Raccoon Moon

by Nancy Carol Willis

Describing a year in the life of a raccoon family as the mother teaches her cubs to climb trees, find food, and survive predators, this fun and educational wildlife guide teaches children about one of North America's most intelligent and ubiquitous mammals. Detailed illustrations portray the birth and rapid development of the cubs, the cubs learning to catch a frog and eat a fiddler crab, and mother raccoon defending her cubs from a ferocious predator. Also included are facts about the raccoon name and range, raccoon relatives and trivia, tips on helping injured or orphaned raccoon cubs, and handling techniques and recipes for temporary diets approved by the Delaware Wildlife Rehabilitators Association.

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Childrens, Fiction, Animals

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Peacegal]

Beautiful illustrations are a highlight of this look at the everyday experiences of a raccoon mother and her three kits. Raccoons are a maligned and misunderstood species in much of North America, so it is a relief to see them depicted in a positive fashion.

Raccoons' at-times bothersome behavior, such as tipping over trash cans, is explained. A section in the back gives general raccoon facts and tips on what to do if one discovers a baby raccoon on her own, with an emphasis on the animals' unsuitability as pets. Recommended for humane education bookshelves; especially in rural or suburban communities in which raccoons may be an issue of concern.

[Nikki]

Lovely story of the first year in the lives of three little raccoons. Realistically depicts the growth and development of the kits as they explore their world and move out on their own. Great learning content, ideal for nature discussion and kids in the want-to-know-everything stage. This book is a little long for younger kids.

[Ali Book&Seaglasshunter]

A mother raccoon raises her babies over the course of a year. Loved the lifelike illustrations. Plenty of good information to learn about raccoons in the book itself and in the back matter. My kids enjoy learning about animals so they liked this one.

[Dan]

A good fiction book for learning about raccoons that isn’t dry. 3 stars is my standard for books that don’t excite my attention in any direction. These are perfectly fine kids books that you should read to your kids.

[Rebecca]

Children’s books just aren’t written this well in 2023. We have more information yet less intellectual elegance. One of the best children’s books I’ve read.

[zunggg]

Wordy, uninspired trundle through the lifecycle of the titular critter.

[Katie]

My son loves this book. I don't know why.

[Child960801]

This is a story about a mother raccoon and her three cubs, showing how they grow up from spring to winter. It's not really, but it kind of reads like a nonfiction book.

[Hope]

Educational (currently on Week 1 on ABCJesusLovesMe toddler curriculum; animal of the week is raccoon)

[Sheniqua]

This book follows the adventures of a mama raccoon and her cubs. This book would be very useful when discussing the state of Georgia and its different regions. It can also be included in a science lesson about the life cycle of raccoons or mammals in general. I would use this book for fifth grade to explain how animals are classified into groups and show how offspring can resemble their parents from inherited and learned characteristics.

[Eva-Marie Nevarez]

This is pretty cute although we both thought it was a little long and drawn out. At the end of the story there is a part that tells what to do if you ever find an abandoned raccoon baby. There is also some raccoon trivia, relatives and how the raccoon got it's name as well as a glossary.