Poulet Character Profile Worksheet Chapter-by-Chapter Case Log • Part 1
CHAPTER REFLECTION LOG
Chapters 1–2
Detective:
Date:
Group:
Chapter 1
The Greatest in the History of the World
Character Traits
Reflection Prompt: What awards and achievements make Francine Poulet feel like the greatest animal control officer in the world? What does this reveal about her personality?
Cite One Text Clue or Quote:
Chapter 2
The Net and the Motto
Inference & Family Code
Reflection Prompt: What advice did Francine's father, Eleazar Poulet, teach her about holding the net and facing animals? Why does she repeat this rule to herself?
My Chapter 2 Inference:
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Chapter-by-Chapter Case Log • Part 2
CHAPTER REFLECTION LOG
Chapters 3–5
Chapter 3
The Distress Call from Deckawoo Drive
Main Idea
Reflection Prompt: What makes Mrs. Bissinger's emergency call so frantic? What does she believe is lurking on her roof?
Chapter 4
The Screaming Apparition
Key Details
Reflection Prompt: Why does the raccoon's scream terrify Mrs. Bissinger? What uncanny words does the creature shout into the night?
Chapter 5
Arriving on Deckawoo Drive
Character Viewpoint
Reflection Prompt: When Francine arrives and hears about a "ghost raccoon," she dismisses it. Why does she refuse to believe in ghost animals?
Chapters 1–5 Connection:
How does Francine's extreme confidence in Chapters 1–2 prepare the reader for what might happen when she faces this mysterious creature in Chapter 6?
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Animal Control Lesson Guide Small Group Teacher Guide • Lesson 1
CHAPTERS 1–5 FACILITATION
Pacing: 30 Min
Chapter-by-Chapter Guided Reading Framework
Guide your small group through Chapters 1–5 using targeted reflection pauses. Students complete the corresponding prompt on their Poulet Character Profile Worksheet after reading each chapter.
Ch. 1
The Greatest in the History of the World (Focus: Character Trait)
Prompt: "Why does Francine mention her trophies four times? What kind of pride does she hold?"
Ch. 2
The Net and the Motto (Focus: Inference & Rule)
Prompt: "Her father Eleazar said 'Never panic.' What does this rule tell us about how Francine was raised to handle fear?"
Ch. 3
The Distress Call from Deckawoo Drive (Focus: Main Idea)
Prompt: "Summarize Mrs. Bissinger's call in one clear sentence. What makes her call different from regular animal control calls?"
Ch. 4
The Screaming Apparition (Focus: Evidence Clues)
Prompt: "How does the author use sound words to make the raccoon seem eerie? What does it scream?"
Ch. 5
Arriving on Deckawoo Drive (Focus: Perspective)
Prompt: "Why does Francine laugh at the word 'ghost'? Could underestimating an animal be dangerous?"
Quick Teacher Scaffolding Tips
Word Bank to Post:
Formidable, Apparition, Disgrace, Motto, Invincible.
Struggling Writers:
Allow oral sharing of the chapter prompt before students write their 1–2 sentence reflection.
Ghost Raccoon Rescue • Teacher Instructional Resource Lesson 1 Guide
Poulet Character Answer Key Teacher Evaluation Master • Part 1
CHAPTER REFLECTIONS KEY
Chapters 1–2 Key
Assessment Focus: Specific text citations, accurate character trait analysis, and family motto explanation.
10 Points
Chapter 1
The Greatest in the History of the World
5 Points
Exemplar Student Response: Francine is proud because she has won the Solid Gold Catch-a-Critter Award four years in a row. She has captured countless fierce wild animals without ever feeling afraid. This reveals that she is supremely confident, proud of her skills, and values awards and perfection.
Sample Text Clue / Citation: "Francine Poulet is the greatest animal control officer in the history of the world... She has never been afraid of any animal."
Chapter 2
The Net and the Motto
5 Points
Exemplar Student Response: Her father Eleazar taught her: "Do not panic. Keep your eye on the critter. Remember who you are." She repeats this because it keeps her calm and reminds her that animals will obey if she holds the net steady and projects authority.
Sample Inference: Francine believes that if she ever drops her net or feels fear, she will disgrace her father's memory and fail as an officer.
Ghost Raccoon Rescue • Teacher Evaluation Key Page 1 of 2
Teacher Evaluation Master • Part 2
CHAPTER REFLECTIONS KEY
Chapters 3–5 Key
Chapter 3
The Distress Call from Deckawoo Drive
4 Points
Exemplar: Mrs. Bissinger is in complete hysterics because she thinks a paranormal ghost is haunting her roof garden. She screams into the phone that this is no ordinary animal and demands Francine come immediately.
Chapter 4
The Screaming Apparition
4 Points
Exemplar: The scream sounds like a screeching banshee, piercing through the dark night. What truly frightens Mrs. Bissinger is that the creature calls out human words—specifically shrieking: "Francine Poulet! Francine Poulet!"
Chapter 5
Arriving on Deckawoo Drive
4 Points
Exemplar: Francine scoffs at the idea of a ghost because she relies on logic, training, and facts. She believes animals are flesh and blood creatures that can always be trapped in a net. Her professional pride causes her to underestimate the situation.
Chapters 1–5 Connection (3 Points)
Exemplar: Her immense pride sets up a classic dramatic fall. Because Francine bragged that she had never felt fear in her life, the shock of meeting an animal that actually terrifies her will shatter her confidence completely.
Raccoon Inference Clues Worksheet Chapter-by-Chapter Case Log • Part 2
ROOFTOP CHAPTER REFLECTIONS
Chapters 6–7
Detective:
Date:
Group:
Chapter 6
Climbing onto the Dark Roof
Sensory Details & Mood
Reflection Prompt: As Francine climbs the ladder in the dark, what sounds, sights, and feelings does the author describe? How does the mood shift from comical to suspenseful?
Key Clue / Sensory Word:
Chapter 7
The Net Drops in Terror
Turning Point & Climax
Reflection Prompt: What happens when the raccoon shrieks Francine's name inches from her face? Why is dropping the net such an unforgivable failure in Francine's eyes?
Eleazar's Rule She Broke:
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Chapter-by-Chapter Case Log • Part 2
RETREAT & CRISIS REFLECTIONS
Chapters 8–9
Chapter 8
Fleeing Deckawoo Drive
Emotions & Humiliation
Reflection Prompt: How does Francine feel as she scrambles down the ladder and drives away without her net? What are the neighbors witnessing?
Chapter 9
Under the Covers in the Dark
Character Identity Crisis
Reflection Prompt: Why does Francine hang up her uniform, crawl under her blankets, and declare she has quit Animal Control forever? What does this show about how she handles failure?
Chapters 6–9 Vocabulary Spotlight:
Mortified:
Why is Francine mortified rather than just disappointed?
Pandemonium:
What caused the pandemonium on Deckawoo Drive?
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Raccoon Inference Answer Key Teacher Evaluation Master • Part 2
ROOFTOP REFLECTIONS KEY
Chapters 6–7 Key
Assessment Focus: Sensory inference, dramatic turning point, and character code breach.
10 Points
Chapter 6
Climbing onto the Dark Roof
5 Points
Exemplar Student Response: DiCamillo describes the cold roof, the looming shadows, the glowing eyes shining in the moonlight, and the eerie quiet before the scream. The mood changes from lighthearted animal catching to chilling suspense, making the reader feel Francine's growing unease.
Sample Clue / Sensory Detail: "The roof was dark and high... two glowing green orbs stared through the gloom."
Chapter 7
The Net Drops in Terror
5 Points
Exemplar Student Response: When the raccoon shrieks her exact name, Francine is so completely stunned and horrified that her grip slips and the net clatters to the shingles. In Francine's code, dropping the net is the ultimate disgrace because it means she let fear win and surrendered her authority.
Eleazar's Broken Rule: "Never panic. Never drop your net. Keep your eye on the critter."
Ghost Raccoon Rescue • Teacher Evaluation Key Page 1 of 2
Teacher Evaluation Master • Part 2
RETREAT & CRISIS KEY
Chapters 8–9 Key
Chapter 8
Fleeing Deckawoo Drive
4 Points
Exemplar: Francine feels burning shame and sheer panic. The entire neighborhood gathered on their lawns watches the famous "fearless" officer scramble down the ladder in tears and speed away, abandoning her equipment.
Chapter 9
Under the Covers in the Dark
4 Points
Exemplar: Francine cannot tolerate failure. Because she defined herself strictly as a winner who has "no fear," feeling terrified makes her feel like an impostor and fraud. Instead of acknowledging that fear is normal, she gives up completely.
Chapters 6–9 Vocabulary Key (4 Points):
Mortified:
Exemplar: She is mortified because her humiliation was public and contradicted everything she bragged about her whole life.
Pandemonium:
Exemplar: The combination of the screaming raccoon, barking dogs, screaming neighbors, and fleeing truck created chaotic uproar.
Ghost Raccoon Rescue • Teacher Evaluation Key Page 2 of 2
Courage Retell Case Worksheet Chapter-by-Chapter Case Log • Part 3
COURAGE CHAPTER REFLECTIONS
Chapters 10–12
Detective:
Date:
Group:
Chapter 10
Frank Endicott's Surprising Visit
Character Contrast
Reflection Prompt: Frank is known on Deckawoo Drive as a boy who is anxious about almost everything. Why does Frank come to visit Francine, and how does his presence help her?
Chapter 11
Sharing Fears Over Buttered Toast
Empathy & Realization
Reflection Prompt: Frank lists the many things that frighten him every day. What does Francine realize about courage from talking with someone who is scared of so many things?
Chapter 12
Remember Who You Are
Motivation & Action
Reflection Prompt: What words convince Francine to throw off the blankets, put her boots and uniform back on, and drive back to Deckawoo Drive?
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Chapter-by-Chapter Case Log • Finale
TRIUMPH & THEME REFLECTIONS
Chapters 13–14
Chapter 13
The Rooftop Rematch
Climax & Action
Reflection Prompt: What makes Francine's second climb up the ladder different from the first? What does she do even though her heart is racing?
Chapter 14
The Mystery Solved & Resolution
Solution & Truth
Reflection Prompt: What was the real explanation behind the "ghost" raccoon? How did catching this animal change Francine's view of her father's motto?
Final Book Synthesis: The Definition of Bravery
In Chapter 1, Francine defined bravery as having no fear. After finishing Chapter 14, how would Francine define bravery now?
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Courage Retell Answer Key Teacher Evaluation Master • Part 3
COURAGE REFLECTIONS KEY
Chapters 10–12 Key
Assessment Focus: Empathy, friendship influence, and overcoming emotional defeat.
12 Points
Chapter 10
Frank Endicott's Surprising Visit
4 Points
Exemplar: Frank visits Francine because he truly admires her and worries about her well-being. Unlike the other neighbors who judged her for fleeing, Frank arrives with gentle concern and warm food, breaking her isolation and offering unconditional kindness.
Chapter 11
Sharing Fears Over Buttered Toast
4 Points
Exemplar: When Frank lists all his daily fears—dark rooms, strange noises, heights, and bad dreams—Francine realizes that having fear does not make a person weak or unworthy. Frank’s everyday bravery in living despite fear inspires her to accept her own humanity.
Chapter 12
Remember Who You Are
4 Points
Exemplar: Frank quotes her father Eleazar’s motto back to her: "Remember who you are." Hearing this reminds Francine of her calling and duty. She realizes that she is Francine Poulet, Animal Control Officer, and she cannot leave the job unfinished.
Ghost Raccoon Rescue • Teacher Evaluation Key Page 1 of 2
Teacher Evaluation Master • Finale
TRIUMPH & THEME KEY
Chapters 13–14 Key
Chapter 13
The Rooftop Rematch
4 Points
Exemplar: During the second climb, Francine is not pretending to be fearless; her knees shake and her pulse pounds. However, this time she refuses to let fear stop her. She grips the net firmly, looks the creature directly in the eyes, and completes the capture.
Chapter 14
The Mystery Solved & Resolution
4 Points
Exemplar: The creature is simply a large, frightened raccoon that mimicked the human words it heard shouted outside Mrs. Bissinger's house. Francine realizes her father's motto did not mean you must never feel fear—it means keeping your purpose clear even when fear is present.
Final Book Synthesis: Bravery Redefined (5 Points)
Exemplar: In Chapter 1, Francine thought bravery meant being invincible and never feeling afraid. By Chapter 14, she understands that true bravery is doing what is right and doing your job even when you are terrified. Real courage requires confronting fear, not denying it.
Ghost Raccoon Rescue • Teacher Evaluation Key Page 2 of 2
Deckawoo Comprehension Test Worksheet Official Unit Evaluation
DECKAWOO COMPREHENSION TEST
Total: 25 Pts
Student:
Date:
Score:
Part 1: Comprehension & Vocabulary Check (3 Pts Each)
Fill in the bubble for the best answer
1. What is the central problem in Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon?
A Mrs. Bissinger loses her pet pig and needs Animal Control to search the forest.
B A confident animal officer loses her nerve when faced with an eerie creature and must rediscover real bravery.
C Frank Endicott builds a trap to catch raccoons eating trash cans on Deckawoo Drive.
2. What can the reader infer about why the raccoon seemed like a "ghost"?
A The raccoon possessed magical powers given to it by ancient creatures.
B The darkness, shiny eyes, and panicked screeches distorted reality for the fearful humans.
C Mrs. Bissinger painted the raccoon white so it would glow under the moon.
3. When Francine feels mortified after dropping her net, she feels:
A Extremely hungry and eager to eat dinner with her neighbors.
B Proud and excited to receive another golden trophy badge.
C Deeply embarrassed and ashamed of having shown fear.
4. Which word best describes Frank Endicott's actions when he visits Francine at home?
A Compassionate and loyal
B Greedy and suspicious
C Careless and silly
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Written Evidence Responses
TEXT EVIDENCE & ANALYSIS
Part 2: 13 Pts
5. Character Growth & Change (4 Points)
Citing Details
How did Francine's definition of what makes a good animal control officer change from Chapter 1 to Chapter 14? Use at least one detail from the text.
6. Making Inferences with Text Evidence (4 Points)
Inference + Proof
Why did the raccoon shriek "Francine Poulet!"? What clue in the story explains where the raccoon heard that name?
7. The Story's Theme & Big Idea (5 Points)
Theme Reflection
What does this book teach us about dealing with fear? Describe a time you felt scared like Francine and how someone or something helped you be brave.
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Deckawoo Comprehension Answer Key Teacher Evaluation Master
COMPREHENSION TEST ANSWER KEY
Total: 25 Pts
Part 1 Scoring: 4 Multiple Choice Questions × 3 Pts = 12 Points.
Passing Benchmark: 20/25 (80%)
Part 1: Multiple Choice Master Keys (3 Pts Each)
1. Central Problem
Correct: B (3 Pts)
B: A confident animal officer loses her nerve when faced with an eerie creature and must rediscover real bravery.
Rationale: This captures the primary narrative conflict and internal character growth across the entire book.
2. Raccoon Inference
Correct: B (3 Pts)
B: The darkness, shiny eyes, and panicked screeches distorted reality for the fearful humans.
Rationale: DiCamillo grounds the story in realistic animal behavior heightened by human imagination and nocturnal lighting.
3. Vocabulary: Mortified
Correct: C (3 Pts)
C: Deeply embarrassed and ashamed of having shown fear.
Rationale: Root meaning connects to intense shame resulting from Francine dropping her net in public view.
4. Character Traits: Frank Endicott
Correct: A (3 Pts)
A: Compassionate and loyal.
Rationale: Despite his own anxieties, Frank reaches out with kindness to encourage an officer he respects.
Ghost Raccoon Rescue • Teacher Evaluation Master Page 1 of 2
Scoring Rubrics & Exemplars
TEXT EVIDENCE KEY & RUBRIC
Part 2: 13 Pts
5. Character Growth & Change Exemplar
4 Points
Exemplar: In Chapter 1, Francine believed being a great officer meant having "no fear whatsoever" and collecting shiny awards. By Chapter 14, she understands that fear is normal, and being a true professional means facing dangerous or frightening tasks even when your knees are shaking. She puts her uniform back on with genuine humility and courage.
6. Making Inferences with Text Evidence Exemplar
4 Points
Exemplar: The raccoon screamed "Francine Poulet" because Mrs. Bissinger and the neighbors had been shouting Francine's name repeatedly outside the house. The raccoon was mimicking the shrill human cries it heard from below. Text clues show raccoons are clever imitators and the raccoon was cornered and echoing the commotion.
7. The Story's Theme & Big Idea Exemplar
5 Points
Exemplar: The book teaches that bravery is not the absence of fear, but taking action despite being afraid. Full points require: (1) stating this central life lesson clearly (2 pts); and (2) connecting it to a personal experience of receiving support from a friend or family member to overcome a fear (3 pts).
