Written by a licensed clinical social worker, Ricky, The Remarkable Raccoon is an excellent guide to help children realize that they are loveable and wanted.   In his search for a place to call home, Ricky seeks love and acceptance by a human family. Unfortunately the humans don’t react the way that Ricky anticipates and they lock him in a cage.  In a twist of fate, a seal named Mr. Whiskers helps Ricky to escape from the cage.  He does more than that, though…he gives Ricky the home that Ricky has always wanted.   This book reminds the reader that all children are loveable.  For those little ones who are in foster homes or waiting to be adopted, it gives the hope that there is a family out there somewhere who has been yearning for them.   It can also be meaningful for those who are adopted into diverse families.

Ricky is an adorable raccoon and my kids loved the story. A parent guide at the end of the book would be a great addition to help parents and teachers field the inevitable questions to follow when reading this book to young children.  Ricky found his family, he wasn’t born into it.   My children are unaware, I think, that other types of families exist.   Part of it is our fault because we do shelter our children to a large degree.  My daughter has one friend who was adopted.  However, the little girl is so perfect in her family that one would never know that she was not the natural child of her parents.    I felt like it was necessary to remind my children that they shouldn’t talk to strangers (even kind ones like Mr. Whiskers) unless I am with them.  Also, they should never allow a stranger to take them somewhere.  Yes, it’s probably overprotective of me to mention this to them, but I feel that I must always send that clear message to my kids.  The way that Ricky is treated by the humans is somewhat disturbing in a children’s story.   Thankfully the book has a happy ending.  I realize that the goal of the story was to help children in transient situations have hope and faith that they will find the perfect family.  But for some kids, this story could send a mixed message.

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