Both Beaver and Franklin want to take care of the Nature Club's pet gecko, Gordon, and compete for the job in a series of challenges. But Franklin soon realizes that winning a contest isn't the only way to prove who would be the best gecko-sitter in the world.

Here's a way to have a range of picture book stories about the ever-popular Franklin the Turtle at your fingertips. Tie-ins from episodes of the 3D-animated television series Franklin and Friends, these eight separate stories provide models for dealing with a variety of everyday concerns and real problems faced by small children as they navigate the new frontiers of their lives. They help explain how to deal with uncomfortable situations, such as the fear of speaking in front of the class (Franklin and the Wonder), getting a nickname you don't like (Franklin, the Little Bubble) or being the only one who still struggles with a skill that all the other children have mastered (Franklin's Ups and Downs). Some explore handling social relationships, as when friends disagree about the best way to make something (Franklin's Partner), a friend doesn't want to play the same game as everyone else (Franklin's Spaceship) or when a decision must be made about which friend truly deserves to win the prize (Franklin and the Gecko Games). And a couple offer suggestions for fun and interesting ways to challenge yourself, such as solving a mystery with teamwork (Franklin and the Big Small Case) or using your imagination to travel to outer space (Franklin in the Stars). Besides being terrific read-alouds that feature familiar, appealing characters, stories about Franklin and his animal friends are always a perfect fit for character education lessons, particularly those on compassion, caring and kindness --- Franklin's strong suits.

Everyone is geared up and excited to play spaceship, except Snail --- he just wants to play his harmonica. Will Franklin find a way for everyone to have fun together?

When Fox shows up with the now good-as-new, ñcooli-oî radio that Franklin had thrown out, Franklin regrets his decision to let it go. But when Fox gives it back to him, FranklinÍs initial joy gives way to a not-quite-right feeling. Did Franklin make another mistake?

Franklin's friends have all mastered a cool new toy --- Pogo Paws! But when Franklin tries the jumping shoes, he falls flat on his shell. With a little help from Bear, Franklin learns that practice makes perfect!

Franklin and his friends find a drawing of a mysterious skunk family, but they canÍt find the artist. This is a case for the Super Cluepers! As Franklin and his friends follow the clues, they also get closer to discovering a new friend.

Franklin is excited for Rabbit to sleep over and play in his new rocket ship tent. But little sister Harriet keeps interrupting, and Rabbit is too distracted to play with Franklin. The space mission is nearly grounded -- until Franklin thinks of a way for everyone to join the fun!

Franklin plans a Day with Dad so they can have fun doing their favorite activities together. But things get off to a slow start when friends and neighbors ask Mr. Turtle for help, and he is soon too busy to play. Franklin is disappointed, until he realizes spending time together, regardless of what they might be doing, is what counts.

Franklin becomes jealous when his best friend Bear makes a new friend.

Franklin the turtle is excited to be spending two whole nights at his best friend Bear's house! They have so much fun together playing outdoors and making cool snow dragons. But even though Franklin is having lots of fun with Bear, some things at Bear's house make him a little bit uncomfortable. ?I'm just not used to things around here,? Franklin tells his friend. ?And I miss my family. I wish they could be here with me.? Luckily for Franklin, Bear and his parents understand what he's going through. And with a lot of kindness and some clever ideas, they manage to help Franklin deal with his sadness and start to feel at home. As with all the Franklin books, this one perfectly captures a difficult experience that is commonly faced by young children, in this case that of spending time away from home. Kindergarten and preschool children will recognize and relate to the conflicting emotions Franklin has. They, too, are likely enjoying some newfound independence away from their families, while still yearning for the comfort and familiarity of home after time away. Well-known from the very popular 3D-animated television series Franklin and Friends, the lovable character Franklin is a welcome guest in any classroom and a big hit at storytime. This book offers an excellent opportunity for a class discussion on the subjects of independence or fear. It would also work well for character education lessons about compassion, empathy and kindness.