Franklin and the New Teacher

Theresa Paltzat is the Smart Search librarian at the Edmonton Public
Library.

Franklin and the New Teacher is a literary adaptation of the
direct-to-video special Back to School with Franklin. Franklin’s
teacher, Mr. Owl, has broken his leg, and Franklin and his friends are
worried about having a new teacher whom they do not know. Ms. Koala is
different, and Franklin is not sure he likes change. But Ms. Koala soon
wins the students over by telling them all about Australia and showing
them her boomerang.

Franklin Forgives and Franklin’s Nickname are both adaptations of TV
episodes of the same names. In Franklin’s Nickname, a school project
on sports heroes convinces Franklin that if he is going to be a famous
athlete, he needs a clever nickname. He decides that everyone can call
him Flash and sets out, unsuccessfully, to prove to his friends that he
is worthy of the name. In Franklin Forgives, the young turtle, his
parents, and his sister Harriet go to the pond for dinner on a hot
summer day. Franklin brings along Goldie, his pet goldfish. When Harriet
accidentally knocks over Franklin’s goldfish bowl and his beloved pet
swims out into the pond, Franklin is devastated and finds it difficult
to forgive Harriet.

The Franklin picture books feature colourfully illustrated stories that
involve the youngster, members of his family, and his various animal
friends. The books illustrate small life lessons in gentle and humorous
ways by setting them in situations that most young children can relate
to. All three books are recommended.