Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon
(Tales from Deckawoo Drive #2)

DiCamillo devotes her second Tales from Deckawoo Drive story to animal control officer Francine Poulet, previously seen in Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig. Fearless and highly decorated, Francine may have met her match when she is called in to catch a shimmering "ghost raccoon" that seems to be screaming her name. A three-story "tumble" leads to a crisis of confidence, but Francine is back in the animal control game before long. Like Leroy Ninker Saddles Up, it's a witty yet tender reminder of the importance of being one's best self. You do you, Francine. Art not seen by PW. Ages 6-9. Author's agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. Illustrator's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Aug.)

K-Gr 2—Welcome back to the world of Mercy Watson and friends! In this installment, the fearless and unflappable Francine Poulet, animal control officer extraordinaire, is called upon by the bejeweled Mrs. Bissinger to capture a screaming, ghostly raccoon. When Francine faces the raccoon, she unexpectedly panics and ends up in the hospital. Her self-confidence lost, she resigns her position because she no longer knows who she is. "She was not an animal control officer. And she was not a Poulet, because Poulets never panic." Then she meets Frank, an observant boy who not only knows the whereabouts of the still-at-large raccoon but encourages her to face her fears and live up to her true calling, to remember "she was the genuine article...solid as a refrigerator." Encouraging readers to believe in themselves, this short chapter book pairs illustrations on almost every page with brisk dialogue and short, descriptive sentences. With plenty of white space and a large font the title is tailor-made for young readers transitioning to chapter books and will be enjoyed by "Mercy Watson" (Candlewick) fans and new readers alike. VERDICT A worthy addition to the series.—Ramarie Beaver, Plano Public Library System, TX