Franklin Celebrates. (A Franklin TV Storybook). Sharon Jennings. Illustrated by Sean Jeffrey, Sasha McIntyre and Alice Sinker. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 2005. 32 pp., pbk. & cl., $4.95 (pbk.), $10.95 (cl.). ISBN 1-55337-502-5 (pbk.), ISBN 1-55337-501-7 (cl.). Subject Headings: Parties-Juvenile fiction. Geese-Migration-Juvenile fiction. Preschool-grade 2 / Ages 3-7. Review by Ruth Scales McMahon. *** /4

excerpt:

The night before the party Franklin said his tummy was jumpy.

"Maybe I shouldn't go tomorrow," he said. "I don't think I should eat strange food and dance around."

"Oh dear," said his mother, as she tucked him into bed. "I was counting on your help tomorrow. I want to make a blueberry pie to send to Mrs. Goose."

Franklin sighed.

At least there'd be one thing at the party he could eat.

Goose is having a Migration Eve party and Franklin is invited. As Franklin faces the unknown, he is anxious about going and trying new things. When he arrives, he finds the food is all quite normal, and the meal ends by sharing a donut with someone, symbolizing the sharing of the migratory journey. The meal is followed by stories of the dangers of migrating, the migration dance and the tears and goodbyes as the geese leave on their journey.

     This is another reassuring, encouraging, gentle story of Franklin the turtle and his friends. For Franklin fans, this is another comforting visit to his world of love and friendship; for those being introduced to Franklin in this volume, they will meet a trusted friend.

     Although this story is set in the autumn, the migration celebration can be linked to other year round celebrations, particularly those from unfamiliar cultures.

Recommended.

Ruth Scales McMahon is a professional children's librarian, the co-chair of the Rocky Mountain Book Award and the mother of two young children.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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