My 6 1/2 year old daughter, who is quite an avid reader, received this book as a Valentines Day gift. As I am reading this book to her, I was horrified that this book depicts a home scenario where a wife and child are beaten with a belt. The wife figure ( an animal ) is portrayed as lying to another neighbor about being beaten black and blue by the father racoon.This book is an outrage to any parent. In attempting to deliver a message of helping friends in trouble, the author creates a scene (child and wife beating) which is absolutely inappropriate for young children. Avoid this one!!!!