Here's the second book in the beloved and hilarious Alvin Ho chapter book series, which has been compared to Diary of a Wimpy Kid and is perfect for both beginning and reluctant readers. Alvin, an Asian American second grader who's afraid of everything, is back, and his worst fear has come he has to go camping. What will he do exposed in the wilderness with bears and darkness and . . . pit toilets? Luckily, he’s got his night-vision goggles and water purifying tablets and super-duper heavy-duty flashlight to keep him safe. And he’s got his dad, too. From Lenore Look and New York Times bestselling illustrator LeUyen Pham comes a drop-dead-funny and touching series with a truly unforgettable character.“Shares with Diary of a Wimpy Kid the humor that stems from trying to manipulate the world.” —Newsday “Alvin’s a winner.” —New York PostFrom the Hardcover edition.
I first began making picture books in kindergarten because my other career option at the time was stealing. But a life of crime requires practice and patience, neither of which I had, so I settled into industry, making what I coveted but what my parents could not afford to buy: beautiful books like the ones my teacher read to us in school.
Publishing was no problem in those days, not like it is now. By first-grade, I was my own publisher, making multiple copies of my books by hand. As for fame and fortune, I took care of that, too–I taught my brothers and the neighborhood kids how to wait in line for autographed copies, and I charged them 25 cents a book (an enviable paperback royalty today!), but also accepted candy.
By third grade, I had abandoned the literary scene. My parents had bought an old piano and signed me up for lessons and, thus, I began dreaming of becoming a world-famous concert pianist.
Then I came across a book on Maria Tallchief, and became a ballerina, just like that. I weighed only 40 pounds and could leap and pirouette all day without stopping. It was a lot easier than becoming a pianist.
Then I read a book about a surgeon, and one about a veterinarian, and another about a great tennis player . . . and I found myself wanting to become whatever I’d last read.
Eventually I grew up and became a newspaper reporter. It was the perfect job for me. I got paid to do the two things I loved most: writing and being curious. Working as a reporter taught me how to talk to people, how to find the story behind the story, and how to tell a story in a way that keeps a reader reading. I learned to listen to the way people talk. I learned to be precise and concise in my own choice of words. Best of all, the more I wrote, the more I was filled with a sense of wonder. I loved writing not only about what happens to people, but also about what happens inside of them, which is what writing for children is all about, but I didn’t yet know it.
It wasn’t until I became a mother and began reading children’s books again that I felt what the Chinese call yun fuen, a continuing of work begun in past lives. I had long forgotten my early foray into picture books, the thread I’d dropped in kindergarten, a thin rig, like the one a spider would use in rising. I had journeyed nearly 30 years down through space by then, unaware of my silken strand. Then one afternoon, with my two young children clamoring for something to do, I showed them how to fold paper into a book . . . picked up some crayons and a pen, and then . . . felt myself rising . . . returning to that place where I began, that brief age in which I had so many talents, and leapt and pirouetted into the sun, and could not stop.
This book offers an interesting take on the typical kid-lit genre. It's the second book in the Alvin Ho series by Lenore Look and LeUyen Pham.
The main protagonist is the middle child of a Chinese family who has close relationships with his extended family. He lives in Concord, Massachusetts and refers often to the historical figures and events that took place there, especially during the Revolutionary War.
Another interesting aspect of the story is the dread he experiences when his dad wants to take him camping. His uncle gives him some tips and tricks to make his trip better.. He also keeps his Personal Disaster Kit (PDK) with him, just in case, protecting himself from viruses and other things in the air with an N-95 mask long before COVID was a thing.
The book is a quick read and I would recommend it for both boys and girls in elementary school.
Alvin Ho gets a Houdini kit and ties himself up. Right when he thinks he is going to die his dad comes to save him. Bringing up camping Alvin Ho get himself having to go camping with his dad. His classmates find out and play camping at recess. The girls make their tent out of twigs but the boys are not so brilliant. the boys strip their clothes of and use it. The boys get caught in a tree and they have to get the fire truck to rescue him. Now Alvin is finding himself even more scared of camping. Going to his older brother for help they order crazy stuff off the internet with their dad's emergency credit card. Their uncle gives Alvin his batman ring and some tips and Alvin is almost ready to go. Just one problem he is still scared. Alvin's sister comes along and they even make a new friend! Plus they get to make traps and you now what their dad even gets caught in one:) It turns out camping is not that bad after all.
Just finished reading the second one. I have to say, I liked it better than the first one. Although the over use of 'on account of' was somewhat of a mood killer for me, overall it was a very good read. I was unable to stop myself from laughing out loud on occasions.
Apa kabar? Berapa usiamu sekarang? Kalau kamu membaca surat ini sekarang, usia saya sudah jauh lebih tua dari kamu. Mungkin kira-kira kita berbeda 18 tahunan ya. Saya seusia guru-guru kamu di sekolah saat ini. Iya, gurumu yang cantik itu, siapa namanya? Aduh kok saya lupa. Itu loh, yang sepupuan dengan Bapak Darnius guru seni lukis. Yaa, kira-kira saya sudah mirip seperti dia lah. Cantiknya. *uhuk* *batuk-batuk*
Menyenangkan sekali, Farah, menjadi orang dewasa itu. Kami bisa tidur jam 2 pagi, kemudian menonton apa saja yang kami mau di televisi. Iya betul. Jam 2 pagi. Tapi kami juga akhirnya mengantuk kok di tempat kerja kami di pagi hari :D Oh, di dunia kami sekarang sudah tidak ada lagi acara Dunia Dalam Berita jam 9 sampai 9.30 yang selalu memotong jam tayang film yang sedang kamu tonton itu. Masih tidak suka sama acara Dunia Dalam Berita? Sayang sekali, padahal itu lumayan penting lho. Minimal kamu jadi tahu apa yang terjadi di negara lain. Iya sih, emang bosenin. Bikin ngantuk. Makanya kamu selalu ngga berhasil melanjutkan nonton film yang terpotong itu, kan? Soalnya kamu besok harus bangun pagi untuk sekolah lagi. Kalau memaksakan diri untuk nonton, kamu baru bisa tidur jam 10.30, dan besok pagi kamu pasti ngantuk seharian di sekolah.
Loh? Saya sudah mengoceh panjang lebar, tapi belum memperkenalkan diri ya? Saya Farah. Iya, nama kita sama. Tanggal lahir kita juga sama lho. Tapi bedanya, saya lebih tua daripada kamu. Saat ini, kamu boleh deh menganggap saya kakak kamu. Kamu kan selalu ingin punya kakak perempuan? :)
Bagaimana si bawel Fira? Harusnya dia sekarang kelas 2 SD ya? Apa kabar juga Mama dan Papa? Apa kabar Ibu dan Bapak? Bahagia ya, Farah, saat bisa berkumpul dengan mereka semua :)
Amatilah baik-baik bagaimana Bapak selalu mempersiapkan dirinya sendiri sebelum waktu shalat Jumat tiba, Farah. Hiruplah dalam-dalam harum minyak wanginya yang selalu kamu suka itu. Dengarkan suaranya lamat-lamat, tatap matanya, berikan pelukan setiap kali mau berkunjung ke rumahnya.
Perhatikan baik-baik bagaimana Ibu memasak di dapurnya yang mungil itu. Nikmati setiap gigitan dari masakan yang ia buat untukmu. Iya, saya tahu, susu yang dia buatkan untukmu selalu kemanisan. Tidak apa, tidak perlu cemberut. Bagi dua saja di gelas yang lain, lalu mintalah untuk dituangkan sedikit air panas. Ya? Ingat lah itu semua, simpan baik-baik di dalam kepalamu. Suatu hari, semua itu akan jadi kenangan berharga bagimu saat kamu dewasa. Saya sudah tidak lagi memiliki kakek dan nenek seperti kamu, Farah. Kakek dan Nenek saya sudah meninggal dunia. Kamu beruntung :)
Apa Farah masih takut tidur sendirian di kamar dengan lampu dimatikan? Apa masih harus ada mama yang menemani hingga kamu tertidur, setelah itu, baru mama boleh pindah ke kamarnya sendiri? Tidak apa-apa. Nanti juga kamu belajar jadi berani. Nikmati saja masa-masa dimana kamu bisa memeluk mama sambil tertidur. Saya sudah jarang sekali bisa memeluk mama saya hingga tertidur. Kadang saya merindukan masa-masa saya bisa bercerita kepada beliau tentang apa saja sebelum kami tertidur.
Kamu masih takut berenang kah? Saya beritahu satu rahasia kecil, mau? Lemak dan air tidak berteman. Lemak akan selalu mengapung di permukaan air. Dan tubuh kita bukan batu. Kita punya lemak yang bisa membantu kita tetap mengapung di permukaan air. Tapi tentu saja kamu harus mau menggerakkan kaki dan tanganmu. Jadi jangan pernah takut tenggelam, ya? Belajar saja pelan-pelan. Mama atau Papa bisa mengajarimu kok.
Dulu saya juga sama seperti kamu, saya takut menyentuh alat-alat elektronik. Karena saya juga takut kesetrum. Tapi saya punya cara sendiri untuk belajar bagaimana caranya supaya tidak kesetrum. Saya akan menggunakan alat bantu seperti ujung pensil untuk menyalakan lampu kamar, atau lap kering untuk memasang colokan kabel tv ke tempatnya. Coba tanyakan pada Bapak, dimana tempat-tempat yang amat untuk memegang dan menyentuh alat-alat elektronik itu tanpa harus takut tersetrum. Bapak adalah ahli listrik yang hebat, lho. Kamu tahu itu kan?
Farah, saat ini seharusnya kamu sudah mulai bertanya-tanya, siapa saya, dan kenapa saya menuliskan ini kepada kamu. Saya tahu kamu punya banyak sahabat pena. Dan kamu akan sangat senang sekali kalau sahabat penamu itu mengirimkan surat ke kantor pos sekolah. Nah, saya adalah salah satu sahabat pena kamu sekarang. Saya mungkin akan beberapa kali menulis kepadamu. Tapi sayangnya, kamu tidak bisa selalu membalas surat saya ini. Karena katakanlah, saya tinggal berpindah-pindah.
Tapi kamu mau janji satu hal? Kamu boleh tuliskan surat balasan untuk saya di buku harianmu. Tuliskan semua yang ingin kamu ceritakan kepada saya disana. Saya tahu kamu mulai suka menulis buku harian akhir-akhir ini. Nanti kalau kita bisa bertemu, kamu bawa ya, buku harian itu. Saya akan membaca semuanya, saya janji.
Saya tahu kamu ingin cepat-cepat jadi orang dewasa dan cepat-cepat jadi cantik. Tenang saja, Farah. Nanti juga kamu akan cantik dengan sendirinya. Coba lihat Mama. Mama cantik kan? Nanti kalau sudah dewasa, kamu akan seperti dia. Jadirasanya, tidak apa-apa untuk sering main di luar rumah sepulang sekolah. Asal jangan lupa pulang setiap jam 4 supaya kamu bisa mandi sebelum pergi ngaji.
Tidak apa-apa untuk takut sesekali, Farah. Seperti kalau kamu belum selesai menghapalkan surat-surat pendek untuk pelajaran Agama Islam, atau pasal-pasal di UUD 1945 untuk pelajaran PMP. Tapi yang tidak boleh itu, lari dari tanggung jawab. Kalau kamu tidak masuk cuma karena kamu takut gurumu akan marah karena kamu tidak selesai menghapalkan, kamu yang rugi. Tidak bisa ikut pelajaran musik, olahraga, menggambar, tidak bisa jajan, tidak bisa ketemu teman. Iya kan? Mama selalu mau membantu untuk menghapalkan itu semua. Makanya tulis semua peermu di buku penghubung. Jangan sampai lupa.
Satu lagi, jangan pernah ragu-ragu untuk minta maaf kalau kamu tahu kamu sudah berbuat salah. Karena itu adalah hal yang paling benar untuk dilakukan. Setelah itu, kamu boleh bertanya bagaimana cara memperbaiki kesalahanmu itu. Setiap kesalahan pasti bisa diperbaiki, cepat atau lambat. Ya?
Saya tidak bisa menulis terlalu banyak hari ini. Tapi saya akan mengirimkan surat lagi kepada kamu. Mungkin kalau kamu sudah agak besar nanti. Tetap sayang pada adik dan orang tuamu, ya?
Salam sayang, Farah.
Catatan:
Kalau bisa, surat ini akan saya kirimkan kepada saya yang berusia 9 tahun dan sedang duduk ke kelas 4 atau 5 sekolah dasar :)
Farah kecil takut menyentuh barang-barang elektronik karena pernah kesetrum pintu pegangan kulkas Cosmos di dapur dulu. Dan tidak cuma itu, adiknya pernah kesetrum pintu pegangan kulkas yang sama, lalu dia berusaha menarik tangan adiknya, lalu dia ikut kesetrum juga, lalu mama berusaha menarik tangan keduanya, lalu mama ikut kesetrum juga. Lalu setelah lepas dari pegangan kulkas yang nyetrum itu, ketiganya menangis sambil berpelukan. Besoknya mama baru memasang kain pelapis di pintu pegangan kulkas itu. Sejak saat itu, dia jadi takut sekali menyentuh alat-alat elektronik.
Tidak ada yang berubah saat saya menuliskan ini untuk diri saya sendiri di masa lalu. Hanya saja 2 orang tersayang yang kini tidak lagi bersama kami. Kakek saya pergi meninggalkan kami semua pada tahun 1996, dan nenek saya menyusul beliau 12 tahun kemudian. Ibu, dan Bapak, ketahuilah bahwa kalian selalu hidup di dalam hati dan jiwa saya, hingga hari ini. Dan saya rindu.
Dan saya telah membiarkan buku ini menarik saya kembali ke kehidupan masa kecil yang sederhana dulu. Saya yang belajar dari pengalaman mencoba-coba, yang takut akan banyak hal, yang suka merasa kalau adik saya menyebalkan dan curang, dan saya yang merasa senang akan hal-hal sederhana.
The first book in the series is one of my all-time favorite read-alouds for class. The situations Alvin navigates throughout the vignettes are as relatable for kids as they are hilarious. The second book is just as funny, but less relatable. At least half my students had no reference points for the outdoorsy elements; I had to pause to explain camping minutiae.
Another complaint that pertains only to reading this aloud... book two spends much less time with the characters outside the Ho family, has fewer opportunities for distinct, fun voices.
Still, it's such a joy to watch as kids connect with Alvin, realize how similar their lives and concerns are to his. Lenore Look pulls off the magic trick of making anxiety funny without demeaning, dismissing, or making fun of those who suffer from it. Reading these books to students allows me the privilege of watching them learn to empathize in realtime.
The opening chapters felt a bit like a re-do of the early parts of the first book, this time with Alvin getting stuck in the basement after a mishap involving a "Houdini Escape Kit" that was a surprise gift from Alvin's Uncle Dennis. This does lead to an interesting dream sequence involving a young Henry David Thoreau, which then leads into the theme of the story: Alvin's fears about the outdoors, and an upcoming father/son camping trip.
Uncle Dennis is a fun addition to the cast, and his camping advice was an entertaining mix of the practical and the ridiculous. Flea continues to be a great supporting character, but Alvin's attitude toward her continues to feel less like anxiety and more like sexism.
The story picks up once we get to the actual camping, with some amusing slapstick comedy, along with some genuine bonding and appreciation for nature.
This is becoming a new favorite series of mine. I absolutely love these books. So funny, so sweet, such great, one-of-a-kind lines, wonderfully touching moments, relatable anxiety, loving and understanding parents. And the illustrations are perfect, adding to my affection for the characters. Just so, so great. ❤️
Loved book 1, disappointed by this one. I'm not sure why? I think because the dad was so ridiculous in this book when he was so great in the first. How did no one notice all the equipment ordered online till the last moment?
Probably good for 2/3rd graders. Alvin Ho (Asian American 2nd grader) is scared of a lot of things! I imagine this actually might be funnier for kids than it is for an adult reader. I found it mildly irritating and it felt like the story really bounced around - following Alvin's emotions. Still, I know it was popular at the library and kids seemed to enjoy it and I imagine found it relatable. For me, it was a bit one note but would still recommend it!
Kalau kamu sudah membaca novel sebelumnya, Alvin Ho :Alergi Pada Anak Perempuan, Sekolah, dan Hal-Hal Seram Lainnya pasti kamu sudah bisa mengetahui sedikit banyak tentang Alvin Ho. Tapi, mungkin kamu sudah lupa. Karena itulah sekuel kedua ini hadir untuk mengingatkanmu kembali pada si bocah kecil yang penakut ini.
Namanya Alvin Ho
Punya kakak laki-laki yang bisa diandalkan (Calvin) dan adik perempuan yang menyebalkan (Anibelly)
Tinggal di Massachussetts yang sulit dieja
Cita-cita sejati menjadi Firecracker Man
Takut pada banyak hal meliputi: * Kata-kata panjang (Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia) * Tanda baca * Anak perempuan * Kegelapan (klaustrofobia) * takut ketinggian * Sekolah * Hal-hal seram * dll (yang bila disebutkan satu persatu pasti akan membuat daftar yang sangaaaat panjaaaang)
Musim gugur kali ini, Alvin Ho ternyata mendapat tantangan besar dari sang ayah yang tak pernah ia pikirkan sebelumnya. BERKEMAH. Oh tidak--tidak--jangan berkemah. Ia belum pernah berkemah, namun hanya membayangkan berada di alam terbuka dengan bencana yang bisa datang setiap saat membuat ketakutannya bertambah. Ia mencoba membujuk ayahnya untuk membatalkan niat bekemah selama dua hari itu, tapi sayangnya sia-sia saja. Dengan tambahan Anibelly yang ikut menemaninya dalam acara kemah ini sayangnya tidak sedikit pun membuat ketakutan Alvin berkurang.
Beberapa hari menjelang berkemah, Alvin Ho tidak dapat tidur nyenyak. Ia masih dibayang-bayangi ketakutan pada tornado,badai,tanah longsor dan hal-hal buruk lainnya yang bisa terjadi selama ia berkemah nanti. Ia pun tak kuasa menulis surat wasiat untuk berjaga-jaga untuk kemungkinan terburuk itu. hahaha
Disamping itu, Alvin pun juga menceritakan perihal ketakutannya itu pada Calvin, kakaknya. Calvin yang punya segudang ide pun akhirnya mengajaknya untuk membeli barang-barang ajaib yang akan berguna untuk Alvin dengan kartu kredit sang ayah. Pesanan mereka pun akhirnya tiba keesokan harinya: generator portabel, GPS, masker pernapasan N95, tablet pemurni air, makanan ringan penambah energi,dan terakhir, kacamata night-vision untuk melihat dalam kegelapan
Hari berkemah pun tiba. Ayah, Anibelly, dan Alvin Ho pun akhirnya pergi ke pegunungan. Dengan barang-barang ajaib yang dipesan Calvin serta beberapa trik-trik rahasia bertahan hidup dari Paman Dennis (S-U-R-V-I-V-A-L), Alvin Ho merasa cukup siap untuk berkemah dibanding sebelumnya. Disana ia juga bertemu dengan Beaufeuillet yang akhirnya menjadi teman berkemah Alvin dan bersamanya pula Alvin memiliki kesempatan untuk memasang jebakan-jebakan penangkap musuh serta melakukan petualangan fantastis di alam liar.
Harus diakui aku sangat tertarik dan menunggu dengan setia pada kisah-kisah Alvin Ho selanjutnya hanya karena keunikan tokoh utama novel ini. Karakter penakut yang menjadi ciri khas Alvin dan bagaimana pola pikirnya terhadap segala hal kerapkali membuatku gemas dalam hati sambil berkata “Ayolah, kenapa sih harus takut?”, tapi dilain hal karena karakter ini pula yang membuat kisah Alvin terbilang unik dan lebih hidup.
Kisah Alvin Ho pun juga tergolong ringan dan sederhana. Sangat cocok untuk segala umur yang menyukai genre drama anak-anak atau hanya sekedar bacaan selingan (seperti yang aku lakukan). :D
Wohooo..tidak sabar menunggu sekuel ketiga, Alvin Ho : Alergi Terhadap Pesta Ulang tahun, Proyek Ilmiah, dan Aneka Bencana Buatan Manusia.
After a misadventure during which Alvin is strapped (voluntarily, mind you) into a homemade straitjacket and taped into a box, Alvin’s dad decides that he and Alvin need some special time alone. Unfortunately for the cowardly Alvin, his dad figures that a weekend spent camping and hiking would be just the ticket. Alvin, his confident big brother Calvin, and his peppy little Sister Anibelly have lots of fun preparing for this big event – and when the time comes to leave, Anibelly manages to cajole her way into the car.
The camping trip itself is almost a disaster thanks to Alvin’s dad having forgot much of the food as well as a can opener, but luckily a fellow camper and his odd son save the day with some Italian sandwiches. Despite a few setbacks (a lost batman ring, a case of poison oak after Alvin’s dad uses the wrong leaf as toilet paper), the camping trip ends up being a big success so far as Alvin and Anibelly are concerned.
For the first few pages, during which Alvin over-explains himself and all his friends and family, I was perturbed (as with the first book) by Alvin’s too-knowing, too-old tone. As soon as the story proper began, however, Alvin’s breathless, nerdy, endearing narration won me over. We see his extremely vivid family (all except his mom, who barely figures in this story) through his nervous yet admiring eyes; Alvin’s dad and uncle, although less than perfect, are depicted with an especially loving and admiring touch.
The only jarring element is the entrapment of Alvin’s dad in a dangle trap made by Alvin and his new camping friend. This completely unbelievable and slapstick situation (the illustration depicts Alvin’s dad dangling by one leg high above the ground) is out of place in this tale, being more the sort of misadventure that would befall Homer Simpson. Poison oak on Alvin’s dad’s bottom – sure. Gravity-defying cartoon gags – no thanks. Still, that’s only a small quibble in an otherwise sweet and funny tale, which is perfectly complemented by Pham's sassy illustrations.
Highly recommended for readers in grades 2 to 4, or as a read-aloud to slightly younger kids.
Perlawanan terberat adalah melawan ketakutan diri sendiri. Seorang pahlawan adalah orang yang bersedia menghadapi rasa takut. (hal. 165) Mengenal dan menghargai alam adalah kunci untuk selalu bisa berhasil melakukan berbagai penemuan seumur hidup. (hal. 44)
Judul : Alvin Ho: Alergi Terhadap Berkemah, Hiking Dan Aneka Bencana Alam Penulis :Lenore Look Penerjemah:Ferry Halim Penerbit: Atria Terbit : @2011 ISBN : 978-979-024-470-2 Tebal : 202 hal
Alvin Ho tidak pernah berpikir kalau bertualang ke alam terbuka itu menyenangkan. Itu super-duper menakutkan. Dan ini adalah alasan-alasannya: 1. Banjir bandang 2. Hujan meteor 3. Pepohonan yang mengerikan 4. Toilet lubang Untungnya, ketika ayahnya menyarankan untuk -- glek! -- pergi berkemah, Alvin sudah siap. Dia punya: 1. Generator portabel 2. Tisu 3. Bergulung-gulung tisu lagi! Nah, ambil kelambu dan lampu sentermu, dan rasakan pengalaman di alam liar bersama Alvin Ho!
Review Kisah Alvin Ho pun juga tergolong ringan dan sederhana. Sangat cocok untuk segala umur yang menyukai genre drama anak-anak. Kadang geli terutama saat Alvin menulis Surat Wasiat. Rasanya gemas Ada anak sepenakut itu. Dan saya telah membiarkan buku ini menarik saya kembali ke kehidupan masa kecil yang sederhana dulu. Saya yang belajar dari pengalaman mencoba-coba, yang takut akan banyak hal, dan saya yang merasa senang akan hal-hal sederhana
Pembelajaran kita bisa belajar bahwa ketakutan bukan untuk dihindari, tapi untuk dihadapi.
I haven't read the first Alvin Ho installment, and it's not necessary to read them in order it appreciate this hilarious short chapter book. This would make a great read for kids who are ready for chapter books, but still like the occasional illustration and not too much text on each page. Descriptions are quick but vivid, the family dynamics are realistic and entertaining, and Alvin approaches his fears in a way that elementary school kids should appreciate. This is also an example of a book that incorporates a family's cultural background without focusing the story around a particular holiday or racial issue, which is always a breath of fresh air. Alvin's family is obviously of Chinese descent, and details are used in a natural, everyday way without being obnoxiously, forcefully "multicultural." In terms of tone and reading level, this reminded me first of Judy Moody, particularly in the way it uses humor and shows school and family life, including younger siblings in the story - which would probably make this a fun family read-aloud.
Ten Reasons why Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters gets 5 stars.
1. When you can relate to one of the main characters it makes the story more enjoyable to read; Alvin and I must have been separated at birth.
2. Alvin is scared of the following: heights, the dark, public speaking, school, bears, severe weather, peeing in the woods, spiders, camping, enclosed spaces, long words, and the proper use of punctuations*,,,,////,,,,,
3. Fathers who curse like Shakespeare.
4. In stressful situations tries to think: What would Henry David Thoreau do??
5. Alvin is best friends with a girl (even though he is scared of girls) named Flea. Flea wears an eye patch and has a peg leg. Pirates are cool.
6. The oldest brother Calvin has learned the art of shopping online for "Free" with their fathers emergency credit card.
7. Makes lists!
8. Alvin has an alter ego superhero named Firecracker Man.
9. Is skilled in the arts of escape similar to the magician Harry Houdini.
10. Alvin Ho is ready for nearly everything because he has his fully stocked P.D.K. with him at all times (Personal Disaster Kit)
Alvin Ho is an endearing second grader who is afraid of everything, but very resourceful. His phobias speak to a young audience using humor to show that fears can be overcome. This book is the second in the series, but these books can be read in any order. The fun illustrations help keep preschoolers attention and the funny situations appeal to older readers and even parents. My entire family (ages 5-11) enjoyed this read aloud.
In Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters, Alvin is plagued by a fear of the outdoors. When his father takes him camping to help Alvin overcome his fears, a series of humorous events take place. Both laugh-out-loud funny and at times very thoughtful, Alvin Ho is a great addition to family reading.
Personally, I enjoyed this much more than the first. I'm not sure what it was that made it better, but I think the kids agree with me. Very fun to read together.
I'm back to reading the Alvin Ho books, this one's an earlier book about camping. Alvin Ho is a very anxious boy, anything could scare him. When he hears about what camping for his friends was like, he is not interested, until his Dad proposes a little trip. Frightful, Alvin tries to find ways to avoid the trip, and when that fails, he takes advice from his brother Calvin, his dad, and Uncle Dennis on how to prepare. Of course, Alvin knows you can never be fully prepared when you go out and face nature.
Done in a humorous manner, Alvin learns how to face his fears and embrace the wilderness. This book follows the same formula to the other one I read, with a screw up happening and Alvin learning how to fix it while overcoming his fears. But like other endings in this series, just because he managed to fix the problem, doesn't mean the rest of the family is spared from the issue of toilet paper, poison ivy, and a large credit card bill.
I absolutely love these books. Alvin is afraid of everything and in this book the focus is on the outdoors. His father thinks the best thing for him is a camping trip. So far the books do teach a lesson at the end and Alvin grows a bit braver each book. I found the audiobooks to be fun and Everette Plen to do a wonderful job with the narration. I think the book is perfect for ages 5-10 years old.
This is a cute story, written for a 2nd to 3rd grade reading level. It is very relatable for kids on a family, school, friends, and adventures level. You follow Alvin Ho as he attempts to camp out with his father and little sister. He makes new friends, learns some useful and some not so useful outdoors skills, and has an adventure worth reading over and over.
Just as funny as the first one though I think this one reinforced gender roles more. I remember thinking the first book did a good job about communicating it is important to keep an open mind about other people and yourself.
2 Stars: TOOK ME LONG ENOUGH TO FINALLY READ THIS MY GOD. I checked it out, forgot that I did, start reading, never finished reading. It was cute and funny but nothing outstanding or earth-shattering. Just a cute funny laugh and break to the day.
Cute children's book. Lots of pictures that help the story along. Alvin, his sister and father go camping and Alvin discovers it's not as bad as he imagined. Great little adventure with quite a bit of humor.
Alvin is scared of everything. When his father decides to take him camping--Alvin panics. Told with humor and genuine understanding of a 2nd grade boy, Alvin's fear are relatable and I love his family members. A great series for transitional readers. Alvin is a gem.
What an irritating child. Because he is afraid of everything, Alvin's behavior became offputting. About halfway through the chapter book, I had to step away from Alvin and his mountain of phobias.
If you can make it through this text, you'll be able to appreciate the H.D. Thoreau references.
1.5 I was excited when Gabe brought this home because he was excited to read this. They had read the first one in the series in class. I liked that Alvin has a lot of anxiety but still does things… I don’t actually like Alvin though. And some of the things he says and does are problematic.
This was a cute book. I read it for a class, and I enjoyed watching Alvin grow as a person, tackle his fears and make new friends. It was funny to read about their hijinks, but as a parent, somewhat cringe-worthy too. I ended up grabbing the first book from the library to share with my children.