Kit: The Adventures of a Raccoon

Lesley Shortt is an elementary-school teacher in Milton, Ontario.

Readers of this very effective tale learn about the life cycle of the
raccoon. The author takes us from Kit’s birth to the point where he is
mature enough to find a mate. The perils of both wild and urban life are
described, and we learn that only the fittest and the smartest animals
survive. The mother teaches her babies to hunt and warns them about the
dangers that lurk in the forest. We read about the deaths of Kit’s two
sisters (an owl is responsible for one death, human for the other). The
story reaches a climax when Kit comes in contact with people and
ultimately regains his freedom.

Excellent descriptions of settings and a fast pace will keep the
attention of even the most reluctant reader. Black-and-white
illustrations accompany the text. Kit: The Adventures of a Raccoon
should be in everyone’s library. Highly recommended.