Reader’s Favorite — ★★★★★

"Is your head full of words that you can't say out loud? That's Racky the raccoon's problem. In Jenna L Anderson's Racky's Magic Letters, Racky struggles to communicate verbally, but the problem is that all the words inside his head get jumbled up when he tries to say them out loud. His mother is the only one who understands. One day they walk through the woods together and stumble upon a cave with colorful letters scattered all over the ground. Racky is mesmerized and takes the time to learn the sound of each letter. He returns every day until he has enough sounds to formulate the words he wants to say. He tries them on his mother first and the result is inspiring.

Jenna L Anderson's picture book, Racky's Magic Letters, is a clever way to teach youngsters confidence in reading and speaking. Communication in any form is an important tool. The story is told in rhyming verse and the lyrical nature of this story will have young readers engaged and wanting to learn more about letters. The plot follows Racky as he struggles to verbally communicate until he learns his letters. The bond between Racky and his mother is sweet and soothing as she continually encourages Racky to keep on trying. The illustrations by Indira Muzbulakova are bright, bold, and colorful, helping move the story along. This little treasure of a book is engaging, entertaining, and educational. What a great way to help young readers find their unique voice, whether it's in the written or verbal form. Well done!"

-Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Literary Titan Gold Book Award Recipient — ★★★★★

"Jenna L. Anderson's Racky's Magic Letters is a heartwarming story about a young raccoon named Racky who struggles with speech. His words tangle before they can reach his mouth, leaving him frustrated and misunderstood. With the support of his loving mother, he discovers a magical cave filled with glowing letters that help him understand sounds, form words, and ultimately express himself. It's a beautifully illustrated journey of self-discovery, patience, and perseverance, celebrating the magic of language in a way that feels both relatable and inspiring.

One of the things I absolutely loved about this book is how it treats language as something exciting and full of wonder. When Racky stumbles upon the glowing letters in the cave, they aren't just shapes on a wall; they're treasures, singing their sounds like music. The way the story transforms learning into an adventure makes it feel less like a lesson and more like an exciting quest. I could feel Racky's joy when he put two letters together and heard the word "go" for the first time. It's a small moment, but it carries so much weight. You can almost hear the excitement in his tiny raccoon voice as he realizes he's cracked a code that was once impossible to him.

Another thing that really struck me was the emotional depth of the story. Racky's frustration is so real. When he feels unheard, it stings. When his mother doesn't understand him, he's not just sad, he gets mad. That kind of honesty is important in children's books. It doesn't shy away from the harder emotions kids face, especially those who struggle with speech. And yet, the book never lingers too long in those tough moments. Instead, it gently guides the reader toward hope. The way Racky's mom supports him, teaching him to sign and taking him on walks when he's upset, feels like a warm hug. It's a reminder that patience and encouragement can make all the difference.

The writing itself is simple yet lyrical, making it a perfect read-aloud book. The rhyming and rhythm keep things flowing smoothly, and the repetition of sounds helps reinforce the theme of learning letters and words. The illustrations by Indira Muzbulakova are just as magical as the story. The glowing letters, the soft forest backgrounds, and the expressive little raccoon bring everything to life. You can feel the warmth of the world Racky lives in, making it even easier to connect with his journey.

I'd recommend Racky's Magic Letters to any child who's learning to read, struggling with speech, or just loves a good story about discovery. It's a fantastic book for parents and educators who want to introduce the magic of letters in a way that feels natural and exciting. More than that, it's a story about persistence, about finding new ways to communicate, and about celebrating every small victory. Racky's journey is one that sticks with you, and by the time you reach the last page, you can't help but cheer for him."

- Literary Titan