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Children's Fiction Media Tie-in

Franklin in the Dark

by (author) Paulette Bourgeois

illustrated by Brenda Clark

Publisher
Kids Can Press
Initial publish date
Aug 2013
Category
Media Tie-In, Turtles, Values & Virtues
Recommended Age
3 to 8
Recommended Grade
p to 3
Recommended Reading age
3 to 8
  • Audio cassette

    ISBN
    9781550748697
    Publish Date
    Aug 2000
    List Price
    $9.95
  • Board book

    ISBN
    9781550748987
    Publish Date
    Sep 2000
    List Price
    $7.95
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780921103318
    Publish Date
    Dec 1992
    List Price
    $5.95
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780919964938
    Publish Date
    Jan 1986
    List Price
    $12.95
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781771380072
    Publish Date
    Aug 2013
    List Price
    $7.99
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781554536160
    Publish Date
    Feb 2011
    List Price
    $18.95

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

This larger-format special collectible edition of the first Franklin book celebrates the 25th anniversary of the world's most beloved turtle. Includes never-before-seen archival material and personal letters from the author and illustrator that offers a fun behind-the-scenes peek at this Canadian classic. A perfect gift for long-time fans and a new generation of readers alike.

In the Franklin Classic Storybook that started it all, poor little Franklin has one of the most common childhood afflictions --- he is afraid of the dark. This is particularly distressing for Franklin as he happens to be a turtle, and the darkness he fears is, of course, inside his own shell. Bravely, with shell in tow, he sets forth to seek help and in the course of his travels discovers a bird who is afraid of heights, a polar bear who is afraid of the cold, and even a hydrophobic duck. In the end, Franklin discovers that everybody is afraid of something, even his own mother, and his response to what he has learned is guaranteed to draw a smile.

About the authors

Paulette Bourgeois est l'auteure des albums mettant en vedette Benjamin la tortue. Traduites dans 38 langues, les aventures de Benjamin se sont vendues à plus de 60 millions d'exemplaires à travers le monde! Benjamin et la Saint-Valentin a remporté la troisième position au palmarès Communication-Jeunesse des livres pour les jeunes.

 

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."

Paulette Bourgeois' profile page

BRENDA CLARK est surtout connue comme l’illustratrice de la série originale Benjamin la tortue. Elle a également signé les illustrations des albums Le bonhomme d’Hélène et Les petites bottes de la grande Sarah. Brenda vit à Port Hope, en Ontario.

 

BRENDA CLARK is best known as the illustrator of the original Franklin the Turtle series written by Paulette Bourgeois. Other popular titles she has illustrated include Sadie and the Snowman, Big Sarah's Little Boots, and the award-winning Little Fingerling. Brenda lives in Port Hope, Ontario.

Brenda Clark's profile page

Awards

  • Winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens , Canadian Children's Book Centre

Librarian Reviews

Franklin in the Dark: 25th Anniversary Edition

In this classic Franklin storybook that started it all Franklin discovers that everyone is a little afraid of something. This larger-format special collectible edition includes never-before-seen archival material and personal letters from the author and illustrator. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the world’s most beloved turtle, this book will make a perfect gift for Franklin fans. Originally published in 1985, by Kids Can Press (Our Choice 1986/1987).

Source: The Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Best Books for Kids & Teens. Fall, 2012.

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