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Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon

Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Volume Two

Part of Tales from Mercy Watson's Deckawoo Drive

Author Kate DiCamillo
Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Paperback
$6.99 US
Candlewick
5.44"W x 7.88"H x 0.29"D   | 4 oz | 56 per carton
On sale Aug 02, 2016 | 112 Pages | 9780763690885
Age 6-9 years | Grades 1-4
Reading Level: Lexile 430L | Fountas & Pinnell N
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“Francine Poulet will wrangle readers’ hearts along with rascally wildlife in this standout early chapter book.” — Booklist (starred review)

Francine Poulet is the greatest animal control officer in Gizzford County, hailing from a long line of animal control officers. “The genuine article,” Francine’s dad always called her. She is never scared — until, that is, she’s faced with a screaming raccoon that may or may not be a ghost. Maybe Francine isn’t cut out to be an animal control officer after all! Join a cast of familiar characters — Frank, Stella, Mrs. Watson, and Mercy the porcine wonder—for some riotous raccoon wrangling in the second tale from Deckawoo Drive.
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

The wacky plot comes smartly together with humorous insights and lively illustrations. Familiar characters, including Frank and Stella, the Lincoln sisters, and Mrs. Watson, lead the story to its climax on Deckawoo Drive, resulting in the raccoon’s capture, the restoration of Francine’s self-esteem, and lots of toast.
—The Horn Book

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.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

School librarians will definitely want to add this new escapade to their collections.
—School Library Connection

Kate DiCamillo delivers an inspiring message replete with suspense and fun...
—Star Tribune
Kate DiCamillo is the author of THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX, which received the Newbery Medal; BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE, which received a Newbery Honor; and THE TIGER RISING, which was named a National Book Award Finalist. She says, "Mercy Watson had been in my head for a long time, but I couldn't figure out how to tell her story. One day, my friend Alison was going on and on and on about the many virtues of toast. As I listened to her, I could see Mercy nodding in emphatic agreement. Sometimes you don't truly understand a character until you know what she loves above all else." View titles by Kate DiCamillo
Chris Van Dusen is the author-illustrator of DOWN TO THE SEA WITH MR. MAGEE, A CAMPING SPREE WITH MR. MAGEE, and IF I BUILT A CAR. He says, "When I first read Mercy Watson to the Rescue, the characters were very vivid in my mind, and they just came to life when I started painting. This is exactly the type of story I love to illustrate – a wonderfully silly adventure with lots of action." This is his first book with Candlewick Press. View titles by Chris Van Dusen

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additional book photo
additional book photo

About

“Francine Poulet will wrangle readers’ hearts along with rascally wildlife in this standout early chapter book.” — Booklist (starred review)

Francine Poulet is the greatest animal control officer in Gizzford County, hailing from a long line of animal control officers. “The genuine article,” Francine’s dad always called her. She is never scared — until, that is, she’s faced with a screaming raccoon that may or may not be a ghost. Maybe Francine isn’t cut out to be an animal control officer after all! Join a cast of familiar characters — Frank, Stella, Mrs. Watson, and Mercy the porcine wonder—for some riotous raccoon wrangling in the second tale from Deckawoo Drive.

Praise

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

The wacky plot comes smartly together with humorous insights and lively illustrations. Familiar characters, including Frank and Stella, the Lincoln sisters, and Mrs. Watson, lead the story to its climax on Deckawoo Drive, resulting in the raccoon’s capture, the restoration of Francine’s self-esteem, and lots of toast.
—The Horn Book

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.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

School librarians will definitely want to add this new escapade to their collections.
—School Library Connection

Kate DiCamillo delivers an inspiring message replete with suspense and fun...
—Star Tribune

Author

Kate DiCamillo is the author of THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX, which received the Newbery Medal; BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE, which received a Newbery Honor; and THE TIGER RISING, which was named a National Book Award Finalist. She says, "Mercy Watson had been in my head for a long time, but I couldn't figure out how to tell her story. One day, my friend Alison was going on and on and on about the many virtues of toast. As I listened to her, I could see Mercy nodding in emphatic agreement. Sometimes you don't truly understand a character until you know what she loves above all else." View titles by Kate DiCamillo
Chris Van Dusen is the author-illustrator of DOWN TO THE SEA WITH MR. MAGEE, A CAMPING SPREE WITH MR. MAGEE, and IF I BUILT A CAR. He says, "When I first read Mercy Watson to the Rescue, the characters were very vivid in my mind, and they just came to life when I started painting. This is exactly the type of story I love to illustrate – a wonderfully silly adventure with lots of action." This is his first book with Candlewick Press. View titles by Chris Van Dusen

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