Franklin #15: Franklin's Bad Day - Softcover

When asked what she hopes children will learn from her books, Paulette Bourgeois explains: It is most important to look for the wonder in ordinary things.” Some of this wonder, and a curious anxiety, spill over into her character Franklin. The world's best-loved turtle overcomes the challenges of the everyday life of a five-year-old in a way that resonates with children. Since 1986, Franklin and Paulette have championed a fear of the dark, boastful fibs, thunderstorms, new friends, museum dinosaurs,...

When Paulette finished writing her first book, Franklin in the Dark, she knew that she would always write stories for children. With each new book, she imagines a child turning the last page and giving a satisfied sigh. Paulette explains: I want readers to feel connected to my storybook world to feel, to smell, to touch and to explore the landscapes, both internal and external, that I have created. As I write, I draw on my own experiences and find it easy to remember emotions and situations.”

Although Paulette is best-known for the Franklin books, she is also the writer of fiction and non-fiction for young readers. In her non-fiction writing, she explores another realm of wonders with her young readers. She shares amazing” information on many topics: from apples to potatoes; from fire fighters to garbage collectors; from the moon to the sun! What's next, the universe! The Sun: Starting with Space was shortlisted for a Science in Society Book Award (1995), given by the Canadian Science Writer's Association, and won the honor of Parents' Choice Approval, given by the US Parents' Choice Foundation (1997).

Currently, Paulette is endeavoring to write longer books for children, and trying to follow the advice she gives to children: Read, read, read and write, write, write.”

Kindergarten-Grade 2. Franklin the turtle is having a horrible day. He usually loves winter, but today he is grumpy, cranky, and unhappy. Bear and Franklin go out to play together, but nothing they do is fun. They miss their good friend Otter, who has moved away. When the pouting turtle returns home, he is angry and sad until his father suggests that he write or call Otter. Franklin spends the rest of the day making a scrapbook to send to her, full of drawings and a dozen self-addressed envelopes. This is a well-told story about overcoming a difficult situation. In the colorful cartoon illustrations, Franklin's facial expressions help to convey his changing moods and emotions, from frustration and sadness to satisfaction. Fans of Franklin's earlier adventures and children who have had a friend move away will enjoy this book.?Elisabeth Palmer Abarbanel, Los Angeles Public Library
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