Really Raoulino

By Dina Fischbein

Animal Incognitum reads the sign over Raoulino's cage at the Metropolitan Zoo. That means no one knows what kind of animal Raoulino is, least of all Raoulino. He does know that he wants to go homehome to the wonderful little island where he was captured. And his neighbors in the zoo, the cobra and the chuckwalla and the lizard in the next cage, dream of going back to their respective homes. Has any animal (to say nothing of four at one time) ever escaped from the Metropolitan Zoo? There are those who might say it couldn't be done, but where a touch of magic is involved, anything is possible In a heart stopping, thrill-a-minute fantasy adventure, Raoulino and his friends discover that while who you are is important, it is what is in your heart that really counts.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1593541511
• ISBN13: 9781593541514
• Release Date: May 2006
• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.9" x 5.8"
• Age Range: 12 years and under
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 7

Customer Reviews

What a captivating book!

I was amazed by the imagination of the author in describing the characters in action. The feelings she transmitted to the readers like: friendship, hope, compassion, tolerance make the book very valuable for children. The reading of the book is pleasnt and captivating.

The Impossible Becomes Possible

This charming, insightful book explores some of childhood's deepest fears -- loss of family and concerns about who we are, our true identity. Captured from his island home, taken to a zoo and locked in a cage, Raoulino wants to go home, but where does he live and how can he possibly find his way back? But in the zoo, he learns about friendship and how to continue to hope even on the most difficult days. Slowly, Raoulino and the reader realize he is a dragon, even though he isn't sure how to be one. The reptiles in adjoining cages form an alliance and how they escape is a tale filled with excitement, adventure and danger. Raoulino realizes he can fly and bellow fire, but his most important lesson is that he must listen to his heart. And so, the impossible becomes possible. Raoulino and his friends return to their homes. This is a story to gladden hearts and encourage friendships. A perfect story for children to learn from and enjoy.

Really Raoulino is a charming tale

Really Raoulino is a great adventure story of escape, self-discovery and friendship. The animal characters are so engaging and and there's lots of action and excitement. Children will love it - especially finding the clues to the surprise ending!

A Wonderful Adventure !

I love Really Raoulino by Dina Fischbein !! The book is well-written and exciting. The endearing characters are warm, heroic, and learn to be tolerant and compassionate. The book appeals to children (and adults) of any ethnicity. I have seen both boys and girls eagerly read it to the end. I highly recommend this chapter book.

Really Raoulino is Really Good Fun

I bought Really Raoulino for my niece and nephew, but I have to admit that I enjoyed it as much as they did when they took turns reading it aloud to me. Unlike so many of the books written for children their ages, (7 and 9) Really Raoulino isn't about the latest TV show, or churned out by a "franchise." Really Raoulino is children's literature, a beautifully written and illustrated book that uses a good story, well told, to enhance children's imagination and joy in reading. Without being obvious or preachy, it also manages to touch on adoption, (Raoulino was lost as an egg and adopted by a lizard family), conservation, the importance of reading and problem solving, growing up (Raoulino develops from a lizard child into an adolescent dragon), trying hard, and even bullying, when Raoulino and his friends are chased through the city by cruel boys. My niece and nephew both identified with characters in the book, including a little girl who loudly insisted on opening her presents. They didn't like her at all, but they loved the rest of the characters, Raoulino, Basil, Wally, the Cobra and Sam the Sparrow. Their descriptions of the city after they escaped the zoo reminded them of how they saw the city when they were "little." The story was both funny, thanks to playful language, and adventurous, even a little scary at times. They hated putting it down when it was time for bed, and couldn't wait to finish it the next day. At the end, when Raoulino returned to his island home, they were thrilled that he now had two families, and asked me if I thought there were going to be more Raoulino adventures about them. I hope there will be.