The Graves Family Goes Camping

The Graves Family #2

by Patricia Polacco

A new adventure for Patricia Polacco's Graves Family.

When the Graves family goes camping, so do all their ghoulish sidekicks bats, spiders, and even their Venus flytrap. Yet nothing can prepare them for their latest companion: a fire-breathing dragon. The Graves family knows they've got to get rid of the dragon especially after the giant beast accidentally soaks all the town's fireworks just before the big Fourth of July celebration. The explosive solution is pure fun.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fantasy, Fiction, Humor, Halloween, Dragons

48 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2005

About the author

Patricia Polacco is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator with around seventy beloved and award-winning books to her credit, including The Keeping Quilt, Pink and Say, The Blessing Cup, Chicken Sunday, and Thank You, Mr. Falker. She resides in Michigan.

Reviews

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay! Phoebe, the giant Venus Flytrap plant, a wonderful character from The Graves Family, is back.

I think I might have enjoyed this sequel even more than the original book featuring the Graves family.

This book is replete with creative and hilarious names of things, people, creatures, and places.

This is a perfect book for kids who like scary books that aren’t really scary at all, but very funny and even a bit heartwarming.

The other Graves family book was a Halloween book, and in Union City, Michigan (the author’s home town) there really is a Graves’ family house and Polacco has a haunted house there every Halloween. This book takes place during the summer (yes, camping!) but has the ghoulishness often associated with Halloween.

I love the artwork, which is of a different style from that in many of Polacco’s books. I enjoy almost all of her illustrations but given that I’m reading through her books as quickly as only an addict would, I enjoyed the change of pace in this book and the first book featuring this family.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The highly unconventional Graves family - mad-scientist father Dr. Doug Graves, extremely innovative cook Shalleaux Graves, Venus fly-trap nanny Phoebe, young Hieronymus Graves (nicknamed Ronnie) and his two friends, Seth and Sara Miller, and the four toddlers - head to Lake Bleakmire for a camping trip in this sequel to their eponymous first adventure, The Graves Family . Here they encounter astonishing (and rather creepy) new species of spiders and toads, and, when Mrs. Graves' special treats, known as Jum Jills, are left out one night, a most unexpectedly un-extinct dragon! With a Jum Jill-obsessed fire-breather blocking their exit from the Lake Bleakmire valley, will the Graves ever get back to Union City...?

I enjoyed this second adventure with the Graves family, whose hilarious hi-jinks display the humorous, lighthearted side of Patricia Polacco's storytelling. These books are much more in the vein of madcap tales like The Bee Tree , than more historical stories like The Butterfly , or outright tearjerkers like The Lemonade Club , and while I admit that I prefer the latter, I do appreciate the sense of fun in the former. Polacco's creative naming here - Pitfall Bridge, Longbowel Cave - was particularly appealing.

[Aneesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd story, but a unique writer and lovely illustrations

[Krysten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: As a sequel to "The Graves Family," this books tells of the family's summer adventure to Lake Bleakmire, a long forgotten place of wonder and magical creatures. Once the family, their friends Sara and Seth, and, of course, the family nanny, Pheobe, the giant venus fly trap, all pack up and arrive at the lake, they are ready for excitement. They explore the lake and the surrounding forest until one day, they fall into a giant footprint of a fire-breathing dragon! Mrs. Graves makes her irresistible Jum Jills, which, if you eat more than one at a time, causes you to have an endless appetite for them. Unfortunately, the fire-breathing dragon does eat some! The dragon whittles down the Graves family's supplies until the run out while making more and more Jum Jills. They must leave Lake Bleakmire, but the dragon chases them home to Union City, where Dr. Graves is supposed to be planning the Fourth of July fireworks show. To save the day, Dr. Graves puts pyrotechnic powder into a batch of the Jum Jills for the dragon, which make her sneeze and cough out the best fireworks show anyone had seen in years. The dragon learns manners, and she lives happily as a friend to the Graves family in a hidden swamp outside the town.
Evaluation: I really like Patricia Polacco's Graves family stories, filled with crazy creatures and a very unconventional family. Her illustrations combine many different painterly techniques that are always alive with vibrant colors and details. This is definitely a fun book for kids, especially for some boys that will like all the spiders and other bugs and critters.

[Danielle Harriger · Rating 3 out of 5]

PB 22: Overall, I thought the story had many positive features, but I found that the plot line was somewhat bland. I appreciated that Polacco used complex vocabulary (such as “paraphernalia”) that was embedded into simple language so that children could use context-clues to deduce meanings of new words. I always enjoyed learning new words as a child, and I think children can benefit from hearing a variety of words. I was most drawn into the story by the captivating and detailed images, and I think children would love to see the impressive illustrations. However, the story gave excessive detail that often made me lose interest while reading. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the underlying idea that you can find companionship in someone you would never have originally expected, and I think that is a powerful message to carry.

[Linda Lipko · Rating 2 out of 5]

What fun it was to read this creative and delightfully silly book. The Graves family pack the spiders, venus fly trap and friends and head for Lake Bleakmere. Having great fun collecting rare specimens, the Grave's family take a break to eat some of Mamma Grave's famous Jum Jills.
When a huge dragon approaches and eats all the treats, demanding more, fearful of their lives, the Graves family find that the dragon blocked all exits.

Finding a steam boat, they head down the river to home. Followed close behind, Dr. Graves has a plan. The nasty dragon eats more Jum Jills, breathes and kaboom, the town has the largest display of light and fireworks ever known.

When the dragon, now known as Barbara learns to eat only one treat, he becomes part of the family.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun and exciting tale with a strange family, comparable to The Addams Family. They have odd names and scary pets and go on a fantastic camping adventure. The story is crazy and fun to read aloud and we really enjoyed it.

Although it isn't specifically a Halloween book and occurs during the summer, the creepy crawlies and ghoulish setting makes it a perfect book to read at the end of summer as Halloween approaches.

We haven't read The Graves Family yet, but we're putting it on hold and look forward to learning more about this eccentric family.

[Amy Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Graves Family Goes Camping - Patricia Polacco
This is the story of a very eccentric family and their camping trip to Lake Bleakmire. An unexplored and forgotten land filled with odd and outlandish creatures. While exploring one day the kids fall into a huge hole and are rescued by the family’s nanny, Phoebe a large Venus flytrap. Upon further investigation they discover the hole is actually a large footprint belonging to a fire-breathing dragon. Unfortunately, the dragon has found them as well and he doesn’t want them to leaver.
This a terrifically quirky book filled with unusual creepy crawly, slimy, furry, and strange creatures. A book boys will love. Recommended - Grades 1-3

[Adriana Fernández-Guillén · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was different from anything I had ever read in my life. I liked it because it made me think that I would show this book to third graders to show them the difference from fiction and nonfiction because in third grade is when they begin to be introduced to chapter books, books without images and they need to be conscience readers that not everything they read is real and this book is a great beginning mile stone to guide them that path. It also demonstrates family unity and friendships can't be retained and demanded and how sometimes being homesick you can bring your hole house or a special item that reminds you of home in this case they took their whole house.

[Caitlin Barclay]

This book is such an adventure! Even though most of the creatures that are discovered aren't real in this story, the idea of exploring them and researching them and collecting them, is a great way to get students excited about science and it's creatures (if students even need the encouragement). This is just a fun book and Polacco's use of adjectives really enhances the entire adventure! I would use this as an example of using words to make a writing better. This is a great book to read when students are feeling bored and tired. It is truly and adventure!

[Shellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because of my love for well illustrated children's books, someone recommended this author/illustrator - and I'm so glad!

This is a completely fun book, nothing serious about the story of a silly family outing. There are really clever words and word-twists; here are some of my favorites: the mother's name is Shalleaux Graves, they turn left at Longbowel Caves, and we all need a translanuageator!
This story is fun an creative and the illustrations are almost a story inside a story, take time to look at all the nooks and crannies, or you might miss something important.
Have fun.

[Jane Njoroge · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Graves Family Goes Camping by Patricia Polacco
The book is funny and involving.When the Graves family goes camping, so do all their ghoulish sidekicks—bats, spiders, and even their Venus Flytrap. Yet nothing can prepare them for their latest sidekick: a fire-breathing dragon, who eats the Graves family's irresistible Jum Jill and then follows them home like a stray kitten. How do they get rid of the dragon, especially after the giant beast accidentally soaks all the town's fireworks just before the big 4th of July celebration?

[Lauren Sharp]

Picture book- 5

I enjoyed this book because the story was more like a fantasy. I think my favorite genre is fantasy because I am a huge fan of Harry Potter and fairytales. My favorite thing about the book was the pink trailer because I always thought it would be so exciting to have something that did what their pink trailer did on the inside. It reminded me of Out of the Box! Their dragon adventure was funny and now I wonder what it would be like to eat a Jum Jelly. This is defiantly a family I would have picked to be apart of in another world.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me laughing out loud and can't wait to read it aloud to children...or whoever will listen. The illustrations are OUTSTANDING. (Loved the vocabualary words Patricia Polacco uses to perfection.)

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A longer picture book story suitable for about 1st - 3rd grades. Good, rousing adventure and problem-solving, with Polacco's signature paintings. Mrs. Graves looks like the Bride of Frankenstein with orange hair; her first name is Shalleaux.

[The Reading Countess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something feels wrong with the universe when I award JUST three stars to a Polacco book. Though I love her word use and easily recognizable artwork, this one did not appeal to me. Perhaps it's because I can't see her outside of her normal genre?

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good one from Patricia Polacco. Not sure she should have revisited the Graves family. Seems a little forced. Perhaps use with a tall tales unit -- or Halloween.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one doesn't have Christopher Lowell in it, so it made me sad...

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was ok

[E J · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story was waaay too long and the plot was confusing.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I'm going to start this review with my personal favorite thing about this picture book. Even though it's not the point of the story.

For a while now I've wondered, how can a picture book include some really excellent puns yet still be appropriate for children?

THROUGH NAMING, THAT'S HOW

Consider certain names in this book as special treats for the grownup picture book readers. Think of them maybe as clever consolations for having to spend protracted periods of time with very young people who -- delightful as they are --may not be ready to appreciate words of this caliber... for a decade or more. I'm talking about:

* Story heroine Shalleaux Graves.
* And Mayor Trenchmouth
* And so much more. Don't let me spoil the fun....

En route to their family vacation, Shalleaux's droll-and-zany husband, Dr. Graves, tells the family about Lake Bleakmire:

Oh, children, just think what we might find there: new species of spiders, giant swamp leeches, even the warty Toadus uglycus, And," his voice dropped to a whisper, "perhaps creatures for which we have no names."

OF COURSE, READERS WHO AREN'T UNREPENTANT WORD GEEKS WILL SIMPLY LOVE...

The twisty-turny plot, jammed with suspense. And Patricia's record-breaking wacky illustrations.
Plus every bit of this story, all of it is so worthy of FIVE STARS!

[Addison Children's Services · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Graves family goes camping to mysterious Lake Bleakmire, with some of their ghoulish sidekicks—bats, spiders, and even their Venus Flytrap. Yet nothing can prepare them for their latest sidekick. 6/13/2018

[Kelly Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I need to read the first Graves Family book, but I was a little disappointed with her illustrations of the monsters. They were a bit more cartoony, and didn't fit with her otherwise rich and detailed illustrations.

[Lorna Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another so-so story where the illustrations earn all the stars. Still cute and i'm sure kids will love it.

[Kev Willoughby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many different things happening in so few pages, with little continuity between the events. A very random story.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story more than the first Graves Family book, but it still is only 3 stars for me. The end of the story takes place on the fourth of July, which coincidentally is tomorrow!

[Kami · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too long, continuity lapses in several places, and difficult to read outloud due to flow. Ugh. Fun idea if it wasn't so poorly executed.

[Olivia Schlotman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent vocabulary! My 5 year old asked to read it again after completing the book. A funny adventure enjoyable for kids and adults! I definitely need to read more by Polacco!

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

A drag to get through, worse to read it out loud

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite a creepy book. Certainly pure fantasy of a strange kind