+ + + + + Chester Raccoon and The Acorn Full of Memories
Author: Audrey Penn
Illustrator: Barbara Gibson
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tanglewood Press (August 25, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933718293
ISBN-13: 978-1933718293

Book description: This title is an important addition to the Chester Raccoon/Kissing Hand series on life issues for children. Mrs. Raccoon helps Chester and his friends deal with the death of their friend by teaching them to make memories together. Many children must face the loss of someone close and the accompanying funeral, and this book will help them prepare for that experience and understand the positive aspects of memorializing loved ones.

Book review: My jaw dropped when I opened this book. From the start the illustrations enfold the reader and sweep you right into an expertly written story that is as tender and touching as it is consoling and healing. The prose is always only soothing and motherly and not the least bit syrupy or patronizing.

Here’s the breakdown:

Characters: Chester and his mother quickly resonate with the young reader especially in their dialog where Mother Raccoon is soothing and reassuring, wise and nurturing.

Events / Story Line: This story line is remarkable in that it offers children a practical means to work out their mourning; something constructive to do when a little one feels helpless.

Illustrations: Awesome. I like the full page illustrations. They really underscore the soothing tone of the story while dealing with a somber subject and offering hope.

Reader relevance: I think this is a book that little ones will appreciate, giving them an outlet for their emotions and something to create and hang onto with regard to their deceased loved one.

Reader Excitability / Overall Presentation: Death is difficult for kiddos but I think this is a book that will sew hope in a child’s heart and help him/her grieve and celebrate life.