Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon: Volume 2

Fans of Leroy Ninker Saddles Up (2014) will relish this new tale, which successfully expands the core of the Mercy Watson series while offering generous cameos from the original characters, as well as much buttered toast. No one offers early readers better quality prose than DiCamillo, who never allows the constrictions of this format to deter her from excellent writing: "Franny, you are the genuine article. You are solid. You are certain. You are like a refrigerator. You hum." Series illustrator Van Dusen’s artwork (not seen in final form) is a treat, as always, reflecting the quirkiness of DiCamillo’s unique cast of characters. Francine Poulet will wrangle readers’ hearts along with rascally wildlife in this standout early chapter book. -- Booklist (starred review)

New readers ready for a challenge and some laughs will welcome more characters from Deckawoo Drive. -- Kirkus Reviews

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. -- Publishers Weekly

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...A worthy addition to the series. -- School Library Journal

DiCamillo's quick, dryly hilarious dialogue makes this over-the-top story shine, as does the tender subplot about Francine's father, who still roots for her from the great beyond. Chris Van Dusen's comical caricatures of Officer Poulet, the ridiculously bejeweled Mrs. Bissinger and that crazy ghost raccoon make the whole book hum. -- Shelf Awareness