You Are a Raccoon!
written by Laurie Ann Thompson
illustrated by Jay Fleck
Dial Books, April 2023
ISBN: 978–0593529720
32 pages, ages 2 to 5
Other Books in this Series:
The second in an adorable, STEM nonfiction picture book series that encourages very young readers to learn—through gentle interactivity and play—about the animals who share their world.
Crawl, cling climb! You may have seen a raccoon scurry up a tree or across the road just before dark. Did you know that raccoons stay up at night playing, hunting, and eating when you go to sleep? From birth to first stripes and beyond, discover all that goes into being a raccoon in this charming picture book, the second in the Meet Your World series.
This playful and informative series invites you to take a closer look at the amazing animals that live right alongside you in rural, suburban, and urban landscapes across North America. In each book, words and art inspire you to act out animal actions that are not so different from your own habits. And robust backmatter offers even more facts and fun. From the animals’ families and foods to their environments and behaviors, let’s meet your world!
Activities
- FREE Education Guide and Activity Kit, including a raccoon craft, point of view essay, and story sequencing activity! (CCSS and NGSS aligned for grades PK‑2)
- FREE You Are a Raccoon! coloring page download
- The You Are a Raccoon! book trailer
- #GreenPB2023 Launch Event excerpt video
- Pinterest Meet Your World idea board
Accolades
- Winner of the 2024 Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Awards for Beginning Non-Fiction
- Shortlisted for the 10th annual CLEL Bell Awards, PLAY category
Reviews
“Thompson and Fleck have crafted a truly wonderful book that not only pulls readers in with a cute tale about animals but also incorporates activities that mimic the lives of raccoons—all while being educational! … VERDICT: All libraries will want to include this in their children’s collections.” (School Library Journal)
“The spare text on each page is accessible for emerging readers, and the full-color art’s soothing palette makes this ideal for a bedtime story.… Naturalistic and charming.” (Kirkus)
Imagination Soup: New Nonfiction Books, April and May 2023
Reading Is My Superpower: Book Review of You Are a Raccoon!
YA and Kids’ Books Central: Book Review of You Are a Raccoon!
Picture Book Builders: You Are a Raccoon!