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In this colorful children’s book, young readers meet Flossy the Racoon. He lives in a good neighborhood, but Flossy’s mom realizes he would probably be better off in the woods. However, Flossy does not let his mom’s realization deter him. He introduces children to his friends, the local cats. Flossy also shows readers the beautiful, natural landscape in which he can play. Children visit the river and see how the raccoon interacts with others as he meets a group of puppies who want to play. The dogs even help Flossy return home safely by giving him safety tips. Ultimately, Flossy realizes an important lesson after his adventures: there is no place as safe, fun, and warm as home.
This book’s charm exists in how the animals are personified. This personification allows young readers and their parents to find characters with whom they can identify. The personification also creates a sense of community to which children and adults alike can relate and understand. The characters teach kids important lessons about how to interact with others, build community, and accept those who are different. This is most exemplified by Flossy’s interaction with the dogs, who not only play with Flossy but also advise Flossy about how to return home safely. Flossy’s relationship with the local cats also encourages young readers to embrace those who are different and to make diversity an integral part of their lives.
Flossy’s reflections about home encourage the book’s readers to think about the roles of home and family in their young lives. Flossy knows his mom understands that Flossy would be better off in the wild. However, Flossy also believes that at home with his mom is where he belongs. Thus, Flossy’s experience encourages young readers to consider how one creates a home and establishes a family. This is especially important in a world in which so many children live with guardians who are not necessarily their parents. The colorful illustrations showing Flossy’s interactions with his physical home help children understand concepts like support and stability. Parents and guardians can draw correlations betwen their home environment and Flossy’s in order to help children understand where these concepts appear in their own lives.
This book is a good primer for young readers with its engaging artwork and valuable lessons about relationships. However, it can also be a teaching tool for adults. This is because it reminds readers of all ages about the value of community. It also reminds them that helping others and paying kindness forward is an important aspect of everyday life. Flossy, too, is an inspirational fuzzy character. The protagonist possesses a unique personality, and because of this, he encourages young readers to love and accept themselves for who they are. Therefore, the book can also be used to teach children about self-awareness and self-acceptance as a means of learning to understand the world and empathize with others. Additionally, this book inspires young readers to enjoy the various experiences that will shape their lives and to find value in each and every interaction.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review