In Franklin's Thanksgiving, based on characters created by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark, the turtle and his family are disappointed when Grandma and Grandpa can't make it, but they find unexpected fun and friendship as they prepare for the annual feast.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
reS-Gr 2-Franklin loves Thanksgiving and especially looks forward to his grandparents' visit. However, a week before the holiday, he learns that grandma and grandpa won't be coming for dinner this year. When the young turtle learns that Mr. Owl's relatives are not visiting either, he invites him to join his family, deciding that "This would be a wonderful surprise for his parents." Meanwhile, Franklin's mother decides to invite the Bear family and his father invites Mr. Mole, also without telling the others. Franklin invites the Moose family, too, since they are new in town. When the guests begin arriving, everyone is surprised to see who has come. All have brought platters and bowls heaped with food, and when the house becomes crowded, they move the feast outside-just like the early settlers. At the end of the day, Franklin's grandparents telephone and the young turtle tells them all about the new Thanksgiving tradition. They promise that they will be there next time. The story is thin. It's never explained why the grandparents disappoint their family by not coming, and letting them know by postcard seems very impersonal-particularly since they telephone on Thanksgiving night. Full-page and spot art show the very green turtle family engaging in all of the typical activities of the season, but there's still something lacking in this celebration.
Wendy S. Carroll, Montclair Cooperative School, NJ
Description:
From Publishers Weekly
In Franklin's Thanksgiving, based on characters created by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark, the turtle and his family are disappointed when Grandma and Grandpa can't make it, but they find unexpected fun and friendship as they prepare for the annual feast.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
reS-Gr 2-Franklin loves Thanksgiving and especially looks forward to his grandparents' visit. However, a week before the holiday, he learns that grandma and grandpa won't be coming for dinner this year. When the young turtle learns that Mr. Owl's relatives are not visiting either, he invites him to join his family, deciding that "This would be a wonderful surprise for his parents." Meanwhile, Franklin's mother decides to invite the Bear family and his father invites Mr. Mole, also without telling the others. Franklin invites the Moose family, too, since they are new in town. When the guests begin arriving, everyone is surprised to see who has come. All have brought platters and bowls heaped with food, and when the house becomes crowded, they move the feast outside-just like the early settlers. At the end of the day, Franklin's grandparents telephone and the young turtle tells them all about the new Thanksgiving tradition. They promise that they will be there next time. The story is thin. It's never explained why the grandparents disappoint their family by not coming, and letting them know by postcard seems very impersonal-particularly since they telephone on Thanksgiving night. Full-page and spot art show the very green turtle family engaging in all of the typical activities of the season, but there's still something lacking in this celebration.
Wendy S. Carroll, Montclair Cooperative School, NJ
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.