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bickie's review against another edition
3.0
In this Mercy Watson spin-off series, some familiar characters have more adventures. Francine Poulet comes from a family of strong, fearless animal catchers; however, she is undone by a shimmering, screaming raccoon who may or not be a ghost. It takes a child to remind her who she is - the genuine article! - and conquer both her fear and the raccoon. Best for ages 7-9.
annabannana's review against another edition
"Mama, why did that raccoon shimmer?"
I was not happy to see the portrayal of smoking a cigar in this story. It seems totally uncalled for in a children's book written in our current times.
I was also very unsatisfied as far as a lack of resolution regarding the story behind the unusual raccoon itself.
I was not happy to see the portrayal of smoking a cigar in this story. It seems totally uncalled for in a children's book written in our current times.
I was also very unsatisfied as far as a lack of resolution regarding the story behind the unusual raccoon itself.
abigailsue's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kelleemoye's review against another edition
5.0
Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=7798 and http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=8157
Kate DiCamillo has a special way of writing stories. Her characterization is amazing which leads to truly full characters. Her vocabulary always pushes the reader yet never leaves the reader out of the story either. Her voice rings throughout the pages to where you can hear the narrator in your head. In this book, Francine Poulet is a character that all readers will love. She is determined, good at her job, and loves what she is doing. But then she faces her adversary. What happens after is what truly shows what type of person Francine Poulet can be.
Kate DiCamillo has a special way of writing stories. Her characterization is amazing which leads to truly full characters. Her vocabulary always pushes the reader yet never leaves the reader out of the story either. Her voice rings throughout the pages to where you can hear the narrator in your head. In this book, Francine Poulet is a character that all readers will love. She is determined, good at her job, and loves what she is doing. But then she faces her adversary. What happens after is what truly shows what type of person Francine Poulet can be.
bak8382's review
4.0
This is a spin off of the Mercy Watson series https://www.goodreads.com/series/51335-mercy-watson, and this time it features animal control officer Francine Poulet first introduced in [b:Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig|2043328|Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig (Mercy Watson #5)|Kate DiCamillo|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388283914s/2043328.jpg|2048260]. We get to know Francine as she struggles with the one animal she might not be able to control.
My 4 1/2 year old daughter loves this series. We listen to all the audiobooks in the car, and we've been reading the books 1 chapter at a time at night. Since we've listened to it already her favorite part is to be the racoon screeching "Frannnnnyyyy," and she does a great impression. She even recognizes when it's coming up on the page. These are great both as read alouds and audio.
My 4 1/2 year old daughter loves this series. We listen to all the audiobooks in the car, and we've been reading the books 1 chapter at a time at night. Since we've listened to it already her favorite part is to be the racoon screeching "Frannnnnyyyy," and she does a great impression. She even recognizes when it's coming up on the page. These are great both as read alouds and audio.
halschrieve's review against another edition
4.0
Building on to her acclaimed Mercy Watson series of books for young readers, DiCamillo takes the reader on a brief, suspenseful adventure with Francine Poulet, an animal control officer who is proud of her level head. When Francine encounters a raccoon that seems to be screaming her name and which might be a ghost, she panics, falling from a roof and landing in a hospital. As she doubts herself, Francine hands in her resignation. It takes a local boy who knows the whereabouts of the raccoon to remind her of her professional calling and that her personality and stature (“solid as a refrigerator”) is a valuable asset to her community. More interesting than the original first few books about a hungry pet pig living in an overwhelmingly bland town, this book takes on a character with a streak of neuroticism and self-doubt and a situation both funny and believably high-stakes for the characters. Illustrations by Chris Van Dusen provide even, shiny color to break up chunks of text. Appropriate for grades 1-4.
wiseowl33's review against another edition
4.0
Another awesome book from the queen of awesome books. Love the character of Francine. Great story.
littleelfman's review against another edition
4.0
"It's good to know who you are," said Frank.
Another sweet chapter book from one of the best writers on the planet!
Another sweet chapter book from one of the best writers on the planet!
librariann's review against another edition
5.0
Everything that I found disappointing in Leroy Ninker was completely made up for in Francine Poulet.
The adversary! The existential conflict! The hero, redeemed!
(LOOSE END: still not entirely clear on why the raccoon shimmers, but I'm guessing it's a vampire raccoon)
Will particularly enjoyed the illustration of the part where she fell off a 3 story roof onto her head. He has a twisted sense of humor.
If only I could decide whether I read Francine as Fargo Frances McDormand or with a drawl, I'd be all set.
The adversary! The existential conflict! The hero, redeemed!
(LOOSE END: still not entirely clear on why the raccoon shimmers, but I'm guessing it's a vampire raccoon)
Will particularly enjoyed the illustration of the part where she fell off a 3 story roof onto her head. He has a twisted sense of humor.
If only I could decide whether I read Francine as Fargo Frances McDormand or with a drawl, I'd be all set.
beecheralyson's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this 2nd book in the Tales for Deckawoo Drive more than I did the first one. Facing ones fears and discovering who you are - great themes and would make an enjoyable read aloud for 1st grade.