Review of "Franklin's Halloween" by Paulette Bourgeois, Illustrated by Brenda Clark

Publisher: Kids Can Press, Limited

Release Date: September 27th, 2011 (this is a re-release)

Buying Links: Amazon    Barnes & Noble

Book Blurb (from NetGalley):

Franklin is every young child's friend. Children instantly connect with the little turtle's sense of adventure and enjoy seeing him work through familiar dilemmas-fear of the dark, first-day-of-school jitters-in his own way. Franklin's books have made friends all over the world, selling more than 65 million copies in over 30 languages.

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. Although Paulette is best known for the Franklin books, she has also written other children's titles, including a number of non-fiction books and the award-winning picture book Oma's Quilt. Paulette lives in Toronto, Ontario.

 After graduating from the illustration program at Sheridan College, Brenda Clark worked as a freelance illustrator for children's magazines and books. When she was asked to illustrate Franklin in the Dark, Brenda researched turtles and other animals in order to give Franklin and his friends as many authentic details as possible. In addition to over 30 Franklin collaborations with Paulette Bourgeois, the duo created another picture-book classic, Big Sarah's Little Boots. Brenda Clark is also the illustrator of Sadie and the Snowman and the award-winning Little Fingerling. Brenda lives in Port Hope, Ontario. 

My Thoughts:

"Franklin's Halloween" talks about a Halloween party that Franklin attends with his friends. We see him considering what costume he should wear, he wants to win a prize in the costume contest and he doesn't want to duplicate what his friends are wearing. Once at the party, he tries to guess which of the costumed party-goers are his friends. There's a brief little mystery about Bear and a ghost costume, older children and adults will figure it out quickly.

The story is simple and cute, not very complex, but most young kids will be able to relate to it. The art is clean lined, simple, bright, with just enough detail for younger readers. Older toddlers and preschoolers will likely enjoy this story.

I received an eARC from NetGalley.