Review: Penelope Perfect - Very Private List for Camp Success

Penelope Kingston has decided she won’t feel anxious about school camp. Not at all. Even though camp last year was a disaster, Penelope knows that this year will be better. She’s even written herself a very private list of rules to make sure that everything goes to plan.

Unfortunately, some of the other girls in Penelope’s room don’t realise that if they only listened to her, everything would be done the right way and they could all enjoy camp. Not only that, they don't seem to realise using Penelope's ideas is their best chance to win the prize for best hut.

Penelope is about to learn that sometimes trying new things and helping friends is more important than being ‘right’.

School camp can be daunting for lots of children, especially the first time when everything is unknown. The need to try new things and stretch boundaries can be particularly challenging for some children, especially when they see others confidently enjoying each new experience.

Penelope is a wonderful character for any young reader, but especially those children who like to know what’s coming next and enjoy a predictable, organised routine. Penelope tries to take her rules with her to camp, but she discovers that the real fun comes from being brave enough to try new things (like the scary challenge swing) and spending time with her friends.

Penelope Perfect: Very Private List for Camp Success is an entertaining story about school camp that deals with issues such as self-confidence and friendship. The story is very encouraging and ideal for children who might be feeling a little nervous about what to expect from their own school camp. It is reassuring for readers to know that despite being quite nervous and occasionally upset, Penelope is able to have a wonderful time at camp. It’s also reassuring to discover that sometimes the confident kids can get a little nervous too and being a good friend doesn’t mean you have to agree with what your friends say all the time.

Very Private List for Camp Success is the second book in this series by author Chrissie Perry, following on from Penelope Perfect: Project Best Friend.

Title: Penelope Perfect - Very Private List for Camp Success
Author: Chrissie Perry
Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont, $14.95 RRP
Publication Date: 1 July 2015
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760120252
For ages: 7 - 10
Type: Junior Fiction