Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Racoon

Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Racoon
by Kate DiCamillo
illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Candlewick Press, 2015. Intermediate, 91 p.

Francine Poulet is the best animal control officer in the town, maybe in the whole state. She has 37 animal control awards, and has had her picture in the newspaper. One night she is called out to capture a "ghost racoon," a racoon with shimmery gray fur that screams. When it seems to scream Francine's name, Francine is so frightened she loses her nerve. Can she still be the town's best animal control officer if she is frightened by one screaming racoon? It is a long road back, but with the help of her friends on Deckawood Lane she regains the confidence she needs to be who she really is. This is the second spinoff chapter book from the successful Mercy Watson series. Even though the main character is an adult, children will relate with Francine's struggle to overcome her fear and insecurity. As always DiCamillo finds just the right mix of action and humor and Van Dusen's illustration keep the mood of the book light and entertaining. This book is available from the Library in print, audio CD, and downloadable ebook formats.

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