I have known Franklin the Turtle by sight for years, but had never read (or seen on TV) any of his stories until now, as he came on the scene when my sons were in high school. My sons missed out on these six stories which all teach valuable life lessons without being preachy. Each story begins: “Franklin can tie his shoes. Franklin can count by twos.” Followed by a quick preview of the story to come.
In Franklin and the Scooter, he learns buying something isn’t always the answer to getting what you want. Franklin was not able to earn the amount of money needed for the scooter he wanted. In the end, Franklin learns to share his bike with his friend and takes turns riding his friend’s scooter.
In Franklin and the Contest, Franklin has a hard time figuring out what he can do for 5 hours straight to win the contest for Gee Whiz magazine. The magazine contest promoter is able to see Franklin’s talent better than he can himself.
In Franklin and the Bubble Gum, Franklin innocently comes across a broken gum ball machine which dispenses all of the gum balls for his one penny. Franklin thinks it’s his lucky day and shares the gum balls with all of his friends. Later, Beaver announces the gum balls have been stolen. Then Franklin returns to the gum ball machine to pay for the gum balls. When Mr. Mole tries out the machine after refilling it with more gum balls, Franklin is allowed to keep all of the gum once again after he catches them in his hat. Mr. Mole thanks him for his honesty.
In Franklin and the Stopwatch, Franklin learns firsthand why his friends are tired of his timing them do everything, when they start timing his every move. Turn about is fair play- has a whole new meaning.
In Franklin and the Magic Show, after seeing a magician in a magic show, Franklin charges his friends 1 cookie to see his magic show. When his disappearing act does not work, his friends leave taking back their cookies. Later, Franklin’s father shows him some easy tricks. Franklin invites his friends to the show, but instead of charging a cookie, he gives each of them a cookie.
In Franklin and the Cookies, Franklin and Bear make a dozen cookies. First they eat half of the cookies and then the other half which they have been asked to share with their younger siblings. So they make 12 more cookies. They eat these, too. They make 12 more cookies. These they share. The third time is the charm.