Leon the Raccoon Discovers the World

Leon, “a city raccoon, born and bred,” expands his comfort zone in this straightforward and quietly encouraging story from Papineau (Lulu’s Pajamas) and newcomer Doyle. Leon loves exploring the city by night—in one scene, Doyle shows him riding on a scooter past the glowing windows of brick buildings, accompanied by his friends. Leon is “horrified” after his mother proposes a trip into the country to visit family: “After all, everyone knows that country raccoons are very different from city raccoons. They don’t know anything about anything!” After a clandestine road trip in the back of a truck, Leon and family arrive in a rural landscape of rolling hills, grazing cows, and starlit skies. Although Leon is initially frosty toward his cousins, a campfire (with plenty of marshmallows) and the discovery that his cousins actually know a thing or two turn Leon’s attitude around. Doyle does his part to make the country look magical in digital illustrations that combine cartoon characterizations of the nocturnal animal cast with soft-focus backgrounds. Ages 3–up. Illustrator’s agency: Jacky Winter Group. (July)