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Paulette Bourgeois
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Franklin in the Dark Paperback – Picture Book, January 1, 2013

by Paulette Bourgeois (Author), Brenda Clark (Illustrator)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 492 ratings
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This larger-format special collectible edition of the first Franklin book celebrates the 25th anniversary of the world's most beloved turtle. Includes never-before-seen archival material and personal letters from the author and illustrator that offers a fun behind-the-scenes peek at this Canadian classic.A perfect gift for long-time fans and a new generation of readers alike.In the Franklin Classic Storybook that started it all, poor little Franklin has one of the most common childhood afflictions --- he is afraid of the dark. This is particularly distressing for Franklin as he happens to be a turtle, and the darkness he fears is, of course, inside his own shell. Bravely, with shell in tow, he sets forth to seek help and in the course of his travels discovers a bird who is afraid of heights, a polar bear who is afraid of the cold, and even a hydrophobic duck. In the end, Franklin discovers that everybody is afraid of something, even his own mother, and his response to what he has learned is guaranteed to draw a smile.
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  1. Reading age
    2 - 5 years, from customers
  2. Part of series
    Classic Franklin Stories
  3. Print length
    32 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  6. Lexile measure
    460L
  7. Dimensions
    7.5 x 0.13 x 8.5 inches
  8. Publisher
    Kids Can Press
  9. Publication date
    January 1, 2013
  10. ISBN-10
    1771380071
  11. ISBN-13
    978-1771380072
  12. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

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

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kids Can Press; Reprint edition (January 1, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1771380071
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1771380072
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 2 - 5 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 460L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.5 x 0.13 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 492 ratings

About the author

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Paulette Bourgeois

Paulette Bourgeois

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Paulette Bourgeois worked as an occupational therapist and a print and television journalist before she began writing for children. When Franklin in the Dark was released in 1986, it became a bestseller—and the Franklin phenomenon was born. Paulette has gone on to write over 30 Franklin stories illustrated by Brenda Clark that have been published around the world. Paulette lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
492 global ratings
Scared kids
2 Stars
Scared kids
Book would have been perfect but one of the pages had scary drawings that freaked out the kids who were already scared of the dark.
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Top reviews from the United States

Margaret D.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story for children
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2024
Verified Purchase
Bought for a new family member. My children and I loved these stories about Franklin. Illustrations are precious.
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Rob
5.0 out of 5 stars This is our family's favorite kids book
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is a wonderful book about a mild mannered turtle with a problem. He talks to his mom, explores solutions, and then hits on a great idea that finally solves his problem. It is wonderfully written and illustrated and we have given several copies out as gifts to our favorite people. Can't recommend it highly enough.
One person found this helpful
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John
5.0 out of 5 stars enjoyed
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024
Verified Purchase
my toddler loves this a lot of fun to read good lessons
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Coach Heidi
5.0 out of 5 stars Great lesson
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
I didn’t even realize I needed the lesson from this book as a parent. I was expecting something different, but was grateful.
If you’re wanting a book to teach your kid to sleep in their bed, this is not it. But it’s an essential stepping stone.
It talks about how we all need different things to feel safe in the dark, and that it’s ok. It helps remove shame or embarrassment.
It opened up great discussions for my kids about what helps them feel safe when they’re alone or in the dark.
2 people found this helpful
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Belinda
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for toddler
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2022
Verified Purchase
Was so happy to find this favorite in a board book for my grandson. I read this beloved story to my sons and the many children I worked with over the past 36 years. They loved to hear it again and again. The theme of overcoming our fears is timeless.
One person found this helpful
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George Buttner
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Collector's Item for "Franklin" Fans
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2011
Verified Purchase
First of all, the publication date listed for this item is not correct. It states that it will be out on February 1, 2011, but Amazon sent the item to me a few days ago and it is in my hands.

It's 2011, and Franklin begins the celebration of his 25th anniversary with this wonderful book - a 25th anniversary edition of his very first adventure. This includes the complete, original "Franklin in the Dark." In the story, Franklin finds himself with a big problem. Turtles sleep in their shells, but it's dark in there, and Franklin is afraid of the dark. He drags his shell behind him and goes on a journey, looking for someone to help him with his problem. Though he doesn't find anyone who has a problem just like his, his adventure does give him an idea for how to overcome his fear.

This 25th anniversary edition has so much more than the original story however. Included at the very beginning is Paulette Bourgeois's original manuscript - "The Turtle They Called Chicken," giving fans a rare look into the early development of the series. There is also original storyboard artwork and sketches, as well as letters from both Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark.

The pages at the back of the book contains even more excellent supplementary material. Readers are given a look at the development of the entire series - from the books to the television show, with the promise of an upcoming CGI series in 2011. There are also pictures of many different types of "Franklin" merchandise, some of which I didn't even know existed. There is also a wonderful look at the Franklin Children's Garden in Canada and a section on international editions of "Franklin."

If you or your children are fans of this intrepid young turtle, this 25th anniversary edition of the original is a can't miss.
5 people found this helpful
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Justin Weyant
5.0 out of 5 stars My 2.5 year olds love it!
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2022
Verified Purchase
I bought this because my 2.5 year olds are afraid of the dark. While they are still scared of the dark they do love the book. I've read it a lot in only a few days.
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The Real Reviewer
4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story, with a great message
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2015
Verified Purchase
Beautiful story, with a great message. Helped my toddler realize his fear of the dark was something everyone faced and how light could help solve the problem of darkness.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Kaitlyn
5.0 out of 5 stars Nostalgic
Reviewed in Canada on April 29, 2024
Verified Purchase
I love the Franklin books and I’m so happy I can get them on Amazon, bought this and a couple others for my friends 4year old
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shikha
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding
Reviewed in India on October 26, 2019
Verified Purchase
Outstanding book to work with children on fears. Love this one.
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Dana
5.0 out of 5 stars Franklin encanta
Reviewed in Spain on January 12, 2014
Verified Purchase
El cuento es muy tierno... La tortuga franklin giene miedo a la oscuridad y no quiere dormir en su casa 0_o...

Va en busca de ayuda y encuentra que todos temen a algo y tienen alguna cosa que les ayuda....

Especialmente este libro de aniversario esta precioso, la calidad del papel y la claridad de las imagenes han encantado a mi hijo de 3 años y medio...

Hemos comorado tambien franklin va de excursion que ha sido otro exito...

Buscaremos alguno mas de la serie...
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Ioana
5.0 out of 5 stars The teachings
Reviewed in Spain on June 9, 2021
Verified Purchase
"Franklin" books are a real success in our house. We kindly recommend the book
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Lois B.N.
5.0 out of 5 stars Franklin in the Dark
Reviewed in Canada on December 25, 2013
Verified Purchase
This was my first and it still is my very favourite Franklin book. I had an autographed copy when the grandchildren were growing up - in one of our moves, I lost my copy of this book. When I saw the 25th Anniversary copy available, I just had to have it to pass on down through the family. I am 80 and I still love the Franklin stories.
2 people found this helpful
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