Further Adventures with Chester Raccoon

dear readers,

More Chester...

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

CHESTER AND THE BIG BAD BULLY 

Written by Audrey Penn
genre: children, picture book

4 STARS

Chester Raccoon does not want to go to school and neither does his young brother, Ronny and their friend, Cassy.  Chester and Ronny's mother asks them why to which they reluctantly tell her about a big bad bully school.  She tells them a story about how bullies are just lonely.  Chester and his posse go to school and put their mother's advice to practice.

In an age of where bullies are becoming a major problem a story like this is just what kids need.  It is easier to see the good in others when they are young.  I recommend this book to all those who have kids going to school now or in the future.

A KISS GOODBYE

Written by Audrey Penn
genre: children, picture book

3.5 STARS

Mother Raccoon tells Chester and Ronny that they must move as their home is going to be cut down.  Chester does not want to leave his home, school and friends. Mother tells Chester that while it is sad to leave all they know behind this only means they will meet new people and see new places.  

A great book for kids who do not want to move.  

CHESTER RACCOON AND THE ACORN FULL OF MEMORIES 

Written by Audrey Penn
genre: children, picture book

4 STARS

Chester comes home upset that Skiddil Squirrel has had an accident and is dead.  Chester does not know what this means exactly so he goes to his mother.  She explains to him about death and how you keep a loved one in your memories forever.

A beautiful book for children and learning hard life lessons.  

A COLOR GAME FOR CHESTER RACCOON

This is a book for younger children about the different colors in nature.  A fun book for parents teaching their children about colors.

Revisiting with Chester

dear readers,

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

THE KISSING HAND
(Chester Racoon: Book One)
Written by Audrey Penn
(originally published: 1993)
genre: childrens, picture books

4.5 STARS  

Chester Raccoon's mother tries to ease his anxiety of the first day of school by sharing a family secret...the kissing hand.  She tells him that he needs to be strong and kisses his hand telling him she will always be with him.  Chester think about this and then kisses his mother's hand so she will have him around when she misses him.

What a sweet story about separation anxiety as a child prepares for the first day of school.  I wish this book would have been around when I was worried about leaving my mom for the strange place called school.  This is a book that I think will be around for generations as the underlying emotions will not change.  And the way in which Penn presents it makes it a loveable classic.

love,
kris