Franklin's Pumpkin (Kids Can Read)
Franklin The Turtle Series
on Goodreads (71)
What’s inside...
Franklin is thrilled when he finds a giant pumpkin in his backyard, until he discovers that the competition at this year's fall fair is for the biggest zucchini! This Level 2 first reader contains longer stories, varied sentences, increased vocabulary, more difficult visual clues and some repetition. Desperately wanting to win a blue ribbon at the Fall Fair, Franklin is disappointed to learn that his pumpkin is too big to make a good pie and that there is no ribbon for largest pumpkin.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Franklin felt when he found the perfect pumpkin? Can you share a time when you felt the same way?
What are some ways Franklin shows he cares for his friends throughout the story?
Why is it important to share with others, like Franklin does with his pumpkin?
How do you think the story would change if Franklin didn’t find his pumpkin? What would he do?
What did you learn about teamwork and helping others from Franklin’s experience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Franklin’s adventures, fostering empathy and self-expression.
Discuss the importance of sharing and caring, relating them to everyday situations your child may encounter.
Use the book's illustrations to explore emotions and actions, asking your child to guess how a character feels or might react before reading the outcome.
Promote critical thinking by asking what-if scenarios, helping your child explore alternative endings or actions by characters.
Reinforce the values of teamwork and friendship portrayed in the book by planning a small group activity with your child and their friends.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Franklin and his friends work together to find the perfect pumpkin, showcasing the value of cooperation and support among peers.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with their friends in school projects or sharing tasks during playtime to build stronger friendships.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Franklin faces challenges in selecting a pumpkin, which teaches him to think critically and make decisions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to enhance their problem-solving skills by analyzing situations and making informed decisions, whether in choosing a game to play or resolving minor disputes with peers.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Franklin takes on the task of finding a pumpkin, demonstrating the concept of responsibility and commitment to a task.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being responsible for their assignments, be it homework or chores, fostering a sense of reliability and accountability.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Disappointment
Explanation: When Franklin can’t find the right pumpkin initially, he experiences disappointment but learns to manage his feelings effectively.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that it’s okay to feel disappointed, but it’s important to cope with these emotions constructively, such as by seeking support or trying again.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Achievements
Explanation: Franklin's success in eventually finding the perfect pumpkin allows for a celebration, highlighting the joy of achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to take pride in their personal achievements and celebrate small victories whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies.