Title: Phoebe Ann Orsetto
Author: Mary E. Wright
Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
ISBN: 979-8896901914
Pages: 24
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Story
Reviewer: Beth Adams
Hollywood Book Reviews
I have always liked the personification of raccoons as being bandits, thieves, and scoundrels – after all, with their black masks around their eyes they look like a creature who needs to hide their identity. In this delightful, illustrated children’s book titled, Phoebe Ann Orsetto, readers are introduced to Phoebe Ann, a bumbling raccoon who is simply looking to fill her belly with food when she inadvertently bumps into other animals in the forest – all while in search of sparkling candy in the sky. It sounds like the basis for an improbable story, yet the creativity of author Mary E. Wright demonstrates her imaginative skill into bringing these characters to life, each posing their own concerns and conflicts with the main character Phoebe Ann.
The story begins with Phoebe Ann ransacking a picnic basket, indulging in the delicacies of human food. Then, with her belly full, she climbs onto a tree branch to rest when she sees a falling star in the sky. Thinking the sparkling meteor is a candy, and oh so delicious are candies which come in sparkling wrappers, she needs to climb higher to reach the sky to grab the “candy.” That is where Phoebe Ann encounters Luz the red-headed woodpecker. Luz tells Phoebe Ann, “I hope you know…this tree has housed many generations of red-headed woodpeckers. Move along now! I do not care to listen to your … your … disgusting noises or excuses any more. Get! Get! Get!”
Pushing Phoebe Ann out of the tree by pecking on her nose, Phoebe Ann begins a series of unfortunate encounters with other inhabitants of the forest including – Roxie Porcupine, Betty Black Bear, Silvia Skunk – each posing their own interactions and dominance onto Phoebe Ann, keeping her moving along. What we are left with is an imaginative adventure of furry characters each demonstrating their unique personalities. Children will absolutely adore this story due to its silly theme, lovable characters, and steadfast motivation of Phoebe Ann to seek and retrieve the shiny-wrapped candy in the sky.
The illustrations perfectly complement the storyline, aiding in the visualization of each of the characters showing details to enhance the story. The written voice of the author shows love, patience, and a heartfelt sense of humor to each of the characters, bringing in a comforting reading-zone for children to gain familiarity with bedtime storytelling.
Phoebe Ann will work her way into all the readers’ hearts, and hopefully more adventures of this silly raccoon will be forthcoming. Mary E. Wright weaves humor and gentle lessons into Phoebe’s adventures, making this an engaging read for bedtime or the classroom.