Chester Raccoon and the Acorn Full of Memories

"WhenChester returns home from school, he tells his mother that the teacher said Skiddil Squirrel had an accident and would not be coming back. Mrs.Raccoon explains that his classmate's "heart quit beating and his body didn't work any more." She comforts her sad child by suggesting that he "make a memory of Skiddil Squirrel." The two start out for the squirrel's favorite place, and other animal friends join them. At the butterfly pond, Chester tells stories about how Skiddil loved butterflies and how he buried acorns for winter, but never found them. When Mrs. Raccoon points to a grove of young oak trees, Chester exclaims, "The forest made a Skiddil Squirrel memory!" Then he picks up an acorn to take home with him. Simple, direct dialogue demonstrates thelove between this mother and child. Bright, stylized illustrations on high-gloss pages depict the animals with human emotions, convey warmth, and reinforce the text. Despite the tough subject, this fifth book in the series that began with The Kissing Hand (Child Welfare Leagueof America, 1993) has a reassuring tone and provides an opening for a discussion on death and remembering loved ones."- School Library Journal

"Beautifullyillustrated and with lots of saturated color, this book will keep youngsters' attention and maybe help them through a confusing time."-Baton Rouge Advocate

"Thismay sound like a dark subject, but it is handled so well and with such beautiful artwork that it provides a cushion of comfort."- Bookviews