Raffi's Surprise    by Julia Hubery & Mei Matsuoka Order:  USA  Can Simon & Schuster, 2006 (2006) Hardcover, Softcover     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson In Raffi's Surprise, we meet a delightful young racoon who loves 'the long swishy grass, the sparkling stream and the rustling, rippling trees' of his home, but especially loves Old Father Oak. Raffi was born in a den high up in Father Oak, learned to climb in his strong branches in the spring, and played all summer in the shade of his green leaves with Chip (a chipmunk) and Blackbird. Now it's autumn and Father Oak's golden leaves are falling through a cold mist. Chip and Raffi make him a blanket of leaves to keep him warm and try to 'hug him better'. Blackbird helps them sing their 'happiest song', but still he keeps crying leaves. Raffi's mother explains what's really happening. They prepare for winter, but before they settle down to sleep, she gives Raffi five acorns, and helps him put them to bed. Can you guess what Raffi finds when he wakes up in spring? This is a sweet story - with bright, cheerful illustrations - about the changing of the seasons, and the surprises brought by spring. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews