Author Profile
Paulette Bourgeois
41 Books
Paulette Bourgeois is a celebrated Canadian author, best known as the creator of the globally beloved Franklin the Turtle series. Her engaging children's books, often illustrated by Brenda Clark, tenderly explore common childhood experiences and emotions through the adventures of a young turtle and his friends. Titles like "Franklin in the Dark" and "Franklin Goes to School" have resonated with countless young readers and their families. Through her accessible storytelling, Bourgeois has provided comforting and relatable narratives that help children navigate the challenges and joys of growing up.
Books in "Franklin"
Franklin
Franklin's Bad Day
Paulette Bourgeois, Brenda Clark
Animals
Fiction
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Franklin's New Friend, Franklin's Bad Day, and Franklin Has a Sleepover
Get ready for a triple dose of turtle adventures! This special collection brings together three beloved stories about growing up, facing fears, and discovering what it means to be a good friend. First, Franklin gets a big surprise when a massive Moose family moves in next door. Moose is very tall and a little intimidating, but Franklin soon learns that new friends come in all shapes and sizes. Next, Franklin wakes up on the wrong side of the bed. His best friend Otter has moved away, and nothing feels right until Franklin figures out how to keep their friendship strong across the miles. Finally, Franklin is thrilled to host his very first sleepover with Bear! But when bedtime rolls around, Bear gets homesick. Can Franklin find a way to make his buddy feel brave and comfortable?
6-8 Years
96 Pages
All of Franklin's friends are experiencing a very exciting milestone. They are starting to lose their baby teeth, and that means special overnight visits from the magical Tooth Fairy! Bear gets a shiny coin, and everyone is proudly showing off their new, gappy smiles. There is only one problem for our favorite turtle. Franklin does not have any teeth to lose! Turtles have hard beaks instead of teeth, which means no wobbly front teeth and no treasures left under his pillow. Feeling left out of the fun, Franklin wonders if the Tooth Fairy will ever have a reason to visit his room. Discover how Franklin and his family find a creative and heartwarming way to celebrate growing up, even if you are a turtle without a single tooth.
6-8 Years
31 Pages
Franklin the turtle is listening to all his friends brag about the amazing things they can do. Bear can climb the highest trees, and Hawk can fly higher than the clouds. Wanting to sound just as impressive, Franklin tells a tiny fib. He boasts that he can swallow exactly seventy-six flies in the blink of an eye! His friends are completely amazed and immediately demand that he prove his incredible talent. Now Franklin is trapped in a very sticky and embarrassing situation. He definitely cannot eat that many flies, and he does not want his friends to know he lied. Follow along as Franklin learns a valuable lesson about honesty, bragging, and why telling the truth is always much easier than trying to keep up with a silly fib.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Pack your pencil case and grab your twelve colored pencils! Franklin is finally ready for his very first day of school. He has everything he needs, but as he waits for the big yellow bus to arrive, a nervous flutter starts in his tummy. What if he does not know what to do? What if school is too hard?
Join Franklin as he faces the exciting but scary feelings of starting something completely new. Luckily, his wonderful teacher Mr. Owl knows exactly how to make everyone feel welcome. You will love seeing how Franklin discovers that learning new things and making new friends can be the best adventure of all. This is a perfect story to share when you are getting ready for your own first day of class.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
The holiday season has arrived, and Mr. Owl is organizing a special Christmas toy drive at school. Every student is asked to bring in one toy to donate to a family who needs it. Franklin wants to help, but choosing the right toy is proving to be incredibly difficult. When he looks through his toy box, everything seems entirely too special to give away. But when he looks at his older, broken toys, they do not feel special enough for a Christmas present! Franklin is stuck and worried he will show up to school empty-handed. Thanks to a little gentle advice from his Great Aunt Harriet, Franklin discovers the true spirit of the season. He finally finds the perfect gift to share and learns that giving is the most rewarding holiday feeling of all.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Franklin is a very smart turtle. He can count forwards and backwards, zip his own zippers, and even sleep all by himself in his dark little shell. There is just one huge problem. Franklin is incredibly messy! His bedroom is covered in toys, books, and clothes, making it impossible to find anything.
When he accidentally breaks his favorite homemade toy sword because it was buried under a giant pile of clutter, Franklin realizes things have to change. His parents step in to help him find a clever solution to his disorganized disaster. Discover how Franklin learns that putting your things away makes life much easier and gives you way more time to play with your friends.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Jump into the Halloween fun with Franklin the turtle! It's the most exciting time of year, and Franklin and his best friends are getting ready for a super special Halloween party. You can imagine all the amazing costumes and delicious treats! But wait, something spooky is going on. Franklin starts to wonder if there might be an uninvited guest at the party—a real ghost!
Why it pulls you in! Get ready for a gentle mystery as Franklin tries to figure out if there's truly a ghost lurking around. Will he and his pals be able to enjoy their games and parade of costumes, or will a friendly spirit join the celebration? You'll love following along to see what happens!
What's inside! This classic story is perfect for celebrating Halloween with Franklin and all his animal friends. It's a sweet and slightly spooky adventure about friendship and bravery during a favorite holiday.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Franklin has received the most amazing news. When spring arrives, he is going to be a big brother! He cannot wait to meet the new baby, but waiting through the long, chilly winter feels like it will take forever.
He tries everything he can think of to make spring come faster. He even watches a tiny seed he planted at school, hoping it will sprout and bring the warm weather with it. Nothing seems to work, and patience is very hard for an excited turtle. Finally, the snow melts, the flowers bloom, and something incredibly special arrives. Experience the joy and anticipation of welcoming a new family member as Franklin meets his little sister for the very first time.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
From the moment Franklin the turtle opens his eyes, everything feels completely wrong. His whole day is filled with frustrating mishaps, silly accidents, and a very grumpy mood that he just cannot shake. But it is not just the little things that are bothering him. Deep down, Franklin is feeling incredibly sad because his good friend Otter has moved far away, and the neighborhood feels empty without her. Nothing seems fun anymore when you are missing someone you care about. Thankfully, a warm hug from his dad helps Franklin understand his big feelings. With a little encouragement, he discovers a wonderful way to bridge the distance and remind Otter that they will always be best friends, no matter how many miles are between them.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Spring is here, and all of Franklin's friends are zooming around the neighborhood on their bicycles. One by one, they take off their training wheels and ride perfectly. But no matter how hard Franklin tries, he just keeps wobbling and falling over.
It feels terrible being the only one left who still needs training wheels. Franklin is embarrassed and ready to give up on biking forever. Luckily, his mom steps in with some gentle encouragement to help him keep trying. Join Franklin as he learns that some things take extra practice and patience. You will cheer him on as he finally finds his balance and discovers the joy of riding all by himself.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Franklin the turtle is growing up fast. He can count forwards and backwards, zip his own zippers, and even sleep all by himself in his small, dark shell. He is very responsible, and ever since he was a tiny turtle, he has wanted just one thing: a pet of his very own! He promises to feed it, clean up after it, and give it plenty of love. When his parents finally agree that he is old enough for the responsibility, Franklin is absolutely thrilled. But picking the perfect animal companion is harder than it looks. Will he choose a furry puppy, a fluffy kitten, or a chirping bird? Follow along to the pet store as Franklin makes a surprising choice that will make readers smile.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Franklin has just come up with a thrilling idea. He is going to start his very own secret club! He creates a special password, builds a cozy hideout, and invites a few of his closest friends to join the fun. It feels exciting to be part of an exclusive group, but Franklin does not realize that leaving his other friends out is hurting their feelings. When Beaver decides to start her own rival club and leaves Franklin off the guest list, the tables are suddenly turned. Left on the outside looking in, Franklin quickly discovers exactly how lonely it feels to be excluded. Join our favorite turtle as he learns a gentle lesson about kindness, inclusion, and why games are always much more fun when everyone is invited to play together.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Everyone has something special that helps them feel safe and cozy. For Franklin, it is his favorite, tattered old blue blanket. He cannot possibly close his eyes and go to sleep without it tucked neatly beside him in his shell.
But one evening, disaster strikes. The blue blanket is completely missing! Franklin searches high and low, looking in every single corner of his room, but it is nowhere to be found. How will he ever fall asleep? Join Franklin as he tries to bravely face the night without his comforting blanket, learning a sweet lesson about growing up and finding comfort in new ways.
6-8 Years
30 Pages
Being an older brother is a big job, and Franklin usually loves playing with his toddler sister, Harriet. But things change when Harriet decides she wants to play with Franklin's absolute favorite stuffed animal.
Franklin does not want to share, and a giant tug-of-war begins. Suddenly, the toy rips right down the middle! Even after his mother sews it back together, Franklin is furious and hides the stuffed animal far away in his closet. But as he watches his sister, he realizes something wonderful. Harriet does not just love the toy; she loves playing with her big brother! See how Franklin learns that sharing his toys and his time brings the biggest smiles to his little sister's face.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Get your sleeping bags ready! Franklin is hosting his very first sleepover, and his best friend Bear is coming over to spend the night. They spend the entire evening playing games, eating snacks, and having a spectacular time together.
But when it is finally time to turn out the lights and go to sleep, the fun suddenly stops. Bear begins to feel homesick and terribly misses his own cozy bedroom. Being a great host, Franklin knows he needs to help his best friend feel better. Discover the clever and caring way Franklin makes Bear feel right at home. It is a heartwarming story about overcoming nighttime worries and the special bond of true friendship.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
The curtains are about to open on the biggest night of the year! Franklin is thrilled because he has been chosen to play the starring role of the Nutcracker Prince in his classroom's big holiday play. He practices every single day and perfectly memorizes all of his lines.
But when the dress rehearsal finally arrives, Franklin looks out at the audience and his throat goes completely dry. A terrible case of stage fright hits him, and he cannot speak a single word! Opening night is fast approaching, and Franklin is terrified he will ruin the entire show. Cheer him on as he learns how to calm his racing heart, find his courage, and step bravely into the spotlight.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Franklin the turtle knows he is incredibly lucky. He has fun friends, a great little sister, a cool goldfish, and the absolute best mother in the entire world. With his mother's birthday fast approaching, Franklin is on a mission to find the most spectacular present ever. He asks all of his friends for their ideas, but nothing they suggest feels quite right for someone so special. Should he buy her something fancy, or make something from scratch? After thinking long and hard, Franklin decides to shower her with sweet surprises. He brings her breakfast in bed, draws a lovely picture, and picks fresh flowers. But the most wonderful surprise of the day is a simple, giant hug and three magical words that prove to be the greatest gift a mother could ever receive.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
Have you ever been a little bit scared of a loud thunderstorm? Franklin the turtle knows exactly how that feels! One day, when he's having fun playing at Fox's house, dark clouds roll in and a big storm begins. BOOM! A flash of lightning sends Franklin right into his shell, and he's too afraid to come out.
But Franklin's friends are there to help! They try to cheer him up by telling all sorts of funny and silly stories about what they think causes thunder and lightning. Can their tales make Franklin laugh and forget his worries? And when Beaver shares the real scientific explanation for storms, will Franklin feel a little braver and understand what's truly happening outside? Join Franklin and his pals in this heartwarming story about facing fears and learning new things with the help of good friends.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Franklin the turtle is on his way to a very special event at Bear's house, but he has a tiny problem. Like most turtles, Franklin is not very fast, and today he is dawdling even more than usual. The path to the birthday party is filled with far too many fun distractions to just walk right by. How can he resist playing a quick game of leapfrog with Rabbit, or slipping and sliding through the squishy mud with Otter? Maybe there is even time for a round of hide-and-seek with Fox. Suddenly, Franklin realizes that the clock is ticking. If he does not pick up his pace, he might miss the best part of his best friend's big day. Join Franklin as he learns exactly when it is time to stop playing and start hurrying.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Imagine finding a brand new camera sitting right in the middle of the park. That is exactly what happens to Franklin! When he shows his friends, they all tell him the rule is finders keepers. Soon, Franklin is having a wonderful time snapping pictures of everyone and everything around him.
But deep down, a little voice tells him that someone else might be missing their special camera. With a gentle nudge from his father, Franklin decides he must do the right thing and return it to the true owner. Now he just has to figure out who that is! Follow along as Franklin turns into a clever detective and learns a valuable lesson about honesty and doing what is right, even when it is hard.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Most turtles feel safe and cozy inside their shells. But poor Franklin has a very big problem. He is terrified of small, dark places, which means he is too afraid to crawl into his own shell to sleep!
Determined to find a solution, Franklin bravely sets off on a journey to ask for help. Along the way, he meets a bird who is afraid of heights, a polar bear who shivers in the cold, and even a duck who is scared of water. Discovering that everyone is afraid of something makes Franklin feel a whole lot better. Follow along on this classic adventure that shows how facing your fears is much easier when you realize you are not alone.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
It is soccer season, and Franklin loves to play! He loves kicking the ball and running down the field with his friends. There is just one problem. His team loses every single game they play, and they hardly ever score a goal.
Franklin is starting to feel very frustrated, and his teammates are feeling discouraged too. But they soon realize that simply wanting to win is not enough. They need to practice hard, work together, and support each other. Watch as Franklin and his friends discover the true meaning of teamwork and sportsmanship. They learn that doing your best and having fun with your friends is the most important victory of all.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
The classroom Valentine party is finally here! Franklin has spent hours making beautiful, special cards for all of his classmates. But when he arrives at school and reaches into his bag, his heart sinks. The homemade valentines are completely missing!
Franklin feels terrible. He worries that since he has no cards to hand out, his friends will not want to give him any in return. But he is about to discover a wonderful secret about true friendship. Your favorite turtle learns that you do not need a fancy paper card to show someone you care about them. Dive into this warm holiday story and see how big hearts and kindness can save the day when things do not go as planned.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Mr. Owl has given the class an exciting new project. Every student needs to draw a picture of the absolute best part of their neighborhood. While Beaver quickly chooses the busy library and Moose decides on the peaceful pond, Franklin is completely stuck. There are just too many wonderful places to pick from! He loves visiting the fire station and playing at the park, but neither of those feels quite right for his special drawing. As he wanders around town thinking about his assignment, Franklin slowly realizes what truly makes his community so wonderful. It is not the buildings, the parks, or the shops at all. Grab your crayons and join Franklin as he discovers that the most important part of any neighborhood is the amazing people who live there.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
Have you ever played so hard that you almost forgot a rule? Franklin the turtle loves playing hide-and-seek with his friends, and one sunny day, they decide to play near the woods. Franklin's mom has always told him never to go into the woods alone. But when it's his turn to hide, Franklin wanders a little too far and suddenly realizes he's lost!
The forest feels big and scary when you're all by yourself. Franklin is frightened, but he remembers something important. What do you think he does to stay safe? Find out how Franklin uses his clever thinking and remembers his mom's advice to handle being lost, and if he finds his way back home.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Playing games with your friends is the best, but not when someone tries to make all the rules! Franklin is used to taking charge, telling everyone what to play and exactly how to play it. But his friends are growing very tired of his bossy behavior.
When they finally decide they would rather play without him, Franklin finds himself completely alone. He realizes that always demanding his own way is a quick way to lose his best pals. Watch how this gentle turtle learns a difficult but important lesson about compromise and fairness. He soon discovers that playing nicely and sharing the decisions makes every game much more fun for everyone.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Franklin has lived in the same familiar town with the exact same friends for his entire life. So when a brand new family moves in next door, it is a very big deal. The new neighbors are a family of moose, and the new student at school is huge!
When Mr. Owl assigns Franklin to be Moose's buddy for the day, Franklin is secretly a little bit terrified. Moose is so tall and seems very intimidating. But as they spend the day together, Franklin makes a surprising discovery. Moose might be big, but he is also shy and likes to do the exact same things Franklin does! Join Franklin as he looks past his initial fears and makes a wonderful new friend.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Nobody likes getting hurt, especially not Franklin. During a rough game of soccer, his shell cracks, and the doctor says he needs to go to the hospital for an operation to fix it. His friends and family all tell him how incredibly brave he is being.
But on the inside, Franklin is completely terrified. He is worried that the doctors will take an X-ray and see exactly how scared his tummy really feels! It takes a gentle conversation with the kind Dr. Bear to help Franklin understand a very important secret. Join your favorite turtle as he learns that being brave does not mean you are never afraid; it means doing what you need to do even when you are scared.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
Thanksgiving is usually Franklin's absolute favorite time of year. He loves baking pumpkin-fly pie, making beautiful cornucopias, and sharing a giant feast with his grandparents. But this year, his grandparents are traveling far away and cannot make it to dinner.
Franklin is sad that the holiday will not be the same without guests at the table. So, he decides to invite some friends over as a special surprise for his parents. Little does he know, his mother and father have secretly done the exact same thing! When everyone shows up at the front door at the same time, the house is bursting with friends. Discover how Franklin and his family solve their lack of space for the ultimate holiday celebration.
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Hop on the school bus, because Franklin's class is heading to the museum! Franklin is thrilled for his very first class trip, until Beaver whispers a scary secret. She tells him that there are real, giant dinosaurs waiting for them inside the building.
Suddenly, Franklin is filled with worry. He tries to enjoy all the fascinating exhibits, but he cannot stop thinking about the scary monsters that might be lurking around the corner. When he finally comes face-to-face with a towering Tyrannosaurus Rex, he discovers a wonderful surprise. Tag along with Franklin as he turns a frightening rumor into a fascinating discovery and learns that museums are filled with amazing history, not monsters!
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Franklin knows a secret, and keeping it to himself is harder than he expected. When he tells something that was meant to stay between him and Bear, his friend is hurt, and Franklin feels terrible.
Trying to fix things is not as simple as Franklin hopes. He wants Bear to stop being upset, but games and friendly gestures do not make the problem disappear. Franklin has to understand what Bear really needs from him: an honest apology.
This gentle Franklin story gives young readers a clear, relatable look at friendship, trust, and why saying sorry matters. With familiar characters and everyday feelings, it is a thoughtful choice for children learning how to repair mistakes.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Franklin is ready for a cozy evening with Granny, the babysitter he knows best. But when Granny cannot come, Mrs. Muskrat arrives instead, and Franklin is sure the night will not be nearly as much fun.
At first, Franklin notices everything that is different. Mrs. Muskrat does not do things exactly like Granny, and that makes him feel unsure. But as the evening goes on, Franklin begins to discover that a new babysitter can bring her own kind of fun, comfort, and surprise.
Warm, gentle, and easy to relate to, this Franklin story helps young readers think about change, new grown-ups, and giving someone unfamiliar a fair chance.
6-8 Years
30 Pages
Franklin wants his birthday party to be unforgettable, so when his friends share their ideas, he gets carried away. A trip to Tamarack Play Park sounds perfect, and Franklin invites everyone before checking with his parents.
There is just one problem: the party costs too much for a whole crowd. Franklin can bring only two friends, and choosing between them feels impossible. With his parents’ help, he has to think carefully about fairness, friendship, and what really makes a birthday special.
Bright, familiar, and full of everyday feelings, Franklin’s Birthday Party is a gentle story for young readers about excitement, disappointment, and solving a problem with care.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Franklin is excited for Earth Day because Mr. Heron is giving everyone a tree to plant. Franklin imagines a huge backyard tree, perfect for climbing and shade, so the tiny sapling he receives feels like a big disappointment.
Because he is so busy wishing for something larger, Franklin is careless with the little tree and has to retrace his steps to find it. Along the way, he begins to understand that even the tallest trees start small, and that caring for something can matter before it looks impressive.
Gentle and nature-focused, Franklin Plants a Tree is a thoughtful story about patience, responsibility, Earth Day, and seeing the promise in small beginnings.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Franklin has the hat, the cape, the wand, and the magic book. He is ready to be a magician, except for one small problem: he cannot make himself disappear.
After seeing Marten the Magnificent perform, Franklin wants to impress his friends with a show of his own. But when he promises a trick he does not know how to do, excitement turns into worry. Franklin must figure out whether a magic show can still be wonderful without the impossible trick he promised.
Playful and easy to read, Franklin and the Magic Show is a fun early reader about imagination, confidence, and learning not to let one mistake spoil the whole performance.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
Franklin is thrilled when Otter comes back for a visit. He remembers all the fun they used to have together and expects everything to feel exactly the same.
But Otter has changed. She does not like some of the old things Franklin remembers, and she is better at some activities while Franklin is better at others. Soon both friends wonder whether growing up means they have grown apart. To enjoy their visit, they have to notice what is different without forgetting what still connects them.
Warm and thoughtful, Franklin and His Friend is a gentle story about friendship, change, and respecting someone you care about as they become a little more themselves.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Franklin is having the kind of day where everything feels wrong. He gets scolded, his friends disappoint him, and by the time he gets home, he feels sure that nobody loves him.
So Franklin packs up his stuffed dog, Sam, and sets off to find a new home and new friends. But as he walks, memories of happy times with his family and friends begin to follow him. Franklin has to sort through his hurt feelings and decide whether running away can really fix a bad day.
Tender and reassuring, Franklin Runs Away helps young readers understand big emotions, family love, and the difference between feeling unloved and being unloved.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Franklin and Snail are on their way to meet Dynaroo, their favorite storybook superhero. They are excited for a real hero moment, but before they reach the bookstore, someone nearby needs help.
Mrs. Muskrat has lost her key, and Franklin and Snail stop to lend a hand. It is not the kind of adventure they expected, but helping a neighbor turns out to matter more than rushing past a problem. Franklin begins to see that heroes are not only characters with costumes and fame.
Simple, friendly, and reassuring, Franklin and the Hero is a warm early reader about kindness, responsibility, and the everyday courage of helping when you can.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
The big Bike Safety Rally is just around the corner, and Franklin cannot wait to show off his cool new bicycle helmet! But his excitement quickly fades when he overhears Fox and Beaver giggling and making fun of his new gear.
Suddenly, Franklin feels terribly embarrassed. He tries everything to hide his helmet, wondering if he should even ride in the rally at all. But a wise word from Rabbit helps him see things differently. Safety is important, and true friends do not laugh at you for protecting yourself. Discover how Franklin finds the courage to stand up to teasing and wear his shiny new helmet with absolute pride.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
By
Sharon Jennings, Paulette Bourgeois, and Brenda Clark
●
With
Robert Penman, Sasha McIntyre, and Jelena Sisic
Franklin finds a giant pumpkin in his backyard and is sure it will make him a winner at the Fall Fair. A blue ribbon seems close enough to imagine, and Franklin can hardly wait to show everyone what he has grown.
Then he learns that a huge pumpkin may not be useful for the contest he had in mind, and the fair’s rules are not exactly what he expected. Franklin has to face disappointment, rethink his plan, and figure out what to do when the thing he is proud of does not fit the prize.
Cheerful and seasonal, Franklin’s Pumpkin is a gentle early reader about fall fairs, big hopes, and learning that success can look different from what you first imagined.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
