School for Bandits

Concerned about their son Ralph's "shockingly polite" behavior, Mr. and Mrs. Raccoon send him to "Bandit School" in this fish-out-of-water story. While Shaw's scraggly raccoons fight, create stink bombs, and throw food, Ralph gets it wrong ("Ralph Raccoon! You must learn to take things that aren't yours without asking," Mrs. Mischief scolds). But when it's time for the Best Bandit in School competition, Ralph learns that he doesn't have to compromise his morals to win. While it can be tough to root for the goody-goody character (especially when the others are having so much fun), the promise of piles of candy for good behavior (and the threat of incarceration for bad) certainly helps. Ages 5%E2%80%938. (June)