The Frank Show
What’s inside...
This picture book tells the story of a young narrator who reluctantly brings his seemingly uninteresting Grandpa Frank to school for show-and-tell, expecting a disaster. To his surprise, Grandpa Frank reveals a tattoo and an accompanying adventurous story, showing that there is more to the older generation than meets the eye. The book, filled with humor and emotional depth, is praised for its lively illustrations and heartwarming message about uncovering the hidden stories of grandparents.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Frank special from other grandparents in the story?
How would you feel if you were asked to talk about one of your family members in front of your class?
Can you think of a time when you learned something unexpected about someone in our family?
Why do you think the classmates enjoyed The Frank Show at the end?
If you could ask Frank one question about his life, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare and contrast their experiences with their grandparents to Frank’s adventures and characteristics.
Ask your child to imagine and describe a ‘show and tell’ session about another family member, fostering creativity.
Discuss the importance of respecting and valuing the elderly, sharing personal stories about older family members to make it relatable.
After reading, use the illustrations in the book to help your child point out funny and notable expressions, enhancing their observational skills.
Create an atmosphere of curiosity by wondering aloud about your own family’s past, inspiring your child to ask questions and engage more deeply with the theme of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciating the uniqueness of individuals
Explanation: In 'The Frank Show,' the protagonist learns to see the extraordinary characteristics of his grandfather Frank, though initially perceiving him as uninteresting.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace the unique traits and stories of older family members and others around them.
Example Lesson: Valuing family history
Explanation: Through the story, children see how Frank's experiences and tales from the past enrich their understanding of their personal and family history.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to ask relatives about their life experiences, creating stronger familial bonds and a sense of identity.
Example Lesson: Breaking stereotypes
Explanation: The book challenges stereotypes by showing that despite Frank's age and initial mundane appearance, he has had a vibrant and interesting life.
Real-World Application: This encourages children not to judge people based on age or first appearances and promotes open-mindedness.
Example Lesson: Importance of storytelling
Explanation: Frank's stories captivate the class and teach the value of oral history and storytelling.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of listening skills and the value of storytelling in preserving history and creating connections among people.