Quick watercolour sketches capture Franklin's painful attempts at catching a baseball and his humiliation at being picked last for the team. The only time the black horn-rimmed glasses aren't perched on his nose is when he's telling stories, and even then the glasses are obvious in the foreground. But when Franklin weaves his tales, he is surrounded by magical beasts. Molly's elephant backpack accompanies her like Franklin's imaginary elephant comforts him. Molly's cat appears to miss Franklin as much as Molly does. Ladybugs, caterpillars and bugs crawl throughout the pages, reflecting Molly's claim that Franklin "bugs" her. In the end, the insects that Molly and Franklin collect are set free by the two friends.

      I Miss Franklin P. Shuckles is a tale of peer pressure, abandonment and reconciliation. Although the story is overly simplistic, it evokes strong feelings both of sadness and happiness. The voice of Molly Pepper is childlike, and her attempts to end -and renew- the friendship are humorous and demonstrate author Ulana Snihura's insights into the minds of young children.

Recommended.