of Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee, has filled this new adventure with charming illustrations and a playful, rhyming text. A fun read-aloud for children (and adults!) on campouts or snuggling at home! Chronicle Books 2003. $14.95.

Our Big Home: An Earth Poem
by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Elisa Kleven
Ages 5 to 9

A beautifully illustrated celebration of the air and water and soil and sky and sun and rain that we all share! Long-time Millbrook favorite Linda Glaser teams with best-selling illustrator Elisa Kleven in this clear and direct concept book about the coexistence of human beings with other living things in this big home we call Earth. Millbrook Pr Trade 2002. $7.95.

Disney's Americana Storybook Collection
by Sarah Heller
Ages 4 to 8

What could be more American than Mickey Mouse, Paul Bunyan and Dumbo? Disney celebrates 17 classics in this lavish storybook collection, from the well-known ("Casey at the Bat," "Pollyanna," "Old Yeller") to the less familiar ("The Ugly Dachshund," "Pluto Pup Goes to Sea," "Mickey's Walt Disney World Adventure"). This 320-page treasury, illustrated in the cartoon-style generations of children have grown to love, will be a gem in every family's bookshelf, American or not. Disney Press 2002. $15.99.