Lots of links

MY PUBLISHER ~ Chicken Scratch Books

Purchase books and courses and learn more about the unique focus of this publishing company
- http://chickenscratchbooks.com

COVER ARTIST ~ Lucy Davis

See more of Lucy’s artwork and puzzles.
- http://lucydaviscreatives.com

IN THE NEWS

Here’s a link to my interview in Seeley Swan Pathfinder
- https://www.seeleylake.com/story/2022/03/17/news/publishing-raccoon-summer-checks-off-bucket-list-item/8337.html

ABOUT DOWN SYNDROME

Down Syndrome Answers – by children with Down syndrome
- https://youtu.be/MJ2lAJeCZ_4

Kid-friendly information about Down syndrome
- https://www.ndss.org/about-down-syndrome/qa-for-kids/
General Information ~ National Down Syndrome Society
- https://www.ndss.org/

Appropriate ways to speak about Down syndrome
- https://www.ndss.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/NDSS-Preferred-Language-Guide-2020-2.pdf

ABOUT RACCOONS

Raccoons as pets
- https://floofmania.com/raccoons-legal-pets/
Raccoons are smart
- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/how-our-actions-are-making-raccoons-smarter

"Any kid who loves animals, especially wild ones, will love Raccoon Summer by Betty Vanderwielen.... In addition to caring for raccoons, Lance helps his neighbor move through the grieving process, comes to terms with his best friend’s out-of-state move, and copes with his mother’s desire to adopt a baby with special needs. Lance learns a lot and develops a lot of empathy before this story is over. The author provides a lot of details about what goes into raising wild animals and why wild animals shouldn’t be treated as pets. I think any child who is considering becoming a veterinarian, wild life biologist, or zoo keeper would be intrigued by this story.... The more controversial issues, like surrogate parenting and the treatment of special needs children are handled delicately and with a light hand. There is a sweetness and innocence to the book that is refreshing. I’d recommend Raccoon Summer to readers between fourth and sixth grade."

"This is a wonderful story and we’re right there with him as Lance struggles with one challenge after the other during his raccoon summer. Lance’s experiences are vividly drawn and help us understand what it takes to care for a wild animal. This book captured my imagination and I was rooting for Lance through every twist and turn. Raccoon Summer is a gentle coming of age story that celebrates second chances as we see Lance struggle with responsibility, loyalty, jealousy, friendship and love. I highly recommend it."