Bandits

PreS-Gr 2—Bandits are rarely presented in as endearing a manner as in Wright's delightful book about six troublesome raccoons that prowl the neighborhood digging through trash, stealing, and leaving a mess. The text reads like free verse, and it's clear that the words have been carefully chosen. "But those bandits are careless/Leaving clue after clue/And when they are caught/They will never confess!/Back on the run." The true star of this book is the amazing artwork. The textural, expressive paintings are full of life, movement, and humor. While the artistic process is evident through visible canvas texture and messy lines, each illustration is fully realized. The spread showing the raccoons as "They sneak and they creep" exaggeratedly toward the village at dusk perfectly introduces the rascally animals. Children who have experienced these nighttime visitors will enjoy seeing their version of events and the fanciful depiction of their activities. This quirky little story is best suited for one-on-one or individual reading. Given the chance, these bandits will easily steal readers' hearts with their charming mischief.—Anna Haase Krueger, Antigo Public Library, WI