Franklin Rides a Bike

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

In this latest Franklin story, the little turtle learns the value of
try, try again.

Franklin watches with dismay as the other animals give up their
training wheels. Although his one frustrating attempt to ride a
two-wheeler led to an angry vow never to ride again, Franklin is
inspired by the sight of his friends cycling happily about to try one
more time. Again, he is unsuccessful. His mother gently helps him
realize that each of his friends had difficulty learning certain
skills—Badger to swim, Fox to hit a baseball. Then Franklin sees
Porcupine glide by on in-line skates with appropriate padding and comes
up with a unique solution: he dons protective padding, lines his walkway
with pillows, and learns to ride a bike without hurting himself. His
sense of accomplishment is evident as he demonstrates his recently
acquired skill in front of his friends.

Thematically, this story recalls the first Franklin book. There, too,
the knowledge that everyone is afraid of something gave Franklin the
courage to find a solution to his own problem. Children will identify
with Franklin’s frustration and later his thrill of achievement as he
masters a hard-won skill. Recommended.