Finders Keepers for Franklin

Alison Mews is co-ordinator of the Centre for Instructional Services at
Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Franklin the little turtle discovers a lost camera and is encouraged by
his friends to take their pictures. Despite their assurances that
finders are keepers, Franklin knows he mustn’t keep things that
don’t belong to him. Eventually he tells his father. Their attempts to
find the owner fail, until the camera’s film is developed and the
first picture shows Raccoon, who has been away. In the end, Raccoon,
happily reunited with his camera, takes a picture of Franklin.

Franklin’s moral dilemma is one that most children face at some time.
The simple story line is credibly developed and the reader is gently
drawn to the conclusion that “honesty is the best policy.” As
always, Brenda Clark has illustrated Franklin with great sympathy and
expression. Recommended.