I started with Books Five and Six of this series. Came back to start again from the beginning and have now read Books One and Two.

I've yet to read a Tale from Deckawoo Drive that didn't tug on my heart and tickle my funny bone.

And this story about Francine absolutely speaks. Indeed, it's a children's chapter book written in a simple style, but it isn't just a flat and shallow little yarn meant for frivolous giggles.

It's a real-deal story. It speaks. Even spoke to me, here in my decades way past the chapter-book readers' stage. I think this book ties for second place with Book Five for the amazing way it touched me, behind Book Six in first place.

Between this book with the young character Franklin Endicott's supporting role and Book Six with his leading role, Frank has joined Ramona Quimby (from chapter books by Beverly Cleary) in my top place of all-time favorite characters from children's fiction.

I don't quite remember how this series first got on my radar, but I'm so glad it did. ( )

BL 3.8

Franny, you are the genuine article. You are solid. You are certain. You are like a refrigerator. You hum.

Francine Poulet is the greatest Animal Control Officer in Gizzford County and now she has to go up against her own worst enemy: self doubt, panic attacks, and facing your fears. Also a ghost racoon. But that's not really what the story is about.

It's a lovely fun tale with a number of the characters we've come to know and love from the Deckawoo Drive universe and well worth the read aloud. ( )

appreciate that Kate DiCamillo trusts her young readers with sophisticated vocabulary, awakening a curiosity for the beauty of language while telling an entertaining story. It is however the compassion and empathy shown and felt by her characters in their big and small gestures, that make her stories so memorable. Each of her books is a very special gift, and so is Franchine Poullet ( )

Fun early chapter book I could see recommending to a lot of readers. A good amount of complex words that would be a good chapter book for students who aren't quite ready for a lengthier novel.