Emma's Vacation

by David McPhail

Emma's idea of a good vacation is quite different from that of her parents.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Animals, Transport, Summer, Childrens, Fantasy

24 pages, Hardcover

First published April 16, 1987

About the author

David was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts and attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. While there, he began illustrating. He is now an award-winning author and illustrator of nearly 200 books beloved by children, parents and librarians across the United States. McPhail has garnered many prestigious awards, including a New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year for Mole Music in 2001. McPhail’s other books include First Flight, which the New York Times praised as “hilarious and helpful”; and Lost!, which was chosen as an American Bookseller Pick of the Lists.

McPhail has four children, three stepchildren, and is a proud grandfather. He is married to Jan Waldron, with whom he has written and illustrated several books. He lives in Rye, New Hampshire.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree 100% with Emma. I do not consider visiting a big city or a tourist town a good vacation. Give me a town with strong community spirit, or a comfortable cabin outside of town, any day.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rowan likes it very much, and it is quite nice. The illustrations are very good. The text not quite as strong, but still very functional in its simplicity. A nice example of how to not over-explain the point, but let text and image work together to show you what's happening, then letting you fill in the primary point being made. A good one for parent and child to talk about.

[Emily Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only problem with this book is that it's too short--so short, it feels like it's missing a couple pages at the end.

The illustrations are solid gold and funny, the story says exactly what I think about vacations. Vacations can be chill, simple, and the itinerary should include everyone's ideas of fun, even if the fun isn't glamorous.

[Mellanie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dvid McPhail cannot fail!

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Emma and her parents go on vacation.

When Emma and her parents take a family vacation, her parents' preference fast paced commercial experiences conflict with Emma's desire for simple slow paced activities.

There is a marvelous illustration of Emma and her family visiting a drive-thru hamburger stand shaped like a giant hamburger.

I related to Emma's experience. As a child, I was dragged on many a family vacation packed with prescheduled predetermined activities and tourist attractions. None of us ever had a particularly good time. Instead of "going on vacation," I would have honestly preferred to stay home, watch tv, eat ice cream ever day, and not go to all my regularly scheduled activities, but the adults in my life never consulted me.

[Rebecca Snodgrass · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book itself wasn't that good. The illustrations were very cute, especially the one about the leaky roof. It would be a good book to read during the first week of school so you could ask kids if they went on vacation. It would also be a good book to read if you wanted your students to write about their perfect vacation just like the momma bear and papa bear asked the little bear what she would like to do best.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately to small to use in story time
Emma's idea of a good vacation is quite different from that of her parents.

[Rachel Rouleau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reminder that kids don't need a lot when it comes to vacations or quality time. They just want to be with you doing simple things.