The Robber Raccoon
Shrinking Violet Series
What’s inside...
The Robber Raccoon is an enchanting tale that follows the adventures of a mischievous raccoon named Rosie with a heart of gold. As she navigates through various escapades, she learns valuable lessons about life, friendship, and the importance of giving back to the community by breaking into the houses of Bear, Flamingo, and Snake and taking only junk. With a plan to recycle these treasures and make something new, Rosie incorporates a topical environmental theme. Lou's fantastic rhyming text and Julia's adorable illustrations make this picture book irresistible to young readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the Raccoon decided to become a robber, and what could he have done differently?
How did the other animals in the story feel about the Raccoon’s actions? Can you describe their emotions?
What did the Raccoon learn by the end of the story? How did his perspective change?
If you were in the story, what advice would you give to the Raccoon?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a choice like the Raccoon? What did you choose to do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the characters' motives and emotions. Use open-ended questions to guide the discussion, ensuring your child not only understands the storyline but also connects with the ethical dilemmas presented. Emphasize the development of empathy and problem-solving skills by asking what they would do in similar situations. Celebrate their responses to bolster confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty is the best policy
Explanation: In 'The Robber Raccoon', the main character learns that stealing from others causes harm and distress, which leads him to return what he stole.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of honesty and the consequences of dishonest actions, encouraging them to be truthful in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the raccoon experiences the sadness of those he has stolen from, he begins to understand their feelings and regrets his actions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider other people's emotions before acting, fostering a sense of empathy and kindness towards others.
Example Lesson: Making amends is important
Explanation: After realizing his mistakes, the raccoon not only returns the stolen items but also helps the victims in other ways, showing his remorse and desire to fix his wrongdoings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that it’s never too late to apologize and make things right, which is an important aspect of personal growth and relationships.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Throughout the book, the raccoon’s journey highlights that mistakes are a part of growing up, but the key is to learn from them and not repeat them.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that everyone makes mistakes, but they can be valuable learning experiences that help them improve as individuals.