Franklin Fibs

Joan Buchanan is a writer, storyteller and instructor and author of
Taking Care of My Cold.

This story, the third Franklin book, once again features the lovable
turtle with human problems. Preschoolers to seven-year-olds, and older
readers, will understand and appreciate Franklin’s new dilemma.

To match his friends’ bragging, he fibs that he can “swallow
seventy-six flies in the blink of an eye.” Afterwards he regrets that
he got carried away and realizes that it’s best to tell the truth. His
parents are warm and supportive, but I liked the fact that Franklin
solves his problem by himself. However, given the high standard of the
writing, I found the conclusion disappointing. By baking and eating a
76-fly pie, Franklin shirks full responsibility for his fib. This choice
of ending undermines the moral of the story.

Clark’s illustrations use very bold, vibrant colors: Franklin is
bright green and yellow with a brownish shell. Her details, such as the
insect-and-leaf salads that Franklin’s family eats for dinner, are
appealing. Importantly, the characters are portrayed with a gentleness
that suits the text.

If you add this new Franklin book to your library, it will most likely
get lots of use.