By Lynn Brunelle; Workman; $11.95

Camping is a good way to see the country and perhaps save money on lodging and food costs along the way. Plus, as this kid- and family-oriented how-to book shows, it also can be fun.

With 200 illustrations to spice things up, the book also offers tips on such topics as camping basics, educational projects, crafts, camp cooking, outdoor games, camp songs and ghost stories. The book includes 174 activities, games, skills, projects, recipes, songs, experiments and crafts that can be enjoyed outdoors, as well as some good basic information, including camp checklists and instructions on how to pitch a tent, tie a knot, use a compass or build a campfire. Icons show when adult supervision is required.

Small bits of text offer information on nature or camping smart while preserving the environment. All in all, this is an excellent source of information for beginning campers that can also offer some good tips to veterans.

- Tom Wharton

Spider dogs

Hot dog

Long stick

An adult to cut the hot dog and start the campfire

Poke the stick into one end of the hot dog, far enough that the hot dog will stay on the stick, about halfway. Get a grown-up to make two lengthwise slices in an X on the opposite end of the hot dog from the stick. The slices should end about 1/2 inch from the end of the stick.

Roast the hot dog over the fire and watch the ends sizzle and curl. Let the meat cool for a few minutes and then take it off the stick and poke it back on the stick in the middle of the new spider legs.

Make two lengthwise slices in an X on the end of the hot dog and roast until the spider legs curl.

Source: Campout! The Ultimate Kids' Guide