Franklin and the Case of the New Friend (Franklin and Friends)
Franklin The Turtle Series
on Goodreads (30)
What’s inside...
Franklin the turtle and his friend Beaver discover a mysterious drawing of a skunk girl in the park. With no skunk families in Woodland, they decide to solve the mystery as the Super Cluepers. Along with their friends, they strategize to find the skunk girl and befriend her. This heartwarming tale, based on the animated series Franklin and Friends, teaches young children about curiosity, problem-solving, and inclusiveness. It is ideal for reading aloud and ties in with lessons on empathy, compassion, and teamwork.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Franklin feel when he met the new friend? Can you recall a time you met someone new?
What did Franklin and his friends do to make their new friend feel welcome?
Why is it important to be kind to others, even if they are different from us?
How would you help a new friend feel comfortable in your group?
What did you learn from Franklin's experience with his new friend?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by sharing a personal story about making a new friend. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story, relating it to their real-life experiences. Use the questions to guide a reflective discussion, helping your child understand the value of friendship and inclusivity. Praise their insights to boost their confidence in sharing. Reinforce the lessons learned by planning activities that involve meeting new people or exploring new environments together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of acceptance
Explanation: Franklin learns to accept Beaver’s cousin, Betty, despite their initial differences. Through their interactions, Franklin understands that accepting others can lead to new friendships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to accept and embrace peers who may look, behave, or think differently from them, promoting a more inclusive environment at school or in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Overcoming shyness
Explanation: Betty is portrayed as shy and hesitant around new friends. Throughout the book, through the gentle encouragement of Franklin and others, she comes out of her shell.
Real-World Application: This can teach children that being encouraging and patient towards shy peers can help them feel more comfortable and included, fostering a supportive community.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity
Explanation: Franklin’s curiosity about Betty leads him to learn more about her and understand her better, which strengthens their friendship.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to be curious about others can lead to deeper understanding and respect among peers, enhancing their social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Resolving misunderstandings
Explanation: Misunderstandings between Franklin and Betty are resolved through open communication, showing the effectiveness of talking about one’s feelings and clearing up confusions.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to address their issues with friends or classmates through open and honest communication, helping to resolve conflicts and misunderstandings amicably.