Review of Tabasco the Saucy Raccoon

[Diana Lowery]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Tabasco the Saucy Raccoon" by Lyn Hancock.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Tabasco lives up to his name as he creates plenty of spicy adventures for his caretaker. Adopting a three-week-old raccoon is a challenging responsibility even for an experienced wildlife researcher, but the rewards for keeping him hid from her landlord and smuggling him onto planes are worth the effort. Tabasco becomes a treasured asset to the author's lecture circuit as she promotes animal research.

In Tabasco the Saucy Raccoon, author Lyn Hancock presents a chronological description of each stage of development as her pocket-sized, adorable critter grows into a full-sized raccoon. This memoir is a testament to Hancock's patience and her concern for animal welfare. Her intention is to teach Tabasco the skills needed to live on his own. The situations that arise between the teacher and her pupil are both humorous and educational. Hancock's writing skills are evident in this easy reading, 165-page story. The short chapters make this suitable for young readers. The descriptive passages make it enjoyable for an older audience.

The best part of this book is the realistic dialogue. Lyn's conversations with both humans and animals add humor to the already comical circumstances that occur when raising wildlife inside your home. The trick-or-treat scene is one of my favorites. I also enjoyed the way that the author explains the various clicks and chirps that Tabasco uses to converse with her.

There was only one negative for me while reading. I was confused about the character of Jack. Although he is Lyn's research partner, and they share living quarters at one point, their personal relationship is not clear. His statement that "Tabasco should have been shot when his mother invaded human territory" hardly fits with Lyn's philosophy on animal rights.

This book would be a perfect read-aloud in an elementary classroom. The students would be captivated by Tabasco and would be learning some zoology in the process. I was drawn to the story because I used to have a raccoon that knocked on my kitchen door at night asking for his dinner. After reading this book, I am glad I never encouraged my nocturnal friend to come inside.

Tabasco the Saucy Raccoon deserves 4 out of 4 stars. It is exceptionally well-edited; I found no errors. The cover is attractive, and the illustrations are clever. The black and white photographs at the end are endearing. The book will appeal to a wide range of readers. I recommend it specifically to nature lovers who appreciate the bond between animals and humans.

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Tabasco the Saucy Raccoon
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Jacques Mwashuma]

So interesting that I can almost feel like I am already reading the book. Just goes to show the 'fun' of keeping a pet.

[Josephe-Anne]

I remember when I had a family of raccoons sleeping on my back porch, and I love the little story you gave about a raccoon coming to look for dinner at your window!

I definitely want to read this book! I always love animal rehabilitation stories! Thank you for a fabulous review!

[Kira Bonita Reece]

The bond between humans and animals have always intrigued me. The idea of having an animal that you can actually communicate with is amazing. Your review made the book sound so exciting

[markodim721]

I think it's great that the book is full of first-class dialogues.

[Diana Lowery]

So interesting that I can almost feel like I am already reading the book. Just goes to show the 'fun' of keeping a pet.

I like that you put "fun" in quotes.

[Diana Lowery]

I remember when I had a family of raccoons sleeping on my back porch, and I love the little story you gave about a raccoon coming to look for dinner at your window!

I definitely want to read this book! I always love animal rehabilitation stories! Thank you for a fabulous review!

Thank you for the comment. I hope you enjoy the book.

[Diana Lowery]

The bond between humans and animals have always intrigued me. The idea of having an animal that you can actually communicate with is amazing. Your review made the book sound so exciting

Thank you for reading and commenting.

[Diana Lowery]

I think it's great that the book is full of first-class dialogues.

Thank you for reading and commenting.

[Humeyra Karakas]

This book would help young ones experience what it is like to be a wildlife conservative or a researcher.
Thanks for the review.

[Mtibza eM]

Thank you for sharing such an honest review, I enjoyed reading it.

[Diana Lowery]

Thank you for sharing such an honest review, I enjoyed reading it.

Thank you for reading and commenting.

[Diana Lowery]

This book would help young ones experience what it is like to be a wildlife conservative or a researcher.
Thanks for the review.

Thank you for reading and commenting.

[Urvashi Tripathi]

I just loved the book cover. I love all animals and enjoy playing with them. Raccoons are cute and would like read about them more. Thank you for the amazing review.

[Diana Lowery]

I just loved the book cover. I love all animals and enjoy playing with them. Raccoons are cute and would like read about them more. Thank you for the amazing review.

I agree that their cuteness level is high, but sometimes their high curiosity level causes problems.