This won’t count towards my Goodreads challenge of 60 books in 2016, but I wanted to write a quick ditty about it anyway. About a year ago I read most of the Mercy Watson series to the first-grader. She liked them so-so. I liked them more, probably. But you know what I really like? Kate DiCamillo (a hero in children’s literature, seriously) has written a spin-off to Mercy Watson.

Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon is an incredibly fun book with a great message about being knocked down, meeting adversity and conquering fears. Life lessons disguised in a funny, silly story (What. I’m a Mom. I’m all over that shit). Oh yes, and at the end you meet the pig who loves to eat buttered toast. I found it randomly when the kid and I field-tripped it down to the big library in DT Seattle. I read it quickly while she was reading other stuff. And convinced her we should check it out to take home.

Even though she sometimes says she “hates reading” (and then I gasp and say, “how DARE you!”) it’s lovely that books I had to read to her last year she’s now reading by herself. She finished it finally tonight and we discussed our favorite parts (you already read it?? she asked in amazement) She enjoyed the book very much and told me her favorite part (when Stella gives Francine some candy). I shared with her mine (when Francine gains the confidence to meet the ghost raccoon a second time). Then she begged to play a video game. So it goes.

Recommended to: First-grade girls who like reading about animals, fairies and magic tree houses.