Franklin and the Thunderstorm (Franklin) [Hardcover]

Paulette Bourgeois (Author), Brenda Clark (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1998 | Age Level: 3 and up | Series: Franklin

In this Franklin Classic Storybook, Franklin is afraid of thunderstorms. When a storm approaches while he is playing at Fox's house, a flash of lightning sends Franklin into his shell. He refuses to come out -- even for snacks -- until his friends make him laugh with their tall tales about what causes storms. And when Beaver explains what really causes thunder and lightning, Franklin begins to feel much safer.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreS-K--Franklin Tortoise's anxiety as he senses an approaching thunderstorm is not appeased by Fox, Hawk, or Beaver, all of whom find inclement weather rather exciting. They reassure their friend that there is nothing to worry about once they are inside a snug burrow. Franklin, nevertheless, retreats into his shell until they tell him that the noise from thunder is just cloud giants bowling and playing drums in the sky and that lightning is made by cloud giants turning their lights off and on. Owl, though, has a more scientific explanation that amazes them all. Soon the storm subsides and a rainbow appears. The simple story is accompanied by garishly bright illustrations of somewhat precious animals at play. Patricia Polacco's Thundercake (Philomel, 1990) addresses the subject with considerably more charm, but for additional material, where Franklin books are popular, this one might be an option.

Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Paulette Bourgeois is the author of more than 40 books for children, including the In My Neighborhood series and Oma?s Quilt. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Brenda Clark is best known as the illustrator of the original Franklin the Turtle series written by Paulette Bourgeois. Other popular titles she has illustrated include Sadie and the Snowman, Big Sarah's Little Boots, and the award winning, Little Fingerling. Brenda lives in Port Hope, Ontario.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Kids Can Press (April 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550744038
• ISBN-13: 978-1550744033
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,715,496 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It really helps deal with the fear of thunderstorms., January 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Franklin And The Thunderstorm (Paperback)

This book is very well written. It makes it easy for children of any age to relate to the story. It also shows children that its okay to be afraid and shows ways to deal with that fear. (for parents too)!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR BUT FEAR ITSELF.", May 13, 2002

By 

Soaring Heart - See all my reviews

This review is from: Franklin And The Thunderstorm (Paperback)

FRANKLIN AND THE THUNDERSTORM is a colorful, entertaining, imaginative young reader book dealing with a relevant issue--FEAR. We all have them so this young reader book is sure to grab the child's attention. There is conflict and character growth, the formula for a great story a child will remember and ask for again.

Franklin's mother sends a reluctant and nervous turtle dressed in galoshes and a rain hat, carrying an umbrella, over to his friend, Fox's house as a storm begins to brew. When he arrives, there are three other animals there sharing their opinions about the approaching thunderstorm such as: "My fur feels funny," says Fox. "My feathers get all ruffled," says Hawk. "I can smell a storm coming," says Beaver sniffing. No one seems to be scared but Franklin. But he is scared enough for all four of his buddies! The storm hits full force and they all run inside. When the power goes out Franklin is so terrified he retreats inside his shell and no kind of coaxing on anyone's part, even treats from Mrs. Fox, will get him out. So Franklin's friends use their imaginations and begin talking about the CLOUD GIANTS. Whether the Cloud Giants are bowling or playing drums in the sky (thunder,) swinging from chandeliers or turning their lights on and off (lightning,) the illustrations are what make the story so great. Beaver quotes Mr. Owl's factual definition of thunder and Franklin, by this time, is out of his shell and smiling. Fox and his friends go back outside and Franklin discovers a rainbow. What Franklin say at the ending rounds out this very special story.

*You should buy this for the funny illustrations of the Cloud giants and what Franklin says about rainbows alone. Wonderful short story for ages 4-8. I got a set of 4 Franklins in a book club for my young daughter and this is her favorite.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful, February 27, 2006

By 

Will's mom - See all my reviews

This review is from: Franklin And The Thunderstorm (Paperback)

My 3 yr old son really enjoys this book. At the time we purchased this he was afraid of loud noises. This book has helped to ease his fears. The book is well written and the characters are cute. I would recommend this to anyone.