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?

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!

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.

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 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 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.

It's nearly Christmas, but the adults in Woodland are too busy buying presents, putting up their trees and decorating to have any time for holiday fun. This gives Franklin the turtle an idea. ?What if we go caroling?? he says to his friends. ?I bet that would get everyone into the Christmas spirit!? At first, they all agree it's a great plan. But when caroling time comes, Franklin and Snail are the only two who show up in the town square. Though he's disappointed, Franklin bravely begins singing all by himself, with Snail accompanying him on the harmonica. Slowly, people start to gather around. Soon they begin caroling, too. And before long, thanks to Franklin, everyone in town has found the holiday spirit! Based on the popular Franklin and Friends 3D-animated television program, this book highlights what a wonderful role model the beloved turtle Franklin can be. Here he shows young children that, even though they're small, they can still make a difference in their own communities. It also teaches them how, when things don't go according to plan, if you trust in yourself and follow your heart, you're sure to end up doing the right thing. This title would be a perfect choice for a read-aloud during the holiday season, and could launch a discussion of what ?holiday spirit? means and how children can help foster it. It would also work beautifully for a character education lesson on caring, courage or initiative.

When Aunt T comes over with her telescope, Franklin is excited for a night of stargazing ... until the clouds roll in and ruin the view. But will the night be ruined, too? Not with a little imagination and clever Aunt T around!

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.

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