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RV There Yet?
Five newly blended siblings on a wild road trip to Yellowstone—welcome to the familymoon (aka a honeymoon with the whole crew)! What starts as a disaster becomes...an even bigger disaster. But along the way in this laugh-out-loud adventure, something unexpected this chaotic bunch becomes a family.
Five new step-siblings
Two frazzled grown-ups
One borrowed RV (that's seen better days)
One escaped pet snake
Three weeks in Yellowstone National Park
What could possibly go wrong?
Ride along with Cricket, Flossie, Parker, Newt, and Darwin as they navigate unexpected animal encounters, inexplicably terrible food, ridiculously tight spaces, alarming practical jokes and—most of all—figuring out how to be a family, in this humorous and heartwarming story.
Five new step-siblings
Two frazzled grown-ups
One borrowed RV (that's seen better days)
One escaped pet snake
Three weeks in Yellowstone National Park
What could possibly go wrong?
Ride along with Cricket, Flossie, Parker, Newt, and Darwin as they navigate unexpected animal encounters, inexplicably terrible food, ridiculously tight spaces, alarming practical jokes and—most of all—figuring out how to be a family, in this humorous and heartwarming story.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published May 12, 2026
About the author
Suzanne Nelson
23 books666 followersWhen she was in kindergarten, Suzanne Nelson jotted down in a school keepsake album that she wanted to be a “riter.” Though she clearly had issues with spelling, she persisted, composing cryptic poems about rainbows, fairies, mud, and even "Star Wars" in spiral notebooks all through elementary school. When she was seventeen, she filled four journals with her handwritten first novel, titled “The Dream Keeper.” To escape her chores, she often lied to her parents about what time her shift started at the local fast food joint so that she could spend an extra hour writing in the parking lot in her mom’s faded Buick. Her first published novel was The Sound of Munich, followed by Heart and Salsa, The Ghoul Next Door, Cake Pop Crush, and Dead in the Water. She is a shameless fan of “The Sound of Music,” Hershey’s kisses, Charlotte Bronte, and Jane Austen, and can often be caught daydreaming of romping about gothic castles in lovely Victorian gowns. She was born in New Jersey, grew up in Southern California, attended college in Texas, and spent eight years as a children’s book editor in New York City. She now lives in Ridgefield, Connecticut with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
E ARC provided by Netgalley
When Mae Merrivale and Arthur Buckfort marry, they find themselves with a large family. Cricket (12), Flossie (11), and Parker (7) Merrivale miss their father, who travels with his rock band, The Flying Subs, but Darwin (8) and Newt (6) Buckfort don't really remember their mother, since she left when they were small. The parents think it will be a good idea for the family to bond by renting a ramshackle RV and spending three weeks traveling on a "familymoon" to Yellowstone National Park. Considering that the trip also includes a sheepdog named Archimedes, it's not surprising that things don't follow Arthur detailed itinerary. Cricket is upset that she won't be going to her usual summer camp, and knows that she won't get much writing done. Flossie, who is always investigating nature, insists on bringing a metal detector, specimen case, and microscope. Mae thinks that she will be able to finish three paintings she needs to submit to a gallery at the end of the family's vacation. Parker is a bit overwhelmed by his two new brothers, since Newt is a whirlwind who has brought a long a snake that gets loose in the RV, and Darwin is worried and concerned about bears, a fear that is not helped by reading a book about them. There are typical disasters, like the RV not having air conditioning and occasionally breaking down, and unfortunate ones like Cricket's cassette tape of her father's band accidentally getting recorded over. Once settled at the campground, there are plenty of adventures, and Cricket meets Ecko, who is staying nearby with his mothers. Ecko saves the Day by giving the family a spare tire so they can continue their explorations. Darwin is scared of the stuffed bear at the Old Faithful Inn, and doesn't want to leave the camper. Flossie is determined to get to an archaeological dig, but scheduling this proves challenging. There is plenty of bad cooking, Lego mishaps, and mud... lots of mud. There are also tough times when getting used to other family members, especially in such small quarters. Cricket can see that Darwin and Newt are not used to having a mom, even though her mother wants to take care of them, but can't see how Flossie feels ignored, since she is processing her own feelings. Things blow up, and there is an incident where a bear gets in the RV that unsettles everyone, but when the parents decide to "turn the RV around" and go back home, the kids realize that they are enjoying being together even though it is sometimes difficult, and encourage their parents to continue traveling with the "Merribuck" clan.
Strengths: I've said time and again that my students are much more likely to experience blended families than they are likely to deal with the death of a parent, but middle grade literature would have us believe otherwise. The combined Merrivale/Buckford family has a wide array of interests and talents, and seeing them struggle to get along while in an RV, eating undercooked pancakes and not changing their socks enough, is completely amusing to read about. We see the perspective of all of the members, so understand that Darwin is struggling with some real fears, Flossie has a lot of ideas and energy, and Cricket is struggling with the lack of quiet. We even see that blended families can be hard for adults, too, as no one seems to appreciate Arthur's detailed schedule or Mae's attempts at mothering. Young readers will love this for the funny adventures, as well as the very cute and understanding Ecko. Even the cover by Macky Pamintuan is sunny and happy, despite the terror on the children's faces. Highly recommended for all elementary and middle school libraries.
Weaknesses: Having just read an adult book before picking this up, I was a little torn. There wasn't as much of a developed plot, since the family is just traveling and learning to get along, so I almost wanted this to be more character focused, like an adult novel. Since Cricket is the oldest, and this book is based on Nelson's own childhood experience, I almost wanted this to be a first person narrator. Cricket's insights about a blended family, and a little more of a romance with Ecko, would have been quite interesting, but of course would have been a completely different book. As it is, RV There Yet will appeal to more readers, but twelve year old me wanted more about Cricket's inner thoughts, since I never had to deal with stepsiblings.
What I really think: This is a perfect, humorous adventure book for summer reading! No one dies, and there are realistic problems that are overcome with understanding and patience. This is a great choice for readers who enjoyed Burke's An Occasionally Happy Family or Reardon's Dad Rock Dragon Quest. I will definitely buy a copy, and it will be very popular with my students, especially fans of Nelson's WISH books.
When Mae Merrivale and Arthur Buckfort marry, they find themselves with a large family. Cricket (12), Flossie (11), and Parker (7) Merrivale miss their father, who travels with his rock band, The Flying Subs, but Darwin (8) and Newt (6) Buckfort don't really remember their mother, since she left when they were small. The parents think it will be a good idea for the family to bond by renting a ramshackle RV and spending three weeks traveling on a "familymoon" to Yellowstone National Park. Considering that the trip also includes a sheepdog named Archimedes, it's not surprising that things don't follow Arthur detailed itinerary. Cricket is upset that she won't be going to her usual summer camp, and knows that she won't get much writing done. Flossie, who is always investigating nature, insists on bringing a metal detector, specimen case, and microscope. Mae thinks that she will be able to finish three paintings she needs to submit to a gallery at the end of the family's vacation. Parker is a bit overwhelmed by his two new brothers, since Newt is a whirlwind who has brought a long a snake that gets loose in the RV, and Darwin is worried and concerned about bears, a fear that is not helped by reading a book about them. There are typical disasters, like the RV not having air conditioning and occasionally breaking down, and unfortunate ones like Cricket's cassette tape of her father's band accidentally getting recorded over. Once settled at the campground, there are plenty of adventures, and Cricket meets Ecko, who is staying nearby with his mothers. Ecko saves the Day by giving the family a spare tire so they can continue their explorations. Darwin is scared of the stuffed bear at the Old Faithful Inn, and doesn't want to leave the camper. Flossie is determined to get to an archaeological dig, but scheduling this proves challenging. There is plenty of bad cooking, Lego mishaps, and mud... lots of mud. There are also tough times when getting used to other family members, especially in such small quarters. Cricket can see that Darwin and Newt are not used to having a mom, even though her mother wants to take care of them, but can't see how Flossie feels ignored, since she is processing her own feelings. Things blow up, and there is an incident where a bear gets in the RV that unsettles everyone, but when the parents decide to "turn the RV around" and go back home, the kids realize that they are enjoying being together even though it is sometimes difficult, and encourage their parents to continue traveling with the "Merribuck" clan.
Strengths: I've said time and again that my students are much more likely to experience blended families than they are likely to deal with the death of a parent, but middle grade literature would have us believe otherwise. The combined Merrivale/Buckford family has a wide array of interests and talents, and seeing them struggle to get along while in an RV, eating undercooked pancakes and not changing their socks enough, is completely amusing to read about. We see the perspective of all of the members, so understand that Darwin is struggling with some real fears, Flossie has a lot of ideas and energy, and Cricket is struggling with the lack of quiet. We even see that blended families can be hard for adults, too, as no one seems to appreciate Arthur's detailed schedule or Mae's attempts at mothering. Young readers will love this for the funny adventures, as well as the very cute and understanding Ecko. Even the cover by Macky Pamintuan is sunny and happy, despite the terror on the children's faces. Highly recommended for all elementary and middle school libraries.
Weaknesses: Having just read an adult book before picking this up, I was a little torn. There wasn't as much of a developed plot, since the family is just traveling and learning to get along, so I almost wanted this to be more character focused, like an adult novel. Since Cricket is the oldest, and this book is based on Nelson's own childhood experience, I almost wanted this to be a first person narrator. Cricket's insights about a blended family, and a little more of a romance with Ecko, would have been quite interesting, but of course would have been a completely different book. As it is, RV There Yet will appeal to more readers, but twelve year old me wanted more about Cricket's inner thoughts, since I never had to deal with stepsiblings.
What I really think: This is a perfect, humorous adventure book for summer reading! No one dies, and there are realistic problems that are overcome with understanding and patience. This is a great choice for readers who enjoyed Burke's An Occasionally Happy Family or Reardon's Dad Rock Dragon Quest. I will definitely buy a copy, and it will be very popular with my students, especially fans of Nelson's WISH books.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I adored this heart-warming and laugh-out-loud funny story of a newly blended family that ventures to Yellowstone on an epic camping trip—little do they know what misadventures await! Hilarity ensues on this rollicking ride, complete with an escaped snake, a curious bear, and an RV that’s seen better days. Amid the twists and turns is where honest and surprising bonds form among the new siblings and parents.
Each of the five delightfully quirky kids came to life and stole my heart. I loved watching them become a true family, sharing vulnerabilities and supporting each other on their wild adventures. It was fascinating to read the author’s note and discover how much of this journey was inspired by her own blended family camping trip as a kid (as evidenced by the sweet photos she included!)
This is the perfect book to bring on your own summer vacation with kids—read it aloud and feel yourself bonding like the Merribuck family (but hopefully without the broken AC!) Buckle up and get ready for a zany adventure, plenty of belly laughs, warm moments of wisdom, and an ending that will make your heart soar.
* I received an advanced review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
Each of the five delightfully quirky kids came to life and stole my heart. I loved watching them become a true family, sharing vulnerabilities and supporting each other on their wild adventures. It was fascinating to read the author’s note and discover how much of this journey was inspired by her own blended family camping trip as a kid (as evidenced by the sweet photos she included!)
This is the perfect book to bring on your own summer vacation with kids—read it aloud and feel yourself bonding like the Merribuck family (but hopefully without the broken AC!) Buckle up and get ready for a zany adventure, plenty of belly laughs, warm moments of wisdom, and an ending that will make your heart soar.
* I received an advanced review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 12, 2026
I LOVED this book! I actually immediately went back and reread it. I loved this characters, they are so real. As we see Cricket, Flossie, Darwin, Parker and Newt all try to get along and learn to be around each other, while on a road trip all crammed into an RV!
There was so much fun throughout this book, but also real feelings and emotions. We see Cricket having to always be the one in charge of the younger ones, and how are it's making her upset. I related to this being the oldest of a big family. But we also see the parents taking time to talk with the kids and figure out how to help them all work better together.
All the wild critters throughout this book, kept you on your toes and wondering when the next one will show up!
I can't wait to share this book with my students and my own kids.
Such a fun read!
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
There was so much fun throughout this book, but also real feelings and emotions. We see Cricket having to always be the one in charge of the younger ones, and how are it's making her upset. I related to this being the oldest of a big family. But we also see the parents taking time to talk with the kids and figure out how to help them all work better together.
All the wild critters throughout this book, kept you on your toes and wondering when the next one will show up!
I can't wait to share this book with my students and my own kids.
Such a fun read!
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
May 12, 2026
Not only does the cover of this book screams pick me up, but the story is so full of heart and charm. When a newly blended family goes on a road trip to Yellowstone, everything will change for them. Not only they’ll have to survive the trip but they’ll have to survive each other.
The RV they are all in is definitely not the best and some of the newly brothers and sisters are not getting along, what I enjoyed about this was how you get to know each and every single one of them. What they are like, what they like and dislike. How they are at school and how they’ll work together to make the vacation the best vacation ever. One thing is for sure, I’ve never read a book where the kids had such unique names, Cricket, Flossie, Parker, Newt and Darwin. They stole my heart and the ending just made everything better.
The RV they are all in is definitely not the best and some of the newly brothers and sisters are not getting along, what I enjoyed about this was how you get to know each and every single one of them. What they are like, what they like and dislike. How they are at school and how they’ll work together to make the vacation the best vacation ever. One thing is for sure, I’ve never read a book where the kids had such unique names, Cricket, Flossie, Parker, Newt and Darwin. They stole my heart and the ending just made everything better.
May 12, 2026
5+ solving all sorts of problems with communication.
This was absolutely amazing. A newlywed couple who have their own children from previous marriages decides the first experience of living together should be by borrowing an RV and going on a trip to Yellowstone Park. The book gets an extra layer when I realized this was based on the author's childhood experience (loved the photos at the end). Humor but a lot of issues to solve, not only between the two families becoming one, but among siblings as well. Some feel they have the obligation to take care of all, others are too young or have their own issues to deal with and conflict escalates into rupture, to be solved with the perfect ending.
This was absolutely amazing. A newlywed couple who have their own children from previous marriages decides the first experience of living together should be by borrowing an RV and going on a trip to Yellowstone Park. The book gets an extra layer when I realized this was based on the author's childhood experience (loved the photos at the end). Humor but a lot of issues to solve, not only between the two families becoming one, but among siblings as well. Some feel they have the obligation to take care of all, others are too young or have their own issues to deal with and conflict escalates into rupture, to be solved with the perfect ending.
May 27, 2026
After their parents married, the five blended siblings were settling down to supposedly stay with their Aunt while their parents honeymooned. They were shocked and surprised to find out their parents planned a Family-Moon in stead of a honeymoon. In a borrowed (falling-apart) RV, with no personal space, one sibling's obsessive focus on survival manuals, and another sibling's stowed-away pet snake, the trip became an adventure no one anticipated. This does not even include the part about the bears.
Very cute middle grade story about blending families. There is lots of humor in this book - I hope to see it on state Reading Award nomination lists.
Very cute middle grade story about blending families. There is lots of humor in this book - I hope to see it on state Reading Award nomination lists.
May 16, 2026
A delightful yet tender look at blended family. The sudden switches in POVs made this read like a film. I love stories that showcase the complexities of families. Sticking 7 members and a dog together for three weeks in an RV? Shenanigans abound, undoubtedly. But I love that the close proximity enabled open communication for all.
A perfect summer read for kids (and adults alike, tbh). I had fun with this wonderful middle grade.
A perfect summer read for kids (and adults alike, tbh). I had fun with this wonderful middle grade.
May 25, 2026
Funny, frantic, and fabulous! If you are taking any kind of a road trip with kids, this is the book to read aloud or get on audio book for your trip. Filled with hilarity, the blended family of seven hits the road in a rented RV and has an amazing trip, but even more wonderful experiences that permanently bind them together as a family. You will love it for so many reasons. Original, filled with laughs it is most definitely a GOOD READ!
Review of advance copy
Reviewing for School Library Journal
June 1, 2026
RV There Yet? is a total blast of a road trip story that feels like a front-row seat to a wild family vacation through Yellowstone. As someone who visits Yellowstone each year, I loved all the park landmarks included in the story, making the whole journey feel incredibly real and exciting. The ups and downs of this blended family are both hilarious and super relatable, showing that the best memories usually happen when things don't go exactly as planned. Plus, discovering that the book was inspired by the author’s own life vacation makes the adventure even more special and fun to read!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews