PETEY MORONI'S CAMP RUNAMOK DIARY

The title sets the tone for this lighthearted look at a bunch of normally ebullient kids outwitted by a crafty raccoon who snitches most of the snacks they've brought to camp, despite their increasingly ingenious hiding places. In Cummings's crisp, bold illustrations, the diarist is an earnest, owl-eyed African- American; the other kids are thoroughly multicultural; and the raccoon, though not seen by the campers, will be gleefully noted by readers who can observe him, up to his tall-tale tricks, in every picture: this wily bandit blows bubble gum and squeezes mustard on his hot dog. When the kids leave on Day 14, the overstuffed thief gets the last grin. Good summer fun. (Picture book. 4-8)