Digging for crayfish on the shore of a swampy river, a raccoon family become separated when one of the kits climbs into an abandoned canoe, and is taken downstream as it drifts into the current. Despite his fear, the raccoon kit realizes that he is safe in the canoe, and observes the world around him, from snakes to alligators, warblers to mergansers. Eventually he is reunited with his mother and siblings, who have been following along on shore...

Published in 2001, Raccoon on His Own is the forty-fourth title I have read from the talented and immensely author/illustrator Jim Arnosky, whose prolific output includes many wonderful works on animals and the natural world for younger children. Needless to say, having read all of these books, I am an admirer of Arnosky's work. This one lived up to my expectations, providing an engaging story that introduces children to the animals and habitat of a swampy river—given the species mentioned, it would be somewhere in the American South—as well as beautifully expressive illustrations. I thought the raccoon family, in particular, were very well done! Recommended to young animal lovers, and to anyone seeking picture books about raccoons and/or swampy ecosystems. ( )

Rated "Good" in our old book database by Rod and Adelia ( )

When a baby raccoon is swept downstream in an abandoned canoe, he feels afraid. But soon he notices all kinds of things he has never seen before, and from the safety of his little boat, he begins to explore the world around him.

When a baby raccoon is swept downstream in an abandoned canoe, at first he feels afraid. But soon he notices all kinds of things he has never seen before, and from the safety of his little boat, he begins to explore the world around him. All the while his mother and two siblings follow along, watching him from shore - waiting for the time when he can come back to them.

I first picked this book because the illustration on the cover was beautiful and really caught my eye. This was a very sweet story about adventure and courage. I loved the style of illustration, and I think the text was just right. ( )