Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon by Kate DiCamillo (review)

In this second volume in DiCamillo’s most recent series (a spinoff from her popular Mercy Watson series), animal control officer Francine Poulet is called to capture a screaming raccoon on Mrs. Bissinger’s roof. Fearless and dependable Francine is on the job but gets rattled and fails to capture the critter, whereupon our mortified heroine turns in her animal control uniform. A pair of kids, Frank and Stella, convince her to try again when the raccoon reappears, and Francine rallies, captures the raccoon, and acquires a new understudy in Frank. The book is sometimes excessively wordy (Francine’s boss is particularly rambling), especially for such a short chapter book; additionally, the adult protagonist may make this less appealing to a young audience, though some readers will connect with her experience of being temporarily sidelined by her fear. However, DiCamillo’s writing is diverting and warmly descriptive, the story has heart, and Francine is an undeniably likable character. Even in black and white, Van Dusen’s illustrations evince warmth and humor. Fans of the first book in the series, Leroy Ninker Saddles Up (BCCB 9/14), and the Mercy Watson books may find similar enjoyment here.