A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever
By Marla Frazee
The Story
Two best friends spend a week of summer vacation at Eamon's grandparents' house, supposedly for Nature Camp — but waffles, video games, and staying inside turn out far more interesting than nature ever was.
Why It's Special
For the kid who would rather build a fort indoors than hike a trail, this is a love letter to summer days that go pleasantly off script.
- Big idea: Childhood doesn't need a plan — the best memories happen in the gaps between what grown-ups intended.
- Vibes: Warm, funny, gently nostalgic — a slow, sunlit ramble through a kid's-eye version of summer.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy stories about friendship and everyday adventure
- like to imagine their own version of summer vacation
- respond well to quiet, observational storytelling over fast plots
- love looking closely at detailed, expressive illustrations
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & noticing: What did James and Eamon end up doing instead of the nature activities at camp?
- Real-life connection: What's the best thing that ever happened during one of your summer vacations?
- Feelings & empathy: Why do you think James and Eamon liked staying inside with waffles and video games so much?
- Imagination: If you got to spend a whole week with your best friend, what would you want to do?
- Big idea: Why do you think things can turn out even better when they don't go as planned?
