The Bathing Costume, or the Worst Vacation of My Life

Gr 1–3—Eight-year-old Myron is sent to spend a week in the country with his grandparents while his parents prepare for a move. This is his first vacation without his mother. He is dreading the separation and is a little afraid of his Grandpa and his bigger, stronger cousins. To make matters worse, this is the summer he is expected to fulfill the family tradition of jumping off the 10-foot diving board. Myron is sure he's not ready, especially since he's using his older brother's swimsuit, which is too big and certain to come off when he jumps. His evolution from timid Mama's boy to a more confident and independent kid feels genuine. By the end of the week, Myron has gained the respect of his cousins, overcome his fear of his grandfather, jumped off the high dive, and, most importantly, forgotten about missing his mother. Though the text is somewhat lengthy, the translation is smooth and the narrative is broken down into daily vignettes that can be read as short chapters. Expressive illustrations have a sunny summer feel and are full of humor and appealing details. For children who have nervously anticipated their first independent trip, this book not only acknowledges the anxiety, but also gently and realistically demonstrates that being on your own can turn out to be fun.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library