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Frances the Badger
A Bargain for Frances
Frances and Thelma are friends -- most of the time. Thelma always seems to get Frances into trouble. When she tricks Frances into buying her tea set, it's the last straw. Can Frances show her that it's better to lose a bargain than lose a friend?
64 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
25 people are currently reading
1458 people want to read
About the author
Russell Hoban
184 books411 followersRussell Conwell Hoban was an American expatriate writer. His works span many genres, including fantasy, science fiction, mainstream fiction, magical realism, poetry, and children's books. He lived in London, England, from 1969 until his death. (Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
January 28, 2008
A harrowing meditation on greed, deception, vengeancelust and the nature of Evil, this is Hoban's masterpiece. A near-flawless work of Art.
March 24, 2012
Again, as with the other books in this series, Russell (Riddley Walker, The Medusa Frequency) and Lillian (Tea and Jam for Frances) Hoban have built a clear, core narrative around an important life-lesson for their young readers, told through the simple charcoal-and pencil medium, but enhanced by a savvy use of two-colour printing to provide a comfortable, yet salient homeliness that both assures and excites. That the narrative is carried forward through the frozen actions of a family of badgers is a brilliant stroke on their part, and advances the "Frances" brand into a difficult direction for social development. This installment in the Frances franchise deals with the confidence trickster and how to deal with him, or in this case, Thelma, another girl who seems as much an innocent badger as Frances. But looks can be deceiving!
We have all had, at one time or another, had to deal with difficult and userous persons whose mendacity and opportunism leaves us out-of-water, bewildered by the changing dynamics of what was ostensibly a mutually-beneficial social engagement, but has somehow turned into a one-way relationship.
In this, the Hobans prepare the reader for the political intrigue, unfair dealing, and manipulation of our baser instincts by others for their own gain. But more importantly, it establishes ground rules for dealing with these difficult individuals using their own tools against them: greed and artifice.
The book dives directly into the action, with heavy foreshadowing. Frances' mother is reminding Frances that every time she plays with Thelma, she ends up the worse for the experience. A series of painful and nearly fatal incidents show the depth of Thelma's depravity, and yet, despite this fact, Frances' mother has the bravery and foresight to realize that it is at this stage in Frances' life that she must learn to fend for herself. She sends her daughter forth with the same pattern of courage and release that has echoed through the ages, a universal theme of risk for the greater good.
The Hobans lull us into a sense of false security as the girls make mud-pies and prepare their stuffed toys for an afternoon tea. But then, the tea service is brought forward and the conflict soon escalates as Thelma manipulates Frances into exposing and then giving away her dream tea set in exchange for Thelma's tawdry but concrete leftovers. We cringe at Frances' vulnerability at the outset of this exchange, where the dream is brought forth using minimal but poignant poetic language:
"I want a rea china tea set
with pictures on it in blue.
The tea set I want has trees
and birds and a Chinese house
and a fence and a boat
and people walking on a bridge.
I used to have
that kind of tea set.
But all I have now
is part of the teapot.
The rest of it is broken."
And who hasn't felt the loss and regret captured in these few lines? Like Frances, we try to rebuild in memory beauty lost in time from the thin fragments left to us by chance and fate. And here is a hint of the Hobans' mastery of their form. It is this very yearning for the past that could be again that Thelma so cruelly exploits in order to gain the self-same tea set that Frances has lost.
The story could end with the loss of Frances' savings in purchasing the awful, and ugly plastic tea set from Thelma, and Frances' discovery that the tea set of her dreams was well within her grasp. We could simply be outraged that Thelma would lie to Frances about the availability of such tea sets. We learn this from Frances' POV, when se sees Thelma buying the blue tea set with Frances' money.
But instead, Frances turns the tables on Thelma (I won't spoil the book by revealing exactly how) and, in a magnanimous gesture, asserts that friendship is more important than the complicated games that must needs result when there is a lack of trust.
Less subtle readers might object to the introduction of a new character, Gloria, into the story at the eleventh hour, but it's this very mechanism by which the fecundity of friendship and its ability to transcend the individual and the friend to an ever broadening circle of friends helps to hammer the theme home, but also to bridge this narrative to the next. We see Frances, Thelma, and Gloria participating in purchases and consumption together, as well as engaging in acts purely for their own pleasure.
And there, the Hobans leave it, as if a question unasked: What do you prefer? Fun and sharing with friends, or distrust, loss, and exploitation between deceitful, but equal, partners. Such an unasked question requires no answer, because the answer is in the mind of the reader.
Masterful handling of universal themes and problems by a pair of the most talented in the business. Five stars, if only because there can't be six.
We have all had, at one time or another, had to deal with difficult and userous persons whose mendacity and opportunism leaves us out-of-water, bewildered by the changing dynamics of what was ostensibly a mutually-beneficial social engagement, but has somehow turned into a one-way relationship.
In this, the Hobans prepare the reader for the political intrigue, unfair dealing, and manipulation of our baser instincts by others for their own gain. But more importantly, it establishes ground rules for dealing with these difficult individuals using their own tools against them: greed and artifice.
The book dives directly into the action, with heavy foreshadowing. Frances' mother is reminding Frances that every time she plays with Thelma, she ends up the worse for the experience. A series of painful and nearly fatal incidents show the depth of Thelma's depravity, and yet, despite this fact, Frances' mother has the bravery and foresight to realize that it is at this stage in Frances' life that she must learn to fend for herself. She sends her daughter forth with the same pattern of courage and release that has echoed through the ages, a universal theme of risk for the greater good.
The Hobans lull us into a sense of false security as the girls make mud-pies and prepare their stuffed toys for an afternoon tea. But then, the tea service is brought forward and the conflict soon escalates as Thelma manipulates Frances into exposing and then giving away her dream tea set in exchange for Thelma's tawdry but concrete leftovers. We cringe at Frances' vulnerability at the outset of this exchange, where the dream is brought forth using minimal but poignant poetic language:
"I want a rea china tea set
with pictures on it in blue.
The tea set I want has trees
and birds and a Chinese house
and a fence and a boat
and people walking on a bridge.
I used to have
that kind of tea set.
But all I have now
is part of the teapot.
The rest of it is broken."
And who hasn't felt the loss and regret captured in these few lines? Like Frances, we try to rebuild in memory beauty lost in time from the thin fragments left to us by chance and fate. And here is a hint of the Hobans' mastery of their form. It is this very yearning for the past that could be again that Thelma so cruelly exploits in order to gain the self-same tea set that Frances has lost.
The story could end with the loss of Frances' savings in purchasing the awful, and ugly plastic tea set from Thelma, and Frances' discovery that the tea set of her dreams was well within her grasp. We could simply be outraged that Thelma would lie to Frances about the availability of such tea sets. We learn this from Frances' POV, when se sees Thelma buying the blue tea set with Frances' money.
But instead, Frances turns the tables on Thelma (I won't spoil the book by revealing exactly how) and, in a magnanimous gesture, asserts that friendship is more important than the complicated games that must needs result when there is a lack of trust.
Less subtle readers might object to the introduction of a new character, Gloria, into the story at the eleventh hour, but it's this very mechanism by which the fecundity of friendship and its ability to transcend the individual and the friend to an ever broadening circle of friends helps to hammer the theme home, but also to bridge this narrative to the next. We see Frances, Thelma, and Gloria participating in purchases and consumption together, as well as engaging in acts purely for their own pleasure.
And there, the Hobans leave it, as if a question unasked: What do you prefer? Fun and sharing with friends, or distrust, loss, and exploitation between deceitful, but equal, partners. Such an unasked question requires no answer, because the answer is in the mind of the reader.
Masterful handling of universal themes and problems by a pair of the most talented in the business. Five stars, if only because there can't be six.
April 5, 2013
Frances experiences the dark side of female manipulation and cunning... over a tea set. Great for a read aloud and exploring characters and motivations. My class was literally on the edge of their of seats shaking thier heads saying,"She DIDN'T"
September 16, 2010
Frances is off to play with her friend Thelma. "Be careful," warns Mamma. For it seems that, whenever Thelma and Frances play together, Frances ends up with the short end of the stick. But, what could possibly go wrong with an innocent little tea party between friends? Quite a lot when one of those friends ends up being a bit conniving and untruthful, when there is money and much longed-for tea sets involved in a trade cemented with that very firm, fast rule "no backsies."
I LOVED this book when I was little. I was obsessed with every little detail, from Frances' toy stuffed animals to Thelma's little plastic tea set with the red flowers, to the special China blue tea set... all the way to the little rhyme-song at the end. I still think it's a great book, and while I'm not sure I'd have given it five stars as an adult, I love it for the nostalgia and I think it's a wonderful lesson in being aware of people's motives and that true friends don't have to be suspicious of one another.
I LOVED this book when I was little. I was obsessed with every little detail, from Frances' toy stuffed animals to Thelma's little plastic tea set with the red flowers, to the special China blue tea set... all the way to the little rhyme-song at the end. I still think it's a great book, and while I'm not sure I'd have given it five stars as an adult, I love it for the nostalgia and I think it's a wonderful lesson in being aware of people's motives and that true friends don't have to be suspicious of one another.
September 26, 2010
I was too old for this book when it was first published but I’m not too old for it now. I recently saw it being discussed here at Goodreads and decided to read it.
Oh, how this evokes a feeling of childhood. I’m sure I’d have loved it when I was a kid.
I loved trusting and clever Frances, and I’m in agreement with her about the blue tea set.
This is a wonderful book for kids who are ready for longer picture books, and would be a perfect springboard for a discussion about what makes someone a good friend.
Oh, how this evokes a feeling of childhood. I’m sure I’d have loved it when I was a kid.
I loved trusting and clever Frances, and I’m in agreement with her about the blue tea set.
This is a wonderful book for kids who are ready for longer picture books, and would be a perfect springboard for a discussion about what makes someone a good friend.
May 23, 2013
"Being careful is not as much fun as being friends," said Frances. "Do you want to be careful, or do you want to be friends?"
Nuff said.
Nuff said.
January 30, 2019
Thelma is a stone cold B.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2023
Frances’ “friend” Thelma is a real ahole but I guess that’s the point of the story.
October 4, 2022
It was this particular Frances book which sold me on the delightfully smart little badger. Frances has a friend, Thelma, who seems to enjoy taking advantage of gullible Frances. But in A Bargain for Frances, we learn about 'backsies' and how it is possible to turn a trick back on someone who has just played it on you. A very helpful and encouraging book for a child underdog who might be looking for ways and means to defend/protect property.
February 6, 2024
I loved this book as a kid, and still love it as an adult. Oh, the drama!
September 20, 2023
4.5🌟 I was lucky enough to read this via vintage vinyl record that I bought for my friend, Gina, on her birthday. Listening to this together while cozy under blankets and sipping tea was wonderfully cozy. Frances’ friend Louise really frustrated me, but I know this is a common behavior among little “girls” when they’re just learning about friendship. Frances is just incredibly sweet and I want to give her a big hug!
October 30, 2008
Hoban, Russell. A Bargain for Frances, Harper & Row, 62 pages. Early reader, series: I Can Read.
Description: Frances' friend, Thelma, tricks Frances into buying her subpar tea set. In the end, Frances gets the tea set she wants and helps Thelma become a better friend.
Review: In Bargain for Frances, Hoban has developed a very believable, kid-like world using the limited vocabulary of an early reader. Kids who are almost ready for chapter books will enjoy Frances' adventures in dealing with Thelma, going to the store by herself and skipping rope. There is a good deal of repetition and rhyme, but this reader also introduces children to more complex words and longer sentences.
The illustrations in the book are somewhat disappointing, though. Although it is never stated, the characters in this book appear to be badgers. Strangely, they all look exactly the same. Thelma, Frances and Gloria were not drawn with distinctive features or even different clothes to distinguish them. The pictures are all pencil and pastel drawings that seem a little flat and dated. Still, their faces are expressive and cute. Perhaps the illustrations were rendered in this way so as not to distract from the text.
Professional Reviews:
Kirkus Review, September, 1970.
This review focuses on the intricacy of the plot and states that this book is meant for slightly older children. I agree that readers of this book should be comfortable with reading for meaning and should be old enough to appreciate a story about a conflict resolution.
Courtot, Marilyn. Children's Literature, 2003.
Courtot believes that this book teaches children important lessons about friendship and that it has stood up well over time. I agree that the characters are still relatable.
Description: Frances' friend, Thelma, tricks Frances into buying her subpar tea set. In the end, Frances gets the tea set she wants and helps Thelma become a better friend.
Review: In Bargain for Frances, Hoban has developed a very believable, kid-like world using the limited vocabulary of an early reader. Kids who are almost ready for chapter books will enjoy Frances' adventures in dealing with Thelma, going to the store by herself and skipping rope. There is a good deal of repetition and rhyme, but this reader also introduces children to more complex words and longer sentences.
The illustrations in the book are somewhat disappointing, though. Although it is never stated, the characters in this book appear to be badgers. Strangely, they all look exactly the same. Thelma, Frances and Gloria were not drawn with distinctive features or even different clothes to distinguish them. The pictures are all pencil and pastel drawings that seem a little flat and dated. Still, their faces are expressive and cute. Perhaps the illustrations were rendered in this way so as not to distract from the text.
Professional Reviews:
Kirkus Review, September, 1970.
This review focuses on the intricacy of the plot and states that this book is meant for slightly older children. I agree that readers of this book should be comfortable with reading for meaning and should be old enough to appreciate a story about a conflict resolution.
Courtot, Marilyn. Children's Literature, 2003.
Courtot believes that this book teaches children important lessons about friendship and that it has stood up well over time. I agree that the characters are still relatable.
September 2, 2014
Taking a special moment to point out one of the ugliest books for children we've checked out in a long time. It is an early reader, 1st or 2nd grade level depending on the kid. It describes a bully of a friend who manipulates the other friend over and over by lying and pressuring. But the author never calls out what this behavior is, the mother simply warns her child to "be careful" when playing with this kind of "friend" and eventually the child finds a way to lie and manipulate back to get even. And in the end they decide it's "better to be friends than to be careful." I could not believe the plot line and the way the author casually addresses really dangerous and bullying behavior in children. Almost condoning it when the "good" kid did it back to the "bad" kid. So bizarre, so wrong. So, screen "A Bargain For Frances." (Hint: the "bargain" was part of a serious lies the friend told her to get something she wanted. This is not what I would call a bargain)
I am shocked by the good reviews. This was awful writing.
I am shocked by the good reviews. This was awful writing.
March 31, 2016
If you have a daughter of granddaughter, or even a female child you can regularly borrow, I thoroughly and wholeheartedly recommend the Frances the Badger series to you. This book, and Bread and Jam for Frances, were two of my best beloved books when I was a little girl . . . and my recent rereading has confirmed their sterling qualities. Neither the text, nor the charming illustrations by Lillian Hoban, have withered or faded. Great lessons about friendship in this one, combined with humour, realistic characters (even if they are badgers) and the rhyming ditties that I loved as a child.
June 3, 2024
My twin and I listened to this children’s book by audio over and over in the 1970s. I can still recall the jingle decades later:
Alligators, bears and me
Are very fond of drinking tea
The elephant and the wiggly snake
Are happy when they eat their cake.
Such great lessons about friendship and trust.
We loved the whole Francis series but this was our favorite. We spent endless hours acting the story out. 🐻🫖
Alligators, bears and me
Are very fond of drinking tea
The elephant and the wiggly snake
Are happy when they eat their cake.
Such great lessons about friendship and trust.
We loved the whole Francis series but this was our favorite. We spent endless hours acting the story out. 🐻🫖
May 31, 2020
I am still not as smart as Frances. Despite my mother's warning to be careful, I would still probably have fallen for Thelma's tricks. And I would have stopped being friends, rather than find the ever-so-clever solution Frances did. Oh, and I never would have come up with all the wonderful little songs, either. Terrific story. Art boring.
December 20, 2017
A sweet story and book for children. I appreciate that the story had an underlying moral theme to it about not trying to cheat your friends.
December 30, 2018
One of my childhood favorites!💖
August 25, 2019
A nostalgic read for me. One of my favorite books when I was young. I love smart little Frances & her desire for a cute tea set.
June 19, 2022
Absolutely adorable!
I watched a video of this book being read out loud after hearing that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau put it on their list of recommended books for kids.
Frances is tricked into buying a tea set she doesn’t want by her frenemy Thelma. Once the scheme is uncovered, she figures out a way to trick Thelma into giving her back her money.
No CWs come to mind.
The illustrations were charming, as well.
I watched a video of this book being read out loud after hearing that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau put it on their list of recommended books for kids.
Frances is tricked into buying a tea set she doesn’t want by her frenemy Thelma. Once the scheme is uncovered, she figures out a way to trick Thelma into giving her back her money.
No CWs come to mind.
The illustrations were charming, as well.
January 18, 2018
moral of the story is you can either be friends or be careful (and being friends turns you into a sucker).
July 20, 2015
We've all had that friend like Thelma I think. I understand all too well her mother's urging of "being careful" yet appreciate that she doesn't forbid Frances to play with Thelma and lets her learn things for herself. I think I like this a bit better than some of the other Frances books. It's a fun series overall.
October 27, 2009
In this book Frances's "best friend" Thelma totally rips her off!
Thelma is a nasty biatch! This book made me laugh because as little
girls, Thelma and Frances back-stabbed each other for a tea-set,in a couple of years it will be over boyszzz!!! Hahahahahaloll.
Thelma is a nasty biatch! This book made me laugh because as little
girls, Thelma and Frances back-stabbed each other for a tea-set,in a couple of years it will be over boyszzz!!! Hahahahahaloll.
June 23, 2009
The sharp take on friendship (or anything, for that matter) in this book seems rare in PBs. Is that what set it apart, or is it a sign of the times?
Read
June 15, 2023The art and ethics of the deal for young (honey) badgers.
April 20, 2018
A truly wonderful and simple yet perfect book for exploring what a real friendship is and how children can be manipulative little badgers!
When Frances’ mother tells her to be careful on her play date, Frances is confused and her mother has to point out that she got hurt on the last play dates. Whilst she doesn’t get physically hurt on this play date, she is emotionally manipulated and used.
She comes up with a wonderful solution which is still mean and she recognizes it as such but helps Frances and her friend to move their friendship forward.
This was lent to me by a good friend at a critical moment as my daughter is dealing with mean and manipulative friends. It helped a lot!
When Frances’ mother tells her to be careful on her play date, Frances is confused and her mother has to point out that she got hurt on the last play dates. Whilst she doesn’t get physically hurt on this play date, she is emotionally manipulated and used.
She comes up with a wonderful solution which is still mean and she recognizes it as such but helps Frances and her friend to move their friendship forward.
This was lent to me by a good friend at a critical moment as my daughter is dealing with mean and manipulative friends. It helped a lot!
December 23, 2022
The Francis books are right up there with Winnie the Pooh for me. Clever, realistic (for her being a badger), and even when she's naughty, she doesn't get away with it. All the little songs are delightful.
January 18, 2018
love these books
June 12, 2019
I loved this book as a child and I am so happy to share it with my own daughter.
November 17, 2024
Why is Thelma a straight up criminal?
Amazing.
Amazing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews