Thursday, September 15, 2022

142. Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon


Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon. Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. 2015. 98 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Francine Poulet was an animal control officer.

Premise/plot: Francine Poulet *was* an animal control officer. Oh how that first sentence takes on a dual meaning once you've read the book once. But I digress. Francine Poulet, our heroine, IS an animal control officer. She is the very best on the job. No one could possibly do a better job. But, she is about to be put to the ultimate test. Enter Mrs Bissinger AND enter the "ghost" raccoon. Meeting these two, "on the job," will test everything Francine believes about herself. So, essentially, Mrs. Bissinger calls in with a complaint that there is a ghost raccoon on her roof...she needs animal control....

My thoughts: This book was a LOVELY and DELIGHTFUL hoot. I loved every minute of it. It was such a fabulous read. It was funny, but it was heartwarming at the same time. Perhaps that doesn't seem unusual? Maybe it does. But I don't associate slapstick comedy with being heartwarming and delightful. I think the illustrations are wonderful at communicating the story. They are so expressive.

 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

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