Franklin's Pumpkin Book

In this Level 2 first reader, youngsters will identify with Franklin as he deals with competition.

Marilyn Courtot - Children's Literature

All of Franklin's friends are growing fruits and vegetables to get ready for the fair. Beaver is saving his cherries to make the best cherry pie, bear was tending his blueberry bushes and Franklin told both of them that he wanted a piece of the pies. At home he found that the birds had finished off his raspberries, the apples were all wormy and his sister had polished off the strawberries. Franklin is a little discouraged until he finds a pumpkin that he carefully tends. He is going to make a winning pumpkin pie, but alas he learns that big pumpkins don't make the best pies. Undaunted, he decides to try and win a blue ribbon for the biggest pumpkin until he learns that pumpkins are not part of the contest. Harriet wants to win a prize for her costume and she goes dressed as a princess and so did a lot of other little ladies. The best part of the story is how Franklin saves the day and helps his sister win a prize, and as befitting his generosity and cleverness Franklin also gets to enjoy his friends pies. The book is not specifically focused on Halloween, but since pumpkins are such a part of the holiday and the fall season, it would be an appropriate book for that time of year. A level 2 book in the "Kids Can Read" series aimed at those reading with help. 2004, Kids Can Press, Ages 5 to 7.